“Perhaps that is my forte,” she teased.
But even though her tone was light, her heart was bursting with the realization that she wanted to be that woman for him. Every day. And, as he began to worship her body, the way she’d worshipped his, Chloe was forced to acknowledge that she was fast losing her heart to Miles Wingate. She could only hope he wanted it as much as she wanted to give it to him.
Ten
They were late back to the house and there was a great flurry of activity around the property as they approached.
“What’s happening?”
“That’ll be the guys finishing the setup for the fireworks display tonight.”
“Fireworks display?” she asked. “You mean, like a big display or just the family setting off a few rockets and firecrackers?”
Miles laughed. “A proper display. Family tradition. And heaven knows you can’t buck tradition. Mom always invites anyone she knows who isn’t attending the Cattleman’s Club celebrations to come along. She takes it quite personally if they choose the club over her.”
“Um, so how many people are we talking, here?”
“A hundred or so.”
“A hundred? That’s hardly a casual barbecue,” Chloe declared, feeling flustered. “I thought it was only going to be family.”
Miles looked at her across the back of his horse as he dragged the saddle off. “I’m sorry. I thought I had told you that the July fourth barbecue and fireworks was an annual thing. Given what’s happening with WinJet, I suggested axing it but Mom insisted it was a better idea to keep things running as usual so as to avoid any unnecessary attention.”
“Well, I’m certainly going to need more than five minutes to get ready, if I’m going to be suitable for public consumption. I hope I’ve packed something appropriate.”
Chloe lifted a hand and pulled a piece of grass from her hair. Miles put his saddle up on its stand and came over to her, and tugged a couple more pieces from her hair for good measure.
“You look beautiful in anything. Honestly, this is just casual. Just think of it as a family get-together—just with a really big family.”
He bent down and gave her a kiss as Ava walked into the stables.
“Well,” his mother said with a definite snip in her voice. “So glad you two decided to return on time. The rest of the family is gathering in the living room before our guests arrive. Perhaps you could join them when you’re ready.”
Without awaiting a response, Ava turned around and walked back to the house. Chloe chewed her lower lip. Anxiety roped through her stomach, tightening like a boa constrictor. Her eyes met Miles’s.
“She really doesn’t like me.”
“It’s not you. She’s still mad at me for not joining the family business, and she is mad at whoever has caused the problems at WinJet. Obviously she’s really worried, because I’ve never seen her be so openly rude before. I apologize for her behavior, Chloe. You can be sure I’ll call her on it when I get the opportunity.”
“Oh, please don’t. I don’t want to cause any more friction.”
“Oh, there’s friction aplenty without dragging you into her nest.” A muscle ticked in his jaw. “You’re a part of my life and I won’t have her treat you like that. Not now, not ever.”
They finished with the horses and tack and made their way quickly up to the house. After another quick shower, Chloe sorted through th
e items she’d brought with her and chose a fitted pair of white jeans together with a black sequined tunic and a cute pair of silver ballet shoes. Her hair was a mess so she did what she could to brush it into a bun and used a set of diamanté studded pins to secure it in place. She was quick with her makeup, choosing to accentuate her eyes and not to wear foundation. The blush of warmth from the sun and Miles’s lovemaking had given her a glow that made makeup almost redundant. A quick slick of lip color and she was done.
Miles smiled as he waited for her by the bed. “You’re wasted on this crowd, Chloe. Right now, I don’t particularly want to share you with anyone.”
She smiled back at him, feeling that inner glow expand by several notches.
“You’re too good for me,” she murmured.
As the words fell from her lips she realized she wasn’t being trite. She truly meant it. What would it be like to come clean with Miles—tell him the truth about why she’d inserted herself into his life? He deserved to know, but telling him would mean giving up on all her plans—giving up on finally seeing her mom vindicated and genuinely happy again. Even if she wanted to, Chloe knew she couldn’t do that, and it was beginning to tear her apart.
There was a knock at their bedroom door.
“Yeah,” Miles called out.