Ride to Redemption Read Free Page B

our
destination.
    “Beautiful,”
Candi exclaimed, as we pulled up to the massive front entrance featuring four
large stone columns reaching 30 feet toward the arched roof.
    Kay,
the owner greeted us and shared that her family had owned the home since long
before the Civil War. She welcomed us warmly and showed us to our suite,
located atop the winding staircase. The suite encompassed half the second
floor.
    The
room included a king-sized four-poster bed, a Jacuzzi tub for two, a
four-person tile shower with dual controls, and a hand-hewed stone hearth
complimenting a working fireplace. Pictures on the walls displayed Confederate
War Generals from Robert E. Lee to Stonewall Jackson. Crossed Confederate
swords hung over the fireplace and books of the Civil War were stacked and
staged on the bookcases throughout. To my surprise, I realized that I’d booked
the General’s Suite.
    “If
you need anything, just ask,” Kay said. “Breakfast will be served from 7 to 9
a.m. Homemade desserts are available after 6 p.m. You’ll find them in the main
dining room downstairs. Feel free to help yourself.”
    “Thank
you, Kay, for your kindness and genuine southern hospitality. I’m sure
everything will be just fine,” I said, just before Candi almost slammed the
door in Kay’s face. Apparently she was in a hurry for something more than Kay
could currently offer.
    I
realized I was still holding the two bottles of wine nestled in my arms, as I
stared at Candi with the excitement in my pants growing even more painful.
Trying to seem like I wasn’t totally desperate, I asked innocently, “Should we
sit for a while?”
    Candi
coyly answered with a question of her own, “Just what are your intentions for
the evening, baby?”
    Before
I could muster up an answer, she pushed me back onto the bed and down into the
feathered comforter. Her body rested squarely on mine, our lips locked, as our
tongues danced, much like our first kiss. Though, unlike our first encounter,
we couldn’t maintain our sense of control and our clothes were effortlessly
shed.
    “Candi?”
I asked. “Will you lay back and close your eyes for me? I want you to feel each
sensation as I explore every inch of your body.”
    We
made love for hours until we were trembling and spent from our efforts.
Completely satisfied, we snuggled together and sleep came quickly. My day
closed much differently than the countless empty ones before it, and with a
kindred spirit nestled in my arms, I realized that for this moment at least, I
was with someone I honestly adored.

Chapter
3
    I woke long before daylight and watched Candi while she slept soundly beside me.
Eventually, I decided to get moving and eased myself out of bed. I made my way
to my workout clothes, slipped them on, and headed out the door to greet the
sunrise. I knew there were some great nature trails with inclines in this area,
and I hoped I could get a good solid hour of cardio in, before Candi woke up.
    Hiking
along the top of the ridge toward the rim of Cloudland Canyon, I could see a
vast carpet of white along the canyon floor. Daybreak is the best time for me
to focus on the day and dismiss any negative thoughts. On this day, however, I
didn’t have any negative thoughts, only fond memories of last night and great
hopes for what might come.
    On
my return, I made my way to the dining room where I found fresh-baked pastries,
along with an assortment of coffees and teas. I made two black teas and grabbed
a rose from the fresh flower arrangement on the table in the foyer, then headed
to the room. Just as I opened the door, Candi opened her eyes. With a tender
and quiet voice, I said, “Here, baby. This rose is for you.” I placed it softly
by her head and kissed her on the cheek. “Good morning, my lady. It’s time to
rise and shine. I’ve got tea for you. You should drink it while I shower.”
    I
hadn’t been in the shower for more than ten seconds, when I felt a sudden
breeze. I turned and saw Candi,