don’t even know whose bedroom this is.” She giggled as she looked
around the room and noted the framed portrait on one wall of a sassy
bare-legged Grace posed in a black low-cut top. It must be one of the
men’s bedrooms. Ash helped her sit up and wrapped his arms around
her.
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Heather Rainier
“Still feeling no pain?”
“Yep, the Tylenol 3 must’ve kicked in,” she whispered as he
helped her with the ties on her silk G-string then helped her back into
her dress, commenting on how much he liked the easy access it
offered. After she was put back together, he kissed her.
“I’ll slip out now. Wait a few minutes then come out back. I’ll be
watching for you.”
“Okay, I need to fix my lipstick and powder my nose anyway.”
He kissed her nose and said, “You look even more beautiful now,
darlin’. I’ll watch for you. Remember, we’re leaving here at eight-
thirty.”
She grinned at him. “Yes, sir. But we have to make a stop on the
way home.”
“Hmmm?”
“Yes, for condoms.”
He smiled back at her. “You sure about that, darlin? The idea was
for you to rest.”
“Yeah, like I could get away with not resting with you bossing me
around. We’ll have plenty of time for making love, I think.”
“Yes, ma’am. Never let it be said I denied a lady what she
wanted.”
* * * *
Juliana’s body still vibrated and hummed when she ventured out
five minutes later, tidied up, put back together, hair repaired as well as
it could be. Because he was so tall and wearing that red shirt, Ash was
easy to spot across the dance floor, talking with Angel and Jack. She
made her way down the steps and nearly tripped over the last one
when Grace met her going into the house.
“Well! You’re looking like you’re feeling better. You must’ve
found the Tylenol 3 okay. How are your stitches?”
“Oh, they’re fine. Thanks for the Tylenol. It’s helping a lot.”
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87
“Oh, you’re welcome. If you don’t mind me saying so, Juliana,
you look positively radiant. That wouldn’t have anything to do with
your knight in shining armor over there, now would it? Oooh! Now
you’re beet red. That must be a resounding yes!”
“Yes, Miss Nosey, it has everything to do with him.”
“See? It will all work out if you just give it a chance.”
“I’ll bet he’s over there planning our getaway.”
“Are you leaving soon?”
“Yes, at eight-thirty on the dot, according to Mister Bossy over
there.”
“Well, make sure you get your rest. You look like you could use a
few hours of sleep, no offense.”
“None taken. That’s exactly what he says I’m doing, even if he
has to tie me to the bed. His exact words.”
Grace gasped in delight and glanced over at Ash. He was looking
directly at them, grinning. “He did not! He told you that? Oooh! Be
bad and see if he’ll actually do it! Then get me details! Here he
comes.”
“Yes, I see that,” Juliana replied as she watched him
appreciatively.
“Mmmm, and he only has eyes for you. I’ll bet he’s been busy
making plans.”
“As long as they involve a bed and at least a little sleep, I’m
game.”
“Thatagirl! Well, give me a hug and say good-bye. By the way,
did you know Ash will be moving soon? Jack and his crew will be
breaking ground on Angel’s new ranch house. It should be done in the
summer. After they get into it, the foreman’s house will be Ash’s, and
they plan to do renovations to it, as well.”
“Good to know. He’ll have a place of his own and more privacy.”
“He seemed to like the idea of being on his own again when he
found out that it would be available soon.”
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Heather Rainier
“He was talking to Jack and Angel. I hope he’s not taking time off
from work because of me.”
“If he did, it’s because they understand and don’t mind covering
for him. It’s important to him that you’re okay, and I can promise you
that any of our men would do the same for Teresa or me. With Angel
and Joaquin gone, nothing much is planned for the next few days, and
they were all going to be picking up the slack anyway. Hello, Ash.
Juliana looks like she feels much better. You must have the magic
touch.”
You have no idea. Grace winked at her, and Juliana thought
maybe she did.
Ash glanced at Juliana and grinned roguishly. “You’d have to ask
Juliana about that. She looks like she feels better to me, too. I think