Free Wyne and Dine (Citizen Soldier Series Book 1) by Donna Michaels Page A

regret his
decision last night.
    “You can get your revenge on him
today, Lea,” the colonel stated from across the room. “Because, after horseback
riding this morning, we’re all heading to the lake for a picnic, and he can
finally own up to that rowing.”
    “Perfect,” she said, then loaded
scrambled eggs and some delicious smelling bacon onto the plate in his hand.
“You need to keep up your strength, Benny. I’m going to give you a workout.”
    The others laughed, even Mrs.
Dankirk, so he forced his lips to curve upward. But he wondered if she was
serious or just acting her part. It shouldn’t matter.
    So, why did it?
    An hour later, Ben was still
contemplating the answer as they all walked to the stables. Breakfast had been
smooth and uneventful, and once again, he was blown away at how well Lea
handled the wide range of topics from politics to fashion to celebrities. The
pretty woman at his side was eloquent and intelligent, and he was ashamed to
admit he hadn’t realized just how intelligent. Made him wonder what else he’d
taken for granted about his sister’s friend.
    Like conversation. Today, he
noticed she wasn’t initiating dialogue with him, only speaking when spoken to.
Which should make things easier. Keep them off personal subjects. So, why did
he feel as if something was missing?
    “As you can see, we don’t have
enough horses for everyone, so a few of you will have to double up,” the
colonel announced when they reached the stable where the horses were already
saddled and ready to go. “I’m sure Ben and the lieutenant won’t mind sharing
their mounts with their women.”
    “Of course, sir.” The way the
weekend was going, Ben wasn’t surprised by the turn of event, but he was
surprised by the look of reluctance that flashed fleetingly through Lea’s gaze.
Why wouldn’t she want to ride with him?
    Normally, he enjoyed a ride through
the country side. The area was spectacular with pine, oak, maple and birch
trees standing tall and majestic, with only an occasional creaking branch
breaking the silence in the wind. And the slight rocking of the horse and soft
thud of hoof beats on the forest floor usually soothed away his troubles.
    Not today. Negative. Today, he
experienced a different side to riding. A very enjoyable side. With a woman
sitting behind him, but not just any woman—Lea, with her soft, supple body
pressed against his back, hitched breaths hitting his neck when the horse
rocked them together. Damn, he could feel her nipples and her heat, and heaven
help him, he loved every minute. Even guided the horse into a trot just to feel
those beauties poking, raking, testing his control, and down a few hills so
she’d cling tighter and longer. By the time their ride ended back at the
stables, he wasn’t sure he could walk, but his extra ministrations had been
worth it.
    Anticipation upped his pulse when
he slid off the horse and turned to help Lea dismount. It wouldn’t be
inappropriate to steal a kiss from his girlfriend, and he was more than ready
to feel those delectable curves brushing the front of him this time.
    Those thoughts were wrong, and the
fact he knew it and didn’t care was a testament to the amount of fog in his
brain.
    But when he helped her down, she
placed her hands on his shoulders, then slid them to pat his chest while she
lifted on tip-toe to kiss his check. “Thanks, Benny,” she said, then walked
over to the other women and was soon laughing at something one had said.
    What the hell just happened?
    No kiss? No curves? No Lea melting
into him?
    Yeah, her display of affection was
still girlfriend-ish, so he couldn’t very well remind her he needed her help.
But at the moment, he wanted…
    Ah hell , he didn’t know what
he wanted.
    Two hours later, he was more than a
little frustrated and confused as hell. A walking contradiction of need. On one
hand, he needed to keep her at arm’s length; on the other hand, he wanted his
hands on her. He was all