Daniel trailed behind her as they stepped inside. He locked the door with a soft click, then set the clay pot on the table.
"Not here, young man, but inside," she murmured, crooking her index finger to lure him closer.
He smirked, closing the distance in two strides, and swept her into his arms.
"Woah, young man. Calm down," she gasped, eyes widening in surprise.
Esmeralda hadn't imagined a teenager could lift her so effortlessly. But then again, this was Daniel we were talking about. To him, she was barely a quarter of a wagon's weight.
"Don't trouble those sexy legs another step, my landlady," he whispered, breath warm against her ear, eyes locked on hers. "Just tell me where you want to go…"
Esmeralda's face shifted from blushed to full flushed. Her eyes met his, sending a thrilling tingle through her body. She swallowed hard and said nothing—instead, she pointed her finger straight at the door.
