Vixen in Vegas (Sinful Novellas) by Emma Nichols Page B

but I won’t like it.” I wore a scowl.
    “Well, saving you from potential snake bites will make me feel better,” he said with the same amount of stubborn I was exuding.
    That changed my mood entirely. “Snakes?”
    “Yes,” he nodded. “The same old story. Developments have ruined their habitats and they are showing up places that they never did before…mean poisonous ones like rattlesnakes.” He walked over to me, his face the epitome of concern. Placing his hands on my upper arms, he reminded me of why he did what he did. “I love you, Sin. I would be devastated if anything happened to you. Just let me take care of you. Just do as I ask for your safety. Please.”
    “Well, if it means that much to you,” I teased.
    “It does.” He leaned in and kissed me.
    A girl could get used to this. All of it: the thoughtful and practical presents, the kisses, and going toe to toe with someone who fought back. This was love. I was in heaven.

So I found myself walking back up to the bedroom to change into…cowboy boots. I felt like they wouldn’t look terrible with the sundress I was already wearing. I also decided that I would look better dressed practically and remain cute and alive than cutely dressed and practically dead. It wasn’t much of a toss up.
    The full-length mirror confirmed my suspicion that I had pulled it off, so I walked back out to my vehicle to grab my camera case and start on this little photo journey. Once I was geared up, I knew that I wanted to see the horses. In my lifetime, I had fallen in love with horses again and again. They were such magnificent creatures. And man, could they run.
    As I began to head to the stable, I heard my name being called. It was George, rushing to catch up to me. He had a basket in his hand and a set of keys.
    “Miss Alysin,” he began when he reached me. “My wife thought you might want a snack and a few drinks while you were out taking pictures. I thought you might like to drive.” He smiled at me then and motioned for me to follow him. We wanted into the garage. There was a sports car, a motorcycle, and ATV, and…a golf cart.
    “Please tell me those keys go to the golf cart!’ I said excitedly.
    “Yes, miss,” he responded with a shy smile.
    “Excellent thinking, George. I love driving a golf cart.” I bounded over to the cart. That…bounding…way different from running. With a girly squee, I sat behind the wheel and waited.
    George passed me the basket, showed me to the built in cooler, and then handed me the keys. “There’s plenty of gas in it. Honk the horn when you return, I’ll open the garage for you.”
    “Thank you so much. I love taking pictures, but taking pictures while driving the golf cart…even better!” Then I turned the key and backed out of the garage as soon as the door lifted. With a wave over my shoulder I was on my way.
    I made it to the stables so much sooner than I imagined. When I walked inside, I saw four of the most beautiful horses I had ever seen. There was a big black stallion, a chestnut colored one with a white star, a pure white one, and a deep brown with no star. Yeah, that’s how much I know about horses.
    While I might not understand their pedigrees or heritage or anything, I did recognize a well-kept animal. These were such beasts. I walked over to one and a groom came around the corner. We nodded to each other, but didn’t speak. I simply took pictures of the stallion being brushed down. There was a closeness between them that I was eager to capture. One picture I think spoke volumes when the horse nuzzled against the groom out in the training yard. There were also several pictures of the horses galloping in the field. It was beautiful to see, their spirits completely free. They practically glowed with that joy.
    After a few moments, I decided to head back to the golf cart and drive down to the vineyards. They had seemed so beautiful from the patio and deck. I needed to know if they still filled me with