Off to the Races (Gold Rush Ranch, #1)

by Elsie Silver

“You can only control what’s right in front of you, Vaughn.”

I’ve always had this theory that there are two types of men. The ones who look edible in a suit, and the ones who look edible in their birthday suit.

And thank you? A fucking thank you? After we both just completely incinerated each other? With chemistry like that? I don’t think so, Billie.

Against all my better judgement. Against everything I know about him. Against everything my logical brain is telling me to do. I collapse into his arms. And he props me up, like I knew he would. He doesn’t placate me or tell me it’s going to be okay. He doesn’t offer me fake words or try to console me, to fix me. He just lets me be. And as memories of all our quiet moments together bubble up in my mind, I realize maybe he cares about me more than I thought.

“How long you been staring at me, Boss Man?” she mutters. “Since day one,” I whisper in her ear. “Take the sappy shit somewhere else, Vaughn.” I snort. “There she is.”

“You look like someone who saved that horse’s life today. That’s what matters. I already know you’re beautiful.”

“I don’t want to talk. We’re not friends.” His words are like a paper cut. They sting, but don’t produce any blood. “What I want is you, straddling me, and I don’t let friends do that.”

“No, Billie.” His hands stroke me. “I’m going to eat that perfect pink pussy and then put you back to bed. And tomorrow? Tomorrow all you’re going to think about is how good you felt with my tongue inside of you.”

I’m not even fighting this anymore. Fuck work. Fuck my family. Fuck what I thought I wanted. I want Billie Black.

Close a high-stakes business deal? No problem. Fire someone? I’m your man. Talk to a girl you like and respect? I guess I’ll just crumble instead.

But she’s too late. If I am the predator, she is my prey, and I already had a taste I can’t forget. I’m coming back for more, whether or not she realizes it. I’m not tiptoeing around her anymore.

“Let me redefine that line you keep talking about: you are more than my employee and I am more than your boss. I’m done giving you space that we both don’t want. It’s not at all complicated. You’ll work with me during the day and underneath me at night. Every night. There will be no tiptoeing. There will be no running. There will be no one else.”

“Eyes open, Billie,” he rumbles as he squeezes my chin and tips it down. “I want you to watch me fuck you.”

A no-name jockey, a freshman trainer, and a horse that no one wanted to handle. We fucking did it.

“In that case, good luck at the derby with my Heart Horse.”