Secret Temptation [The Callens 3] (Siren Publishing M?nage Everlasting) Read Free Page B

I’ve seen him ride. Why, he’s almost as good as Sam.”
    Not even the world champion rodeo rider would ever be better than Sam in her dad’s eyes. “Him?” She bit down on her bottom lip to appear indecisive.
    “Why not?”
    “For one, he’s not paid to teach people how to ride. He’s busy cleaning stalls and grooming the horses.”
    His brows scowled. “Ask him. If he gives you any grief, have him come talk to me.”
    A smile burst from her lips. She hadn’t meant to act so excited, but she couldn’t help it. She stood and kissed his cheek. “Thanks, Daddy. You’re the best.”
    “You remember that when you haven’t visited in a while.”
    She laughed and pranced out. Instead of running into the barn and acting like a brat, she located her Kindle and sat in her favorite rocking chair, hoping to get in a few hours of reading while she kept a lookout for the sexy cage fighter. She still couldn’t figure out what would possess a man to willingly subject himself to a beating. Randy certainly had the physical prowess to be the best, but at what point in his life did he make the decision to pursue that career?
    She knew the moment when biology became her passion. There was a small river that ran along the side of the property. She’d sit for hours and watch the creatures do their thing. She was fascinated by anything that moved, from ants, to butterflies, to minnows. With her plant and animal books always in hand, she learned the names of every creature and plant by the time she was ten.
    That seemed like a lifetime ago.
    A horse in the distance caught her attention. Dust bloomed behind the racing steed while the rider held steady as if the speed was as natural as floating on a lazy river. What she wouldn’t give for a pair of binoculars. From his imposing size, it had to be Randy. Both animals were things of beauty to watch. As he neared the barn, he slowed. By the time he reached the entrance, the horse was walking. Randy leaned over and patted the horse, as if to congratulate his mount for the excellent ride.
    As soon as he disappeared, she went inside to shower. It was time to get ready for the first class of the last semester of her master’s degree.
     
    * * * *
     
     
    April knew most of the University buildings quite well, but it had been a long time since she’d stepped foot in the physics building. She’d had the professor that was teaching this course before, just not in this part of the campus. This course was called Education for Science Teachers, and it involved methods for teaching biology, chemistry, and physics. Apparently, they would be doing labs throughout the class. Most of the class would be a breeze, but her talent in physics was sorely lacking, and the labs were the worst.
    She sat next to Darlene, a woman who’d been in her class before. Their professor was hovering over the desk, sorting through his books and papers. He’d been so focused that even when the door opened, everyone except him looked to check out the newcomer.
    A click sounded and the heads collectively glanced up. Holy moly . Something didn’t fit here. A six-footer with narrow hips and broad shoulders edged in and glanced around. His deep, chocolate-brown eyes seemed to take in the whole room at once. When his gaze landed on her, she prayed he’d stop and linger. While he didn’t rush away, his gaze continued to sweep the room, as if he was sizing up the group. He smoothly walked to the front and discussed something with the teacher. This man was no student. While he only looked to be a few years older than she was, from the way he acted in control in front of her teacher, this man was someone important. Only she had no idea who.
    After a brief conversation, he eased out. This time he didn’t make any eye contact. Darn . The door closed, and she turned to Darlene, whose eyes were wide. “Who was that man?”
    Darlene tilted her head to the side and sighed. “That is the man in my dreams.”
    She laughed.