“I guess the Eagles never go out of style.”
Her brow furrows, and she turns to look at me. “Who are the Eagles?”
Squinting at her, I look out at the road. “You’re joking, right?” She doesn’t answer, and I clarify. “You don’t know who the Eagles are?”
“I take it that’s one of your bands.” Her brow arches. “Because you’re so much older than me.”
Cutting another glance, I see her lips press together, and she turns her face to the window again.
Reaching across the console, I poke her side. “I’m so much older now, am I?”
A laugh bursts from her lips, and it’s cute and unexpected. I realize it’s the first time I’ve heard her laugh. She threads her fingers with mine, resting them on the console, and warmth filters from our connection, up my arm, to my heart.
It takes me by surprise, and I’m not sure what to say.
“I know who the Eagles are,” she says quietly.
Her thumb slides along the skin at the side of my hand, and it’s so familiar. “I figured you did.”
She presses the button, lowering the window so the breeze blows around us, lifting her hair. “I love the scent of the ocean. I’m part mermaid, you know.”
This playful side is new, and I like it. I think about having her in the ocean and decide a beach trip is now on our bucket list. “How do you feel about horses?”
“I can ride a horse.” She shifts in the seat to face me, our hands still clasped. “I didn’t know you owned horses.”
“They belong to Hugh… my sister-in-law’s uncle. He has a big estate, plenty of land for them to run.”
Her eyes flicker down, and a shadow seems to pass over her pretty features. She blinks it away, quickly smiling up at me again. “It sounds beautiful. Will we be staying there?”
“I figured we’d stay at my place, but we’ll go over during the day.”
Her smile holds steady, but again her eyes go to our hands clasped on the console. Her thumb slides over my skin, and she almost seems sad.
“Everything okay?” I glance back at the road.
“Of course.” Her voice brightens. “I want to see all your things.”
“Good, because I’m planning to show you everything.” Yeah, there’s a hint of innuendo in my tone.
She’s right there with me. “That sounds naughty, professor.”
“You have no idea.”
16
Reanna
The golden horselifts her head over the door at the sound of Dirk’s voice. We drove straight from Thornton to what I now know is Hugh van Hamilton’s estate, leaving our bags in the Jeep as Dirk took my hand to walk us straight to the stables.
Sliding my fingers through his on the drive over was the most natural thing. It was the first time I’d held his hand, such a simple gesture, yet so amazing. The heat of his palm warming mine, the strength of his fingers against my skin. I never thought much about holding hands until this moment, when my hand is securely in his firm grip. Now we can’t seem to stop touching each other.
He only releases me to cup the face of the massive animal rubbing her nose against his chest. “Reanna, meet Dancer. Hugh van Hamilton’s prized Palomino.”
“Is she prized?” I slide my hand along the horse’s velvety neck.
“Hugh loved old westerns, and when he got her, I think he was hoping for Trigger.” He squints an eye at me, and adds, “Roy Rogers was a famous old cowboy. His palomino horse was named Trigger.”
“I knew that!”I didn’t.