Protector: Doms of Mountain Bend Book 1 by BJ Wane (good books to read for 12 year olds .txt) 📕

hopping from tree to tree and the flutter of twittering birds made up for the lack of conversation until they came out at the wide, fast-flowing creek.

“What do you think?” he asked her, dismounting then reaching up to help her down.

“It’s beautiful. Is there anything besides trout?”

“Not a fan, huh?” he replied when she wrinkled her nose. “Some steelhead, Mountain Whitefish, bass, a few more. It’s a little early, but the salmon is great.”

“I love salmon but never knew you could find it in rivers.”

“We’ll come out again in a few weeks.” Holding her close, he felt a small shudder go through her. Pleased with that response, he tugged the fishing poles out of his saddle, saying, “The Salmon River feeds into several creeks. We’re lucky enough to have one of them running through our property. Grab that blanket tucked into your saddlebag, will you?”

“Sure.”

Another satisfied kick struck him with her reluctance to disengage from his light hold. Stepping back, he waited until she turned toward Angel then swatted her ass before hiking down to a grassy spot on the bank. The start of April had bumped the temperature into the upper fifties, and with the sun shining high, they would have a pleasant afternoon. He should feel guilty for bailing on his ranch responsibilities for a few hours, but he could make it up to Clayton and Dakota later. If he only had a limited time with the girl he’d never forgotten in all these years, he wanted to take advantage of every moment.

“Just so you know,” Lisa said as she reached him with the blanket over her arm, “I’m as ignorant about fishing as riding.”

“There’s not much to it. Bait the line, toss it in, and wait for a nibble.”

Shawn smiled when she wrinkled her nose as he slid a worm onto each hook. Setting his rod down, he moved behind her and placed the smaller one in her hands, showing her how to hold it.

“Okay, now bring your arm back over your shoulder and fling the line as far out as you can.” Her head came up to his chest, her soft butt a nice cushion for his hips as he guided her swing. “Excellent. You’re in a good spot.” Taking his hands off hers, he heard her breathing hitch as he slid them up her arms then down her sides, brushing the plump curves of her breasts before settling at her waist. “Get comfortable on the blanket while I throw my line.”

Turning her face toward his, she licked her lips, her eyes conveying his success in heightening her senses. “What are you fishing for, Shawn, other than trout?”

“I did mention last weekend we should get to know each other better. You can start by telling me more about your life in Phoenix.” He turned to pick up his rod and flick the line into the creek, his aim perfect as it sank into the water several feet from hers. “Come on, sit down.”

Lisa gave in to the inevitable and sat next to him, forcing herself to ignore the low, simmering arousal his light touches and constant nearness had produced. She didn’t mind telling him about herself, maybe because she’d enjoyed hearing the respect and caring in his voice when he’d spoken of the couple who’d taken the three teenagers in, and his adjustment to living here, so far from home. But she knew it was wise to keep reminding herself his interest meant no more than a Dom’s obligation toward a sub, or an old acquaintance wanting to appease his curiosity about a young girl he’d stepped in to help a long time ago.

She’d decided to take what she could get while she could and stifled the growing ache for more as she told him about her college days and landing her dream job of teaching first grade at a small, private elementary school right after graduation.

“You don’t mention dating or affairs,” he said when she paused.

She stifled her pique with a shrug. “I didn’t think you’d be interested, besides, there isn’t much to tell. I went out very little during college, and when I did, it never amounted to more than a movie or dinner. I dated a fellow teacher at the parochial school for a year, but when we split, things turned awkward, and I ended up changing jobs. After that disappointment, I made sure I didn’t go out with a colleague again.”

Shawn rested his rod on his bent leg and leaned back on one arm, his Stetson tugged low enough to hide his eyes, so she couldn’t tell what he thought of that personal disclosure. His mouth tightened then curled in that way that pumped her blood flowing faster.

“He sounds like a wimp. Who came after him?”

Frowning, she switched her gaze back to watching her line for a tug. “Why? Are you going to tell me about every woman you’ve slept with?”

“Nope, because there’s been no one who has left a lasting impression. From the hurt in your tone, the breakup with that dickhead bothered you.”

“You know, sometimes I hate how astute you are. The last Master I was involved with didn’t need to know such intimate details.”

“All that tells me is neither of you were in it for anything more than a few Dom/sub scenes.”

“I’m leaving at the end of May,” she reminded him, despite the quick stab of pleasure over the hint he wanted more than that.

“So you keep reminding me. You’ve got a bite.” Pushing to his feet, he helped her up and stood behind her again, helping her reel in her first catch.

Baffled by his attitude, Lisa reminded herself of her life back home. For the rest of the afternoon and on the ride back to the stable, she shored up her resolve to stick to her decision about reaping everything from her