Chapter 3

Rob pulled into the driveway late that afternoon, the golf bag rattling in the back of the SUV as he killed the engine. The house smelled faintly of fresh soil and the lemon cleaner Elise liked to use on the counters. He found her in the kitchen, barefoot in those same denim shorts and tank top, hair still loosely twisted up, rinsing dirt from her hands at the sink.

“Hey,” she said, turning with a bright smile. “How was the course?”

“Not bad. Sank a couple of long putts.” He crossed the room, sliding his arms around her slim waist from behind and pressing a kiss to the side of her neck. “You get any gardening done?”

“Mmm, yeah. And I met the new neighbour.” Elise leaned back into him, her small body fitting perfectly against his chest. “Ella. She came out while I was weeding. Tall, blonde, dressed like she was heading to a boardroom, designer suit, perfect hair, the works. Ukrainian accent, I think. Very formal, very ... put together. There’s this air of authority about her when she speaks. Like she’s used to people listening. I was wondering if she’s some big corporate executive or runs her own business. She just has that vibe, you know?”

Rob’s hands wandered lazily over her hips, thumbs slipping under the hem of her tank top to stroke the warm skin beneath. He was already half-hard from the drive home, the weekend’s easy rhythm leaving him restless and hungry for her. “Sounds impressive,” he murmured against her ear, voice low. “You sure you’re not crushing a little on the tall blonde?”

Elise laughed softly, elbowing him lightly. “Shut up. She’s beautiful, that’s all. Striking. And those heels made her as tall as you. It was ... different.”

He grinned, not letting her pull away. “Different, huh? Maybe I need to take your mind off her.” Before she could answer, he bent, hooked an arm behind her knees and the other around her back, and lifted her clean off the floor in one smooth motion. Elise let out a surprised yelp that quickly turned into a delighted laugh as he tossed her over his broad shoulder like she weighed nothing. Her small frame dangled there, ass in the air, legs kicking playfully. She loved this, loved when he got dominant, when his strength made her feel tiny and claimed. Heat already pooled low in her belly.