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

though, or was he Prince Charming?
    Richard locked his rig and carried her back towards the chapel. Instead of going inside, he headed for the trees where the lanterns hung suspended. He attempted to shake out a blanket under a tree while holding Teri and sighed.
    “Teri, I need both arms. I’m no good at spreading a blanket one handed. Hang on for a second, okay? I don’t want to have to set you down in the cold grass, baby,” he explained. He felt her grab his body tightly in response and he let go of her, quickly placing the blanket under a tree farthest away from the church in a spot that was illuminated. He then pulled Teri over his head and set her barefoot on the blanket. “There you are, Sunshine. I have another one for you to cover your feet if you get cold,” he said thoughtfully.
    Teri beamed at him. He was so very considerate and this was terribly romantic. The music was playing faintly in the background, the lanterns were overhead and the blanket was placed on the far side of the tree so if someone looked outside they would not be immediately visible, but within earshot. “Are you trying to seduce me or steal me away?” she asked shyly and a bit embarrassed.
    Richard took his seat on the blanket by her feet and hooked a finger under her skirt, lifting it the barest hint. “Both,” he acknowledged lightly with a smirk as she stepped away diligently from his hand. “Is it working? If not, then I thought maybe we could just get to know each other,” he said patting the blanket next to him.
    Teri was not sure what to think. He was brutally honest with her and giving her options so she could decide. He was trying awfully hard, though! Sweeping her off her feet, literally into a candlelit forest, under a moonlit sky, was certainly a nice touch.
    Teri gracefully sat down cross-legged beside him, her skirt pillowing around her with all of the pleats and chiffon. She still wore his tuxedo jacket over her bodice. Thankfully her breasts stayed tucked in the bodice of her gown while she was upside down.
    Teri patted down the ballooned skirt with a laugh. She noticed that he watched her every move with the most seductive smile. “So Richard, what shall we talk about? What did you think of the wedding? I did pretty good today in those cursed heels,” she quipped.
    Richard’s eyes glided over her candlelit face as they sat together on the small blanket. She had the loveliest smile when she looked at him and it made him want to touch her. He had restrained himself all afternoon for the sake of the gathering there at the church, but they were alone now and he did not see a reason to fight his urge much longer. He wanted to touch her and, judging her body language, she wanted the same from him.
    He leaned forward towards her, placing a hand on the blanket beside her gathered dress. Richard watched as her eyes dropped to his mouth, awaiting him unknowingly. “You did great tonight, Sunshine,” he whispered softly catching her lips in a gentle, coaxing kiss.
    He heard her breath hitch at the contact and felt desire stir in him. He wondered if the rest of her succulent body tasted as good as her sweet lips. He broke the kiss gently and looked at her expressive visage. Her lashes rested against her soft cheeks and she had the most mystified expression, those soft lips uplifted on one corner in a silent approval. “Can you hear the music?” he invited, his breath mingling with hers as they remained still. Neither wanting the moment to end.
    Teri could not imagine a more perfect setting for romance, nor could she imagine a more perfect partner. Richard was everything she had stopped looking for long ago. It was intimidating and exhilarating at the same time. He was strong, chivalrous, tender and sensual all rolled into the most decadent form. If he was a slice of cheesecake she would be licking the fork until the silver came off!
    There was something about him that spoke right to the center of her desire. His lips did