While she struggled hefting the bag up the stairs, Mav just shook his head, bent down, and removed the two large suitcases from the trunk. He grunted, surprised at how heavy they were—not for him, given the scope of his work, but how she thought she could lift them. She had to be a buck twenty dripping wet, and that was only on account of her impressive chest.
He glanced at the luggage tags on the expensive set of bags for a name.
Bianca Peabody out of London, England. That’s where the accent came from, and also explained why she had a cultured tone to her crisp alto.
He carted the first set up. His boots clomped on the dark walnut wooden stairs and across the front porch. He left the first two bags just inside the open front door, and then headed back down for the rest.
Seriously, how many damn bags did the woman need for a vacation? Mav had never seen so many, and they affirmed his spoiled brat theory.
He’d have to check registration; find out how long she had the cabin booked for. Mav carted the rest of her belongings in. It didn’t take him long. He made sure to close the car doors and trunk before heading in with the last load.
Inside the front door, he assessed her again. “This is the last of it.”
She walked over with her wallet in her hand and pulled some cash out. She seemed uneasy with him in her space. She held the cash out toward him and said, “For your troubles. I might have gone overboard with my packing.”
He held up a hand. “Not necessary.”
“Please take it. You went out of your way and didn’t have to. I’ve been traveling for almost twenty-four hours, andappreciate the help.”
Up close, Mav studied her more carefully, and noticed the dark smudges beneath her goddess eyes—eyes that were full of strain and worry. Lust curled in his abdomen—and, startlingly enough, fingers of concern. The Dom in him wanted to wipe away the strain and replace it with pleasure. The man had a feeling that, if he extended his hand, it would be slapped away.
He retreated, taking a step back. “Welcome to Silver Springs Ranch. Be sure to lock the door behind me. I’d rather not have to worry that you were eaten by a mountain lion or got into a brawl with a bear. It’d be bad press for the ranch.” He tipped his hat and strode to the door.
She straightened and glanced around like the animals were already inside the cabin. “They wouldn’t really come inside, would they?”
“If they’re hungry enough or someone antagonizes them, they will, especially if the door isn’t locked. And I’m certain in your case, princess, they’d make an exception.” He flashed her a grin and wink, then strode out the door without a backward glance.
She was a rather fascinating mix of bluster and fragility—and set his teeth on edge with her condescending disregard.
He didn’t know whether he wanted to throttle her or kiss her—possibly both.
But her high-falutin’ attitude was enough to make him want to swear off the female species. Because the one thing he was certain of, was that Bianca Peabody would exasperate the dead.
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