“I’m going to show you the property. And I thought we could go into town later, too.”
“That sounds nice.”
“There are clothes for you in the closet and toiletries in the bathroom. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
He stands and leaves before I can reply, as I get a good look at Malik Jafar in nothing but black boxer briefs. Holy moly. I obviously knew he was fit but seeing him in nothing but his skivvies makes me warm all over. His broad, tan back and shoulders are covered in tattoos, and I don’t miss the genie’s lamp on his shoulder. His bottom flexes as he walks, pulling the material of his boxer briefs against his skin. He turns, as if he sensed my stare, and smirks. My cheeks flame. The back view was marvelous, but the front view…oh my. My nipples pebble as my gaze zones onto his crotch. I can’t help it. He’s big all over and demands attention. Especially inthatarea.
“Careful, little mouse.”
My gaze jumps to his eyes, and he laughs this time before leaving. Good freaking god. I get out of bed with a huge smile on my face, padding to the closet. Jafar’s point is obvious — this is where I’m staying while we’re here. While I should probably insist on using a guest room, I know I sleep better when he’s at my side. So, I pick out a pair of jeans, undergarments, and a shirt that are all in my size. I don’t question how he knows what my favorite shampoo and conditioner are as I shower. And I definitely don’t look too much into the fact that he has almost an exact replica of my skin care and make-up that I use.
Even my horoscope is promising.
Enjoy the good luck a companion brings you.
I’m still smiling when I make my way downstairs. Jafar stands near a window with his phone pressed to his ear and winks when he sees me. He’s changed into jeans and a dark t-shirt. It’s the most casual I’ve ever seen him look. I didn’t think he could get any sexier. I was wrong.
“It can wait until I’m back in town.”
He ends the call and crosses the room, pulling me against him. I melt in his embrace, inhaling his cologne.
“You always smell so good.”
“So do you. A sweet treat that’s been driving me crazy since we met.”
I snort. “And yet here we are.”
He tips my chin with his finger and brushes his lips against mine. “Yes. Here we are.”
A soft sigh leaves my mouth. With everything that’s happened over the last few days, it feels almost strange to be this happy. It’s all because of Jafar. If it weren’t for him, I’d already be back in Kansas, wallowing in self-pity. The thought has me hugging him harder.
“Thank you,” I whisper. “For being here for me.”
“Always.”
We stand there until Razoul walks into the house, clearing his throat. “The ATVs are ready.”
“ATVs? Like a four-wheeler?”
Jafar grins. “Yes.”
“Do I get my own?”
“Yes, unless you want to ride with me.”
I’m already walking toward the front door. When I was young and we used to visit a cousin back West, I was able to ride an ATV and loved every second of it. While I won’t trust myself on a motorcycle, I’ll take a four-wheeler any day of the week. Outside, two brand new ATVs sit, waiting. After securing my helmet, I take off. This one has a bit more power than I’m used to, but I quickly get the hang of it. Glancing over my shoulder, I see Jafar right behind me.
He pulls up next to me and points ahead. I let him lead as we ride around the property. It’s so peaceful up here that it’s hard to believe we’re still in New York. Honestly, it reminds me a lot of Kansas, just not as flat. Spring is coming to life, with the first of May just around the corner. As we ride, I see rabbits darting here and there. One field we pass has cattle and I spot a few calves standing near their mothers. Life is taking off all around me, and it’s reassuring. Like maybe this is a new beginning for me.
After riding around for a few hours, we come to a stop near a wooded area. Taking off my helmet, I inhale deeply. The mountains are close and a stream gurgles nearby. Jafar takes off his helmet, too, and takes me by the hand.
“This is one of my favorite spots.”
We make our way into the shade of the woods, coming to a stop by a fence. Horses roam, not even noticing us.
“It’s so peaceful out here. I don’t know how you stand going back to the city when you have this.”
He snorts. “I’m sure it’s not as nice when snow covers the ground.”