Gone Country (Rough Riders #14)(114)

“How do you know that?” she demanded.


“Because I know you.”


A division of space and time still continued in the house and their relationship. It frustrated her at times; sometimes she welcomed the separation of selves. Despite their declaration of love, neither had spoken of changing their agreed-upon living arrangement.


Ainsley wandered to the far end of the greenhouse, poking her finger in random peat pots. “I do have another reason for showing up besides to gossip about your love life.”


Rielle grinned like a loon. She did have a love life. She had a fantastic love life. “And what’s that?”


“This is a nosy question, so go ahead and get your back up.”


She snorted. “A nosy question from you? Really?”


“Yes.” Ainsley set her hands on her hips, in confrontation mode. “So straight up, Ree. Are you planning to cultivate twice as many plants this year since you have twice the growing space?”


“And this concerns you…how?”


“Because you already work hard enough for two people. If you double the size of your operation, you’ll be doing the work of four people and as your friend, that really concerns me.”


Had anyone else stuck their nose in her business like that Rielle would’ve bristled. But Ainsley based her observation on logic, not emotion. “Truth? I feel guilty that half of this top of the line, state of the art, brand spanking new greenhouse isn’t being utilized. I went so far as to scour my seed supplier’s online catalogue. But I realized I can’t do that and have any kind of life outside the gardens. I’ve decided to curtail what I plant, as far as the yield to work ration.”


“Thank heavens. I know how much of this”—Ainsley gestured to the space around her—“defines who you are. But you need to tend your relationship with Gavin with as much care as you tend your plants.” Her nose wrinkled. “That sounded a lot less hokey in my head.”


“I get what you mean. And I really appreciate your concern. But I have to ask what prompted this?”


“Joely. Her patient load is too much for one doctor. So my nagging must’ve worked because she is bringing another doctor into her practice.”


“Good for her. I’ve hardly seen her in the last four months.”


“You and me both. A celebration is in order.”


“I’m in.”


“I’ll get the ball rolling.” Ainsley frowned and pulled her cell phone out of her pocket. “My darlin’ husband is mighty impatient today, so I gotta get. Take care, Ree.”


“You too.”


After bending and lifting and being covered in dirt, Rielle indulged in a long, hot shower—in Gavin’s bathroom. The scent of his body wash sent her thoughts back to how thoroughly Gavin had rocked her world in this shower. He’d defined relentless, making her come three times before allowing his own shuddering release. As much as she loved his commanding side, it didn’t leave her many opportunities to lead the charge in the bedroom.


That’s an excuse. You want him, show him.


For the next hour, their previous sexcapades ran on a continual loop. So by the time she heard the front door open, her anticipation for him had reached fever pitch.


When he strolled into the kitchen, so hip and hot in a sexy-ass black suit, Rielle had to grip the edge of the counter to keep from pouncing on him.


His eyes registered surprise. “Hey. I thought you’d be in the greenhouse.”


“I’m done for the day. How was the meeting with Jack and the guys from Lodestone?”


“Went better than I expected. I’ve always considered myself a tough negotiator, but I’m an amateur compared to Jack Donohue. Jesus. He hammered them on several points, which forced them to shave off a considerable amount of their asking price.” His teeth gleamed in a shark-like smile. “It’s a done deal. Be interesting to see what Jack does with a historic hotel in Whitewood, South Dakota.”


“He didn’t tell you his plans?”


“No. I’m just the money man.”


Her eyes were glued to Gavin’s nimble fingers as he unknotted his tie. When the ends hung beside the lapels, he flicked open the top two buttons on his pristine white dress shirt.


She said, “Stop.”


“Stop what?”


“Stop undressing. I’ll do that.” Rielle ambled toward him. Wrapping the ends of his tie around her fingers, she drew his mouth to hers for a teasing kiss. Licking at his parted lips. Keeping her mouth a whisper away, she began to leisurely unbutton his shirt. “I’ve been thinking about you all afternoon. How hot and sexy you are. How every time you touch me I lose myself in you.”


“And that’s a bad thing?” he asked softly.


“Yes, when I’m content letting you have your wicked way with me and I forget turnabout is fair play.” Rielle’s hands were greedy on his bared chest. “I want you. Just like this. Looking professional and a little tight-assed in this snappy suit. But I want you my way. Do you have a problem with that?”