Samantha stormed into the kitchen, glowering from her encounter with Cody. Ooh, the man is insufferable. Who the hell does he think he is?
The man clearly couldn’t be civilized, even for a moment, instead he threw uncalled snide comments at her every chance he got. She sat down at the kitchen table and grabbed a gingerbread cookie from its jar. Imagining Cody’s head, she bit down hard. His infuriating taunts annoyed her. It was as though the man had erected a wall to lock everyone out with barbed wire sharpness.
“And you my dear girl will avoid his barricade if you know what’s good for you,” she warned and ventured out onto the porch. The spectacular view mesmerized her senses. She studied the cloudless sky that stretched forever yet perceived only until the jagged peaks of distant mountains snapped it from sight. Curious as to what lay beyond the mountaintops, Samantha descended the three short steps and strolled toward the huge barn flanking the house. The earthy smell of freshly ploughed soil, straw, and horses penetrated her nostrils. She inhaled its freshness.
On every side of the ranch lay lush green meadows interwoven with colorful wildflowers and ribbons of fertile black soil. Somewhere in the near distance, the gush of a flowing river filled the air. She strolled toward the sound immediately distracted by the impressive black stallion she’d seen Cody ride.
Her step cautious, Samantha approached him, the animal’s magnificence visibly formidable. Wary, she stroked a hand along his mane. He snorted loudly, stomped the front hoof hard, almost in pride at her awe. Alarmed, she jerked back her hand. Conceited as his owner. “Hello, boy.”
As if he sensed her gentleness, the animal calmed down, allowed her nearer. She rubbed his nose gently. “Gosh you’re beautiful, so beautiful…like your owner.” Stepping closer, she placed her head on the horse’s long neck. His even breaths like a palliative drug. “And are you as arrogant, too?” She chuckled and rubbed his flank.
“He sure is.”
Balking, Samantha whirled on her heels. Propped against the corral fence, one arm draped casually along the top rung, the thumb of the other hooked in the belt loops of his jeans, Cody looked every bit the cowboy. His head cocked to one side, he gazed intently at her from beneath his black hat sitting low down over his brow. Engrossed in the animal’s beauty, she didn’t notice his approach and wondered what he heard.
The man, admittedly, possessed a devastating attractiveness. Tall and masculine, the telltale signs bared in the outline of powerful thighs against the fabric of his dark blue denims, his brawny shoulders strained against the cream colored shirt, almost fighting to be set free.
“He sure as hell likes the ladies too,” Cody drawled, visibly amused. “Anything else you wanna know?”
A tussle for self-control discharged sparks of irritation. She lifted her chin. “That’s odd?”
“What is?” His tone remained relaxed, almost playful.
“I get the distinct feeling you don’t hold women in high esteem.”
Similar to a flick of a match, his amusement snuffed out. “And what makes you think I don’t like women, Lady?” His now crisp tone matched his aloof stance perfectly.
Samantha got the impression she scraped at some unwanted memory and ignored his question. “The name is Samantha. I’ll appreciate you using it.” She shifted her attention. The horse certainly appealed to her senses, unlike his owner.
Combing her hand through the animal’s thick long mane, she said, “You, my sweet, are too beautiful to belong to him.” And tilted her head in Cody’s direction. The animal responded with a soft whinny then nuzzled her hand. Sliding a sideward glance at Cody, glimpsing his icy glare, Samantha said with a cheeky grin, “See, the horse agrees with me, totally.” It invoked a brief flash of incredulity in his eyes.
A mumbled curse followed as he took a step nearer. “If you know what’s good for you, Lady, you’ll stay away from me and my animal,” he uttered through clenched teeth, his eyes raked hers harshly.
“Is that another threat?”
“Take it whichever way you like. I don’t care.”
His nearness affected her, the heady masculine scent embracing her in its warmth. Her knees trembled with the gait of an unstable newborn colt. The tan face lean and hard, a combination of prominent cheekbones and an unyielding jaw, a straight nose and cobalt blue eyes reminded Samantha of the Antarctic icecaps. A hint of something more than pure iciness in his eyes, a distinct wariness she’d yet to figure out.
Subjecting him to a frosty glare, she matched his iciness. “Well, I hate to disappoint you, but I go where I please and this horse here likes me, can’t say the same for his owner though.” She marched off, only to find her arm clasped by the steel band of his fingers, stalling any further movement.
“Hell, no you don’t.” Cody growled, swung her about, and thrust her up against his rock solid chest. Startled, she maintained eye contact. His arm fell to her waist, and when she tried to pull back, he tightened his grip. His touch harsh but electric zapped lightning bolts of fire across her body. Samantha believed his blue eyes were glacier cold and held no warmth. Up close, she suddenly understood the hottest desires burned blue.
Nervously, she moistened her lips with her tongue then stared in horror as his head lowered menacingly. Her gaze dropped to his lower lip; full and pink. Its perfection provoked the impulse to bite it. The urge shocked her as her body trembled imagining the delicate touch of their lips united in a kiss.