Talon (Ashes & Embers Book 4) by Carian Cole Page B

life.
    "We're almost there," he says, breaking the silence.
    We've driven way up to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, which is a gorgeous area I've only been to a few times even though I've lived in New Hampshire since I was born.
    "Are we near the waterfalls?" I ask, having never been, but I've always wanted to go.
    "Yeah, that's not too far from here," he says, turning the truck down a wooded street. "You like the falls?"
    "I've always wanted to go but never had the chance." Kind of hard to go anywhere without a car.
    "Then we'll go sometime. In the fall would be best, when the leaves turn."
    "I would love that. I can never get enough of the color of the leaves."
    "We'll take my camera and get some good pictures to frame and hang in the house."
    I smile at him, loving that idea. "Oh, that would be cool."
    "I thought so, given your decorating skills, which are much better than mine. I think I'll leave the decorating up to you."
    "No, we'll do it together."
    He nods as he pulls into a driveway and puts the truck in park. "Okay, together, but I'll leave the creative direction to you. And we're here."
    Wow. The property is gorgeous, with perfect landscaping featuring a huge weeping willow tree on the front lawn surrounded by gorgeous flowers and shrubbery. The guesthouse is pretty big judging from the outside, and the main house it's set apart from is a huge, sprawling L-shaped brick ranch.
    "Hang on and I'll come get you," he says, jumping out of the truck and coming around to open my door. I hand him Pixie in her carrier and then he holds my hand as I jump out. Getting out is much easier than getting in.
    "We should really switch up the cars so you don't have to keep manually getting me in and out," I say, taking the cat carrier from him. Although, I kind of like him lifting me into the truck and being able to watch his arm muscles flex.
    "Let's put your stuff inside and get the creature situated, then we'll walk over to Gram's and say hello."
    "Do not call her 'creature.' You should address her as Princess Pixie or she will get very mad," I tease, peering at her in the small carrier. She doesn't look too happy about all this activity disturbing her usual daily naps.
    He regards me with one of his smirks while he grabs some of my things from the back of the truck. "I will never refer to her as Princess anything. I kinda like the idea of you calling me Lord and Master, though."
    Laughing, I follow him into the guesthouse and set up the litter box, food, water, scratch tree, and bed for the cat while he brings in the rest of my bags. I didn't bring much—just what I thought I would need for about a week as he suggested. I have some soap orders to fill, and I had to bring some of those supplies so I don't lose any customers. Right now, most of my customers are by word of mouth and referrals, so the last thing I want is for someone to get frustrated with a late order.
    "She never goes outside," I advise while Princess Pixie timidly explores her new surroundings. "So please be very careful opening and closing the door. I don't want anything happening to her."
    "No outside. Watch doors. Got it," he says. "Let's go to Gram's. I'm starving."

    W e follow a stone pathway outlined with colorful flowers, leading to the main house. On impulse, I slip my hand into his at about the halfway mark, hoping it doesn't invite another of his sexual innuendos, but he surprises me by glancing down at me, winking, and squeezing my hand affectionately.
    The front door swings open just as we approach and his Gram comes out, all smiles. I remember her from the wedding because she hugged me so tightly and held my hand in both of hers while she talked to me. She's the kind of grandmother we all dream of—sweet, accepting, and adorable.
    "There you are!" she exclaims. Talon leans down and gives her a long hug, my heart practically exploding at the sight of this tall, long-haired guy covered in tattoos embracing this tiny elderly woman.
    When he lets