Page 16 of Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire

He wanted her to meet his parents and sisters and for Erin to meet Gregory…those two young ones should get along famously. Alex hoped Michele would answer his question with a yes.

He heard a honk from outside and knew she’d arrived. Michele would leave earlier than usual to pick up Erin from a play date. As much as he adored the little girl, her mother mesmerized him. She was everything Alex had looked for in a woman all his life. She loved the same things he did—horses. He was obsessed by the animals and by her.

She entered the building and waved.

He waved back. “I’m glad you could make it.” He called out.

Michele came through the gate and into the arena. She reached into a pocket and pulled out a small plastic zipper bag. She opened it and brought out a horse cookie for King Gregor.

“There you go, my beautiful baby.” She placed the cookie in the middle of her flat palm.

King Gregor took the cookie with his lips.

“You spoil him,” said Alex without rancor.

“Horses are like babies. You can’t spoil them, and they’re much more enjoyable to be around when they’re happy. They also perform better.” She hugged the horse’s neck and then turned her attention to Alex.

She took his breath away. Her hair was in a low ponytail, she wore no makeup and no jewelry. Yet, she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever met. He took her right hand and kissed the top. He looked at her through his lashes and saw her blush.

Straightening, he kept her hand in his. “Michele, I’m going home for a visit and I’d like for you and Erin to join me. I’ll only be there for two weeks. It’s my parents’ thirty-first wedding anniversary and my thirtieth birthday celebration.”

“So you were born just a year after your parents married?”

“Almost. I was born about eleven months afterward. But, since I wasn’t there last month, we decided to celebrate both together this year.”

She lifted her brow. “Are you sure you’ll return at the end of the two weeks?”

“Yes. Will you and Erin please accompany me to Batrovia?” He took her hand in his and rubbed small circles on the inside of her wrist.

“When are you planning on leaving?”

Her pupils widened, and her voice was breathy with arousal.

He released her hand. “On July 8th. I hope this gives you enough time to make arrangements.”

She smiled brightly. “Yes, that will be perfect, and we would love to accompany you to your home. It will be fun. I’ve never been outside the United States. It will be such a learning experience, not only for Erin, but for me, too. I did a Google search after you told me where you’re from. Batrovia sounds like a beautiful country, sitting in a valley between mountain ranges. It said you don’t have harsh winters because the mountains protect you. Is that true?”

She said yes. I could not be happier at least until she says yes to marriage. But, one step at a time.“It is. Batrovia gets snow only about twice a year, but the mountains get it all the time and we have some world class ski resorts. You have done a good job researching my country. I know you will enjoy my home. I have a private jet and—”

Her eyes widened. “Private jet! Oh, my goodness. We’ll never be able to fly commercial now and we don’t even know what that is like.”

Alex laughed. “Anything I can do to make you appreciate me more.”I’d love to make it so you never fly commercial or anywhere without me. I want you to marry me, Michele, but I don’t know the proper time to ask you. I don’t want you to think me too forward.

She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes. “Why are you being so nice?”

Alex took one of her hands with his and laced his fingers with hers. “I will not play games with you, Michele. I adore Erin, and I care for you.”

She blinked hard but didn’t take her hand from his. “I, uh, I don’t know what to say to that. I like you, Alex. I’m going to your home with you. I don’t know what more I can do at the moment.”

He reached up with his other hand and cupped her cheek. “I understand this, but I wanted you to know my feelings. I want to take our relationship to the next level.” He kissed her hand and the underside of her wrist, then released her.

“Then why don’t you kiss me?”

“It would be my pleasure.” He took her in his arms and pressed his lips to hers. The kiss was gentle, not pressing her for more.

She touched the tip of her tongue to the seam of his lips.

He smiled and opened for her exploration. Then he met her and together they tasted, dueled and played, too.