Free Riding Raw by Stephanie Ganon Page B

time was her own and no one would be looking for her.
    Someplace else. Someplace warm. Someplace where my past won't matter so much.
    South Florida sounded like a nice place to start over. It had nice weather, interesting people, and perhaps a second chance at a real life.
    "I see you're almost ready,” Bo said from the doorway.
    "As soon as they bring my car, I'm gone.” Opening a cabinet, she pulled down two mugs.
    "Coffee?"
    "Sure. Listen, Lily, I know you feel like you should leave, especially after everything that's happe—"
    "Duff doesn't want me here—even after what we did—and I don't stay where I'm not wanted.” She handed him a mug and sat opposite him. “He didn't want me here when I first showed up, and I doubt what's happened between us changed his mind."
    "Lily..."
    "And why do you want me to stay so bad, Bo?” She set down her mug. “Why are you so okay with me staying here? Does watching me fuck your boyfriend turn you on that much? Or maybe you crave danger. I bet you just can't wait for another crazed ex-boyfriend to come looking for me, huh?"
    Bo looked puzzled. “Wait. One thing at a time. You want me to be jealous? Is that what you're saying? You want me to throw a fit so you'll feel better about running away?"
    She shrugged. “It would at least be a normal reaction considering what's been going on around here the last few days. And if you were thinking clearly at all, you'd know asking me to stay is probably not in your best interest."
    "I'll worry about my own interests, okay?” Catching her off guard, he stood, pulled her into his arms, and twirled her around the kitchen. “I'm simply asking you not to rush off without thinking it through.” He dipped her.
    Lily giggled. “My goodness, Mr. Astaire. I simply don't know what to say."
    "Actually, that was my Gene Kelly impersonation. My Astaire would be a lot lighter on your poor feet."
    Sighing, she nuzzled his chest. His arms tightened around her waist, and the now familiar electricity they channeled coursed through her in a shockwave of emotion. They rocked silently. If she stayed, this was what her life would be like all the time...
    "This is nice,” he murmured into her hair. “It's been a long time since I've had a girlfriend."
    She pulled back. “You've been with a woman before?"
    "Does that surprise you?"
    "But aren't you...gay?"
    "Well, if wanting to spend the rest of my life with Duff means I'm gay, then yes.” Bo brushed a quick peck on her lips. “But that doesn't seem to mean anything when I'm around your beautiful body, so how about we leave the labeling to society?” He palmed her ass, pulling her to him. His erection throbbed against her.
    "Hmm, now I know why you want me to stay."
    "Seems I'm interrupting—something that's been happening around here a lot.” Duff eyed them from the doorway, his expression unreadable.
    She pulled away from Bo. “I'm so—"
    "Don't you dare apologize,” Bo told her. He turned to Duff. “She hasn't done anything wrong."
    "I know it. I just need to talk to Lily a minute.” He cleared his throat. “Alone, if you don't mind."
    Bo seemed hesitant. “Duff, I don't think it's a good idea. She's already leaving. What more do you want?"
    "I want to talk to her, damn it, but if you won't leave—"
    "Nope, not gonna leave. Up until now, the three of us seemed to make a good team. I'm not going to be sent away like a naughty child, Duff."
    Lily looked between them uncertainly. Her lips quivered, and she almost ran from the house into the safety of the pasture. But she needed to say this, and if it was the last thing she ever said to Duff, she wouldn't mind.
    "I love you,” she blurted. “I always have. Always will. I'm so happy that you found someone like Bo to love and care for you—especially after the way I left. When I came back, I thought we could pick up where we left off, but that was beyond silly.” She was speaking much too quickly. “I know that now, and I know both of you