Of Yesterday by Alta Hensley Read Free Book Online Page A

control her breathing.
    With a kick of his boot, he jabbed the horse forward. The
sudden motion caused a gasp to escape from Taylor.
    Jason leaned into her ear and whispered, "I'm not going
to let anything happen to you. You're safe."
    His soothing voice sent shivers down her spine but did
little to calm her anxiety. She opened her eyes and saw the ground below her.
She seemed so high and far from safety. Taylor swallowed back her fear and
pressed her back solidly into Jason's chest. His warmth comforting her, his
strong arms around her, reassuring her confidence.
    "See, this isn't so bad," he said as he ran his
palm up and down her arm.
    "Piece of cake." Taylor's voice trembled.
    "I can go faster if you like," Jason challenged.
    "No! I like this pace just fine, thank you."
    Jason laughed while tightening his grip around her.
    The horse prodded along, and after a while, Taylor began to
ease her muscles. Her breathing calmed and her heart seemed to beat regularly
again. Every time she adjusted her body, Jason would squeeze tighter,
enveloping her into his security and safety. She could feel his breath against
her ear, feel his heart beat against her back. The feeling of being protected,
guarded, and cared for replaced any reminisce of fear.
    "Over there." He pointed. "There's a natural
hot spring I thought would be perfect to help ease your tired muscles."
    Taylor turned her head so she could look up into his
smoldering blue eyes. "A hot spring? That sounds heavenly!"
    Jason assisted her in dismounting the horse. She felt a sense
of pride that she had actually managed to ride a horse, even if she did have
Jason seated behind her. She was becoming quite the pioneer woman.
    He placed the palm of his hand on her lower back and walked
her to the steaming water. "Go ahead and get in. I'll go set up our
picnic." With a twinkle in his eye, he smiled. "Don't worry, I won't
peek."
    "Wait. You aren't going to join me?"
    "Well, since we don't have suits, I thought I would
give you your privacy and let you have it to yourself."
    Taylor reached for his hand. "I would like you to come
in with me. If you don't mind." She winked and, with a mischievous smile,
began to strip off her clothes. "It's not like you haven't seen me naked
before." Taylor stripped all the way nude and ran towards the water."Come
on!"
    "Woman! You really never cease to amaze me." Jason
started removing his clothes as quickly as he could, following close behind.
    Taylor slowly eased her way into the hot water, almost
moaning in delight as the sultry liquid covered her body. She closed her eyes
for only a split second, not wanting to miss the full view of the unclothed man
before her.
    Jason's body did not disappoint. Muscled, lean, and
mouthwatering, Jason took her breath away. He exuded power as he made his way
to the water, reminding her of a Greek God.
    "Ahh, this is exactly what my body needed," he
sighed as he lowered himself in.
    Taylor tried to conceal her smile. She could not help but
have images of what her body really wanted and needed from Jason.
    Jason looked at Taylor, with an eyebrow raised, he asked, "What
are you over there smiling about?"
    Taylor just smiled more and shrugged in response.
    Jason ran his wet hand through his hair, slicking it back. "I
think we're going to have to make a habit of this." He moved his body
closer to Taylor's, their legs barely touching. "I know I've been away a
lot, but hopefully that will die down soon. We've just had a lot of final
details to throw together and—"
    "You don't need to make excuses. I knew how busy you'd
be. But..."
    "But what?" He positioned her body so he could
move up behind her and begin to massage her neck and shoulders. His hands were
hard but gentle at the same time. The rubbing turned her body to jelly.
    "Are you sure you aren't avoiding me? Ever since that
night, you seem to dodge me every chance you get. Do you dislike me that much?"
    Jason stopped massaging and racked his fingers through his
hair