I'm on the verge of climax, rubbing my clit through the fabric, closing my eyes in pleasure, a gratification mixed with guilt for what I feel.
And then my phone rings, and I startle with shock, jumping out of my chair, unable to finish what I started. My center still aches with need.
I left the phone at the kitchen table yesterday before going to sleep, and I grab it and answer without even looking at the screen, still not really aware of everything I'm doing.
"Miss Burton? It's Alexa O'Flanagan," I hear after saying hello, "from the ranch, remember? You came for an interview last week to work as an equestrian instructor."
I did. I actually went to every interview I could get in our small town, but that was the job I wanted the most.
“Yes,” I say hoarsely and clear my throat right away. "I remember."
"Well, great news!" she continues with excitement. "We have a vacancy, and you're accepted for a new job!"
"I am?" I clarify uncertainly, trying to process the information.
"Yes! And you can start today! Please come at ten," she exclaims, and before I can say a word, she adds, "See you!"
And then she hangs up the phone without waiting for my answer. I sit motionless, still pressing the cell to my ear for a couple of moments more, unable to understand what is going on.
They didn't call me back, although they said they would call on Friday last week if I was accepted. And now they finally decided to call, a week later, right after everything that happened yesterday?
I feel deep down inside my gut that it can't be just a coincidence.
And then I take a look at the clock on the kitchen wall and gasp. It's already nine-forty! How can I manage to get to work by ten?
I throw the phone back on the table and go straight to my room to change. I have no time to shower. I have no time for anything. I'm not even sure that I'll manage to make it in time even if I change in five minutes. And I still need a massive cup of coffee. Luckily, Marie has already prepared it. I should call her to ask how she feels. But now I have no time.
After I change rapidly and get into the car, I realize something has changed: the engine, which usually takes at least five attempts, now starts immediately.
But the man at the garage told me that it was too old and couldn't be fixed anymore, that I needed a new one. How can this be?
Could it be that someone replaced the engine overnight? Is that even possible?
But I have no time to think about that right now. I close the door and drive away, deciding to call Marie during my lunch break.
Chapter Eight
Katie
"A long dress?" I ask, looking at the clothes Alexa gave me as my new uniform. The last time I was at this horse club, I saw workers wearing classic leggings and jackets.
"It’s cute, right?" She smiles at me. "Our new uniform is an old-fashioned style. I love it! Too bad I can't wear it because I'm not an instructor anymore."
Yeah, too bad she has to wear jeans and a sweatshirt while I'm gonna be dressed like one of the Bridgerton girls while tutoring someone riding a horse.
But of course, I say nothing. I can't complain because I finally got the job of my dreams, the one I’ve dreamed about for as long as I can remember: working with horses. Yes, the pay here is a little less than at Darrington's house, but no way will I go back there.
"Hurry up, you have a client!" Alexa wakes me up from my thoughts, and I look at her in surprise.
"Already? Who?"
"You'll see." She winks at me before going to her office, and I'm left alone in the women's changing room, holding a dress with at least four petticoats.
Something tells me that I've already seen my first client.
When I walk outside the building, I pray for my client not to be Raphael Darrington, but, of course, I see a tall brunette in the distance. He's wearing classic old-fashioned man's riding gear with leggings, a jacket, and high boots. It would've looked ridiculous on anyone else, but he looks...incredible.
As if feeling that I'm coming, he turns around, and I am looking at the face of the most beautiful man I've ever seen. Here, now, during the daylight. But isn't he supposed to...