Sweet Stallion. Deborah Fletcher Mello

wasn’t until Noah gave her a light pinch that she felt her own face lift in response, smiling back. She turned abruptly, spinning toward her brother. Her knees were shaking, and for the first time in a very long while, Naomi felt out of control and couldn’t explain why.

      * * *

      Patrick O’Brien was still smiling as he moved toward the man and woman standing near the outer edge of the tent. He’d taken notice of the two earlier, when they’d walked from the property across the way. It was the woman who had caught his attention, her lithe frame moving purposely, her arms swinging, her stride closer to a stomp if it hadn’t been for the sway of her hips and extremely delectable backside. She had the tiniest waistline of any woman he’d ever seen, and legs that were miles long. Her figure was complimented by formfitting denim jeans, a white button-down blouse and black leather cowboy boots.

      He cleared his throat as he reached where they stood, extending his hand toward the man in introduction. “Excuse me, I don’t mean to interrupt, but you look very familiar. Have we met before?”

      Noah nodded. “Actually, I was just thinking the same thing. At the courthouse, maybe? Probably in passing.”

      Patrick pondered the comment for a moment before he responded. “You’re with the Salt Lake City police department?”

      “I was. I’m in private security now. Noah Stallion.”

      He smiled. “My name’s Patrick. Patrick O’Brien. I couldn’t help overhearing the conversation you and your wife were having. I was hoping I could ask you a question?”

      Naomi’s brow rose curiously as she lifted her eyes to stare at the man. Her brother answered for them both.

      “Patrick, this is actually my sister, Naomi Stallion. She is not my wife,” he said with a soft chuckle.

      Naomi cut her eyes at her brother, grimacing slightly. She shifted her gaze back to the stranger, her palm sliding against his as he shook her hand. The touch was like silk gliding across her flesh, and she mused that he had probably never done a day’s worth of hard labor in his life. “It’s nice to meet you, Patrick,” she answered. “How can we help you?”

      “I heard you mention the property next door. Do you mind sharing what you know about it?”

      She looked him up and down, her mind’s eye assembling a photographic journal for her to muse over later. His eyes were hazel, the rich shade flecked with hints of gold and green. He was tall and solid, his broad chest and thick arms pulling the fabric of his shirt taut. His jeans fit comfortably against a very high and round behind, and he had big feet. Very big feet in expensive, steel-toed work boots. He exuded sex appeal like a beacon. She hadn’t missed the looks he was getting from the few women around them, one of whom was openly staring at him as they stood there chatting.

      “What would you like to know about Norris Farms?” Naomi asked. She crossed her arms over her chest.

      Patrick’s smile widened, his cheeks flushing with color. He struggled not to stare, drawing attention to the curve of her cleavage. “Norris,” he repeated. “That’s an interesting name. Is it a fully functioning farm?”

      “It is. They use ecologically-based production systems to produce their foods and fibers. They are certified organic.”

      “Is there a homestead?”

      “There is.”

      “Have the owners had it long? Is there any family history attached to it?”

      Naomi hesitated for a brief second. “May I ask why you’re so interested? Are you thinking about bidding on this property?”

      Patrick clasped his hands behind his back and widened his stance a bit. “I’m actually an attorney. I represent the Perry Group and they’re interested in acquiring this lot.”

      Both Naomi and Noah bristled slightly, exchanging a quick look.

      Naomi scoffed, apparent attitude evident in her voice. “The Perry Group?”

      Patrick nodded. “Yes. They’re a locally owned investment company. Very well established and they—”

      Her eyes narrowed as she snapped, “We know who they are.”

      Patrick looked from one sibling to the other, feeling the rising tension that wafted between them. Frowning in confusion, he dipped his head in a slight nod. “Well, I head their legal department and our planning and development group thinks this would be a great location for their next strip mall project.”

      “Were you behind the recent efforts to rezone this area?” Naomi asked, remembering the land assessment that could have potentially put her out of business.

      “We weren’t behind it, but we supported it. Bringing more commercial business to this area would greatly benefit the entire community.” He took a slight step toward her, closing the space between them. The rise of her perfume teased his nostrils, the sweet scents of vanilla and patchouli wafting through the air. A wave of heat rose from deep in his midsection, erupting through every nerve ending in his body.

      “Not really,” Naomi retorted as she took a step back, widening the divide again as she took a deep inhalation of air. She exhaled it slowly past her glossed lips.

      Patrick gave her an easy smile. “So, I take it you didn’t agree?”

      “Not at all. In fact, I opposed it vehemently.” She skated her gaze across his face, noting the intensity of his stare. It was heated and unnerving, and she was suddenly anxious to be free from it.

      “I’d be curious to know why,” he said, seeming intent on drawing her into a lengthy conversation.

      Naomi hesitated, then shrugged. “If I had the time, I’d tell you, but that’s a long conversation and my brother and I need to get back to work.”

      “What do you do?” he asked curiously.

      Naomi shot him a look, pausing for a second time before she answered, “I own that farm next door.”

      Patrick’s expression lifted in fascination. “So, you definitely have a concerned interest in who acquires this land.”

      “I do, and I definitely don’t want to see it go to the Perry Group.” There was the faintest hint of bitterness in her tone.

      He nodded but didn’t respond, watching how her long dreadlocks waved effortlessly with every movement of her head. Her hair was thick and abundant, falling to her midback, and he found himself resisting the sudden temptation to twist his fingers in the lengthy strands. He clenched a tight fist against his pant leg.

      Noah’s expression was smug as his gaze shifted back and forth between them. He extended his hand a second time. “It was nice meeting you, Patrick. And good luck. You’re going to need it,” he said matter-of-factly.

      Patrick chuckled, his head shifting in amusement. “It was a pleasure meeting you, too, Noah,” he answered. He looked back at Naomi, his smile widening. “I hope to see you again, Naomi. Maybe at the auction?”

      She glanced at him one last time, noting the eagerness in his stare and how the bend of his mouth pinched dimples in his cheeks. There was something about the way he was looking at her that intrigued her, but Naomi pushed the rising sensation away. She took a deep breath and held it, counting silently in her head before blowing it softly out again.

      With a slight nod she turned toward the real estate agent who’d been standing in wait with a handful of pamphlets and papers. As the two walked off, Noah hesitated, then tossed Patrick a wide grin, shrugging his broad shoulders. “She’ll be there,” he said with a light chuckle. “She will definitely be there.”

      * * *

      Naomi didn’t find her brother’s teasing as humorous as he did. He’d been giving her a hard time since they’d finished walking the property. Usually the too-serious sibling, Noah was suddenly the life of the party, his quips and banter more like something