Chapter 45

After a sleepless night, Elliott dreamed of blue eyes flashing intermittent with Mariah's green eyes, while he tossed and turned. He finally started his day earlier than usual. Dressed in his work jeans and heavy coat, he headed to the ranch. He worked most of the horses individually for a couple hours, then found Pedro, the ranch foreman. Leaving instructions for the rest of the horses, as well as for the ones he'd recently worked, Elliott headed back to his house and a quick shower.

Elliott finished his shower, dried, and tied the towel around his waist. When he looked in the mirror to shave, he noticed his hair was getting a little long and bushy down on his collar. He would need a haircut soon. Wondering what Sam would think of his shorter hair, he began his morning routine of shaving and planning his day.

Thoughts of Sam in his arms entered his mind and kept coming to the forefront of his attentions. He knew he had a busy day with calls and appointments to make in the morning an