Free Redeemed Hearts (Thoroughbred Men Series Book 3) by Ginny Sterling Page A

“
He’s got a heart of gold… we don’t want to see you hurt”
echoed in her ears. She didn’t want to be hurt, either. She wanted to live every moment and enjoy them all. She laughed gaily as Richard spun her around and pulled her back against him, his arms wrapped around her as if preparing to spin her again.
    Richard held her for a moment, breathing against her neck. She was entrancing and fit perfectly against his body. Watching the chiffon of her dress float around her was giving him all sorts of explicit thoughts and all involved getting her alone.
    “Let’s go outside. Want some air?” he invited softly in her ear. He wasn’t sure she had heard him due to the loud music. He saw her turn and give him a warm smile. He knew she had. He led her off the dance floor outside onto the veranda.

Eight
     
      The refreshing, cool air hit Teri instantly and she gave a small shiver. Her dress was awfully thin but it was so nice to be out away from the crowds. The darkness was broken up by the multiple mason-jar lights hanging from the trees. It gave such a warm glow to the stone patio and surrounding area.
    Richard took off his jacket and put it over Teri’s shoulders to help keep her warm. The temperature had dropped some and it was giving them privacy. Most of the crowd stayed inside due to the cool night air. “Want to go for a walk?” he asked.
    Teri shook her head. “No, I am still barefoot. I honestly am going to need to go back inside. My legs are going to cramp up from the cold stones,” she said, pulling the jacket a bit closer to her.
    Richard gave her a devilish grin. “Can I change your mind?” he queried mischievously. He had an idea to keep her with him. He watched as her eyes lit up and the corners of her mouth upturned. He saw a dimple appear on her cheek and knew there was no way he was letting her get away from him.
    Teri grinned at him, intrigued. “What exactly do you have in mind?” she asked looking at him. Richard had loosened his collar and the bowtie hung loosely around his neck. His five o’clock shadow in the candlelight gave a sexy edge to his face that made her womanhood clench.
    Richard didn’t explain, he just moved. He grabbed a giggling Teri and swung her onto his shoulder effortlessly. He heard her give a shout and then laughed as she held on to his belt. “Hang on baby! This is called a ‘fireman carry’ and we are getting out of here for a bit,” he explained, and swatted her bottom under the layers of chiffon.
    Teri laughed hysterically when he swung her up on his shoulder and was glad she had his jacket on; her breasts threaten to pop out of her bodice when upside down on his back. She held on tightly and watched the stone pathway turn to grass as it got a bit darker as they stepped away from the church. “Where are we going?” she asked.
    Richard slowed his pace as he neared his SUV. He reached into his pocket, grabbed the keys and unlocked the doors. He did not set her down, however, but opened the door and grabbed a couple of blankets from the back seat and a flask of bourbon he had thought to pack at the last second earlier this morning.
    He hoped that he would have a chance to woo her and get to know her. He didn’t know how the night would go, nor did he know if he might want to slip something in his own drink if he needed it. Weddings typically were not his “thing” and a good stiff drink could help. Usually the ceremony had him feeling cornered but tonight was an exception. He was happier now than he had been in quite some time and it was due to the sweet piece of fluff tossed over his shoulder. “How are you doing up there,” he asked grinning and patted her bottom again.
    Teri kicked her bare feet and yelped in response. “What are we doing? Are we leaving? My shoes and purse are inside,” she reminded him. She felt so carefree and honestly felt like a princess all dressed up and in the process of being swept away by the villain. Was he a villain,