The Cowgirl's Chosen Love - Vivian Arend Page 0,81
bought you a new one. I can’t wait to try it.”
Julia jerked onto her elbows and stared at him in astonishment. Her previous boyfriends had all hated when she’d grabbed a vibrator. “You bought me a toy?”
He nodded, eagerness joining the happiness in his expression. “It’s called a Womanizer, and it’s supposed to be incredible. I need your take on it before I believe the advertising. Research is important, you know.”
Amusement struck in a flash. “Really? Checking out sex toys is your third research topic?”
“Of course.” He rolled over her, their naked bodies slicking with heat and the promise of some very fine memories. “I’m a thorough researcher,” he warned. “I hope you took your vitamins this morning.”
18
Julia was on her way out the door, headed to work, when Zach popped up beside her. “Here you go.”
She took the envelope he extended toward her. “What’s this?”
“My homework. I sent Alan an email to let him know that I have delivered the first of our monthly letters as required.” He rolled his eyes dramatically, in a fair impression of an angsty teenager. “I’ll give you his email so you can do the same later.”
She’d nearly forgotten that part of the rules. “I don’t have mine done yet.”
Zach waved a hand. “We got married on the thirty-first, so it’s not as if we’re late. I figured it was easier to remember to do it by the end of the month rather than the start. Either way, there’s mine.”
Julia shook it. “How long is yours?”
He snickered.
It was her turn to eye roll. “You’re such a goof. I meant the letter.”
“I’m still laughing, darlin’. Doesn’t matter how long mine is, your letter is your letter.”
She pretended to pout. “Does that mean I’m not allowed to read yours first?”
“Do what makes you happy.” He pressed a quick kiss to her cheek then took the stairs off the porch two at a time, whistling as he headed farther onto the ranch. “See you later. It’s Cooking Adventures with Zach tonight. We’ll attempt to not burn Asian noodle bowls.”
“Sounds great.”
She tossed the envelope on the dash where it haunted her the entire drive into town.
Pulling into the parking lot at the fire hall the same moment the doors went up on the fire engine exit meant everything vanished from her brain except joining the rest of her team as quickly as possible.
It wasn’t until after lunch when they were finally back at the hall after putting out a bushfire that Julia had time to deal with her dilemma.
Do her homework first, or read Zach’s to see how upfront and open he’d been?
She tapped the envelope on the table in front of her, the mental debate raging loudly before she sighed and dropped his letter, pulling one of her ever-present notepads toward herself. Truth was, she was in the very wonderful position of being able to have her cake and eat it too. She could write a note, then read Zach’s, and if necessary, rewrite to match his tone. It was only kind of cheating.
Since she was going to rewrite no matter what, she didn’t bother to make it fancy. Just tossed out what needed to be said.
September 30.
* * *
After falling into an impossible situation, I can look back on this first month and say it has not been terrible. I still can’t believe that we ended up here, and just to be clear, tequila shooters are out of the question ever again.
* * *
This is the part of the letter where I’m rambling so that it’s at least one page long. In case you couldn’t tell.
* * *
Positive things: our to-do list has been entertaining. All three of my activities have been enjoyable.
* * *
Yoga is a solid eight for me, because it’s physically challenging, but also entertaining to watch you. Thank you for being a good sport. If you want to start wearing tighter clothing, or less clothing, yoga might even make it up to a nine.
* * *
Riding on a regular basis has been so wonderful. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed it. Karen also said that she would let me help train Moonbeam when the time comes, so that’s something to look forward to.
* * *
Fooling around— this has been far more interesting than I expected. That’s about all I want to say about that topic for now. Yes, I’m blushing even as I write this.
She went on a little more, mentioning his three items, but when she was done rereading what