Her eyes widen as she shakes her head. “Most of that’s wrong. But it’s why I left the rodeo the other night. You were flirting with me and I freaked out. I didn’t expect you to even talk to me. You were safe because you were a fantasy.”
“I need to practice my skills then.” I drop her hand as our waiter gives me the bill folder. Flipping it open, I check the math and slip in my credit card.
“You didn’t have to buy dinner. I’m happy to split it.”
This date has turned into one of those pumpkin catapults. Full of hope and beauty as the orange squash sails through the air, but the ending is a mess.
“I asked you out. I’m a little old fashioned when it comes to dating. And I definitely don’t expect anything to happen because I paid.” My defenses flair into rudeness.
She blinks her thick, dark lashes at me as pink tinges the whites of her eyes. Please don’t cry in public. There’s nothing worse than a woman crying, except in public and from my jerky behavior.
“I’m sorry. That was a completely inappropriate comment. On many levels.”
“I didn’t mean to sound ungrate—” she whispers.
I interrupt her. “Do not apologize. I’m the asshole.”
“My ex used to make comments about money. He made a lot more money than I do and never let me forget we weren’t financial equals.”
He sounds like a jerk and now I feel like an even bigger asshole. “Sounds like you did the right thing getting rid of him. A man should never try to make you feel less. If a man loves a woman, he wants the best for her and her happiness above all, including his own.”
“Did I mention I’m single now?” Brushing a lock of hair out of her face, she gives me a shy smile.
I’m not sure how we jumped the rails, but I’m glad she’s not walking out of here and not looking back. “Shall we go?”
With a nod, she stands. “Thanks for dinner.”
“My pleasure.” I mean it even if I want to erase the last few minutes.
This time when we walk down the sidewalk, I link our hands together. Her fingers twine between mine and return the pressure.
“I can’t remember the last time I held hands.” She glances down at where our skin touches.
I give her a small smile. “I’m beginning to question your taste in previous boyfriends.”
“So am I,” she says, softly. “Believe me, so am I.”
We’re quiet on the walk, lost in our own heads. I’m surprised when we arrive at her condo.
“Do you want to come in? Or I can grab the dogs and we can continue our walk?” She sounds nervous.
“Why not both? I’ll come in and then we’ll walk the dogs.”
“Great.” She swings her hands between us as she steps toward the door.
I should probably wait until the official end of our evening, but I don’t want to. When she reaches the first step, I gently tug on her hand and stop. Now we’re the same height when she turns her head to face me.
“Change your mind?” she asks, scanning my face.
“No. Made it up, in fact.”
With the hand not holding hers, I slowly touch her neck, dragging my thumb along her chin. Only a few inches separate us, but they’re still too many and she’s not close enough.
I release her hand and slip my arm around her lower back, bringing her even closer. Her breath brushes my cheek. Her eyes flutter close as I lightly press my lips to hers.
There’s nothing hurried or rushed about this kiss. No expectations or baggage. It’s pure and perfect. Like all good firsts should be.
Her lips are soft and full, and I don’t bother trying to keep this chaste. Not when her hands coil around my shoulders and her fingers stroke my hair in a slow rhythm.
She opens her mouth, an invitation I accept as I sweep my tongue over hers. A soft moan escapes the space between our lips and I’m not sure if it came from her or me. Or both of us.
Her tongue finds mine and I let her explore a moment before taking control again. With my hand on her cheek, I angle her head, wanting … no, needing, to deepen this kiss.
Using her hands, she encourages me to take the final step to bring us on to the same level. I don’t stop there, instead backing her up until she’s against the wall of the entry. Sliding my knee between her legs, I shift her thigh to my hip. It would be so easy to lift her dress and feel her bare skin under my palm, but I’m trying to be a gentleman.
Her nails scrape my scalp as she slowly grinds against my leg.
So much for a polite, early goodnight kiss.
A car drives down the street, the headlights sweeping away the shadows creating a sense of privacy.
I establish a sliver of space between our lips. “We should probably walk the dogs?”
“Huh? I don’t have any dogs.” She tries to recapture my mouth.
“Hunter and Nell? You’re dog sitting?
Slowly, she blinks at me. “Oh, right.”
“Or we could spend the rest of the night kissing on the steps.” I demonstrate this option by pressing my lips to hers again.
“Mmm, I like option two.” She kisses me back, her hands sneaking into the rear pockets of my jeans. When she squeezes my ass, I stop trying to put the brakes on this.
After another minute of making out, I groan with some deep restraint that decides to show up. “We should walk the dogs. I’m trying to be a gentleman and I’ve already blown the goodnight kiss.”
Leaning away, I can see her lips are swollen and deeper rose from my mouth. Her cheeks flush and her eyes are glassy. She looks thoroughly turned on. And I’m going to walk away in order to keep my promise to get to know her before I get her naked.
Chapter 18
Zoe
Three days later, I’m still spinning from Justin’s goodnight kiss.
Mother of pearl buttons, the man can kiss.
I’d worried he’d be all about speed and quick moves the way he is in the rodeo.
Nope.
Justin’s kisses are slow and deliberate. Like he’s thought about, planned for it, and practiced long and hard.
Oh, yeah. That too. Although I’m not surprised. Not after watching him in those chaps and Wranglers.
Pretty amazing he doesn’t walk bow-legged.
Being the gentleman he is, he waited outside for me to collect the dogs and their leashes. Smart man probably knew my restraint was as thin as the oxygen around here.
I should’ve cancelled plans with Mara and hung out with Justin today. I’ve thought about it. I can go horseback riding with her some other time. This is his last day off for more than a week and he’s going to be out of town every night but Wednesday.
Did I ditch my friend for a hot cowboy? No.
Instead, I’m dressed in black jeans and tall brown boots with Mae’s chambray shirt over a white T-shirt. It’s the horsiest outfit in my closet. These are my least favorite jeans, so if I have to burn them after today, I’m okay with that.
Yeah, I don’t have high hopes for me on the back of a horse.
Mara picks me up in her sensible CRV. In the backseat she has a bag of apples and carrots.
“Did you bring us snacks?” I ask, reaching for an apple.
“Those aren’t for you. They’re bribes.”
“For who?”
“The horses. I want my horse to like me, so she doesn’t try to kill me. I figured I’d buy her affection with treats. Like I do with the cats.”
“Those boys have murder in their hearts. No way a few kitty treats would stand between you and death.”
“Aww, they can be sweet.”
Notice she doesn’t deny the hearts full of killing wishes.
“Are you willing to share with me? What if my horse gets jealous and hates me?”
“Guess you should’ve planned ahead and brought some sugar cubes.” She follows the rotary around to the left, the direction not heading back to Snowmass.
“You and Neil obviously fell into a comfortable rut. Now’s your c
hance to shake things up. Do stuff that you wouldn’t normally do. What scares you? Do that. Unless it involves something that might actually kill you. You don’t have to go crazy.”
Allowing her words to settle, I steal an apple from the backseat. My own heart squeezes with the truth of her words. “What do you recommend, oh wise one?”
“Say yes. When a new opportunity presents itself, say yes. Do things you’ve never done before.”
“Like horseback riding?”
Her lips press into a firm line. “Sure.”
“Get us a pair of stallions.” Her boyfriend is hot, but my thoughts are of Justin.
“Hell no, there’s no way I’m riding a stallion. I’m only agreeing if the horse is old and arthritic.”
Tilting my head, I give her a sympathetic smile. “We might have to fight each other for the oldest and slowest horse. I’ve never been riding before.”
“You told the cowboy it’s been a while.”
“I stretched the truth. I’ve never been. Unless a carousel horse counts.”
Her eyes widen. “I fell off a merry-go-round once. Reaching for the brass ring, I lost my balance and slid off the side. The ride had to be stopped and everyone complained. I think a few kids even booed.”
“Wait, this is why you don’t like horses?” I have to lean against the door to stare at her fully enough to express my shock.
“First of many.” Her voice is serious.
“You know those aren’t real horses, right? Neither are the pony rides outside grocery stores.”
“Shut up.”
“Maybe we can find you a little pony to ride. Or even better, an ass. I want a unicorn with a rainbow horn and sparkles.” It’s Aspen, anything is possible.
Mara nods in agreement. “I’m only riding a unicorn.”
As we pass Aspen Highlands and begin winding up in elevation, I ask, “Where exactly are we taking these riding lessons?”
She grins, pleased with her choice. “The Easy Z! When I saw the name, I took it as a good omen.”
“Turn the car around. Or pull over so I can throw myself out. You don’t have to stop. Just slow down so I don’t break anything major.” I grip the door handle.
I feel the car slow as she brakes.
My eyes widen as I think she’s taking me seriously. “I wasn’t serious about leaping from a moving vehicle.”
“Oh no. What’s wrong with the Easy Z? Do they abuse their animals?”
Ever since Mara visited the local dog sled kennel earlier this year to make sure the dogs are well cared for, she’s on a personal campaign to protect all the four-legged residents in the valley. The woman has a huge heart when it comes to animals.
“Justin runs the ranch.”
She glances at me. “Who’s that?”
“Hot cowboy. Belt Buckle.” My stomach churns with nerves.
“Ooh,” she whispers.
“We had a date on Thursday.”
“It didn’t go well?” She frowns with sympathy.
“A little rocky at times, but overall amazing.”
“Then why aren’t you excited about seeing him?”
“I am, but I don’t want him to think I’m a stalker by showing up randomly where he lives.” Or randomly being at a rodeo out of town. Or running into him on a trail.
“Not random. We have a reservation for two lessons. He probably won’t even be around. I doubt Colorado’s Cowboy of the Year gives beginner riding lessons.”
She makes a good point. My anxiety eases a little as we approach the beginning of the ranch’s fence.
We can probably have our lesson, live to tell about it, and leave without Justin ever knowing I was here. It’s a solid, realistic plan.
By the time we pull into the dirt and gravel parking area, I’m convinced Justin will never know I’ve been here.
Still, I glance at the log cabins scattered among the thin pine trees, wondering which one is his.
We find the sign for the office and follow a short path leading toward the barns. Mara stops to say good morning to three pygmy goats and a pair of alpacas. For a woman who lives above goats and other animals, she’s pretty excited to meet some new animals.
A young blond guy in worn jeans and a green plaid shirt comes flying out of the office, screen door slamming behind him. Unfortunately, he doesn’t see us and slams into me, sending us both sprawling. I land on my ass and he tumbles over me before catching himself on his hands. We look like we’re playing an impromptu game of Twister, without the mat. Half on top of me, his legs arch over mine.
“Don’t slam the damn screen doors,” a woman’s voice yells from across the compound.
“Shit, shit, and shit.” Cowboy pushes off his hands and stands, scooping up his straw hat from the ground. “I’m so sorry, ma’am.”
Brushing off his palms on his jeans, he extends a hand to help me up. I accept the gesture and stand.
“For knocking me down or calling me ma’am?” I ask.
Mara giggles.
His cheeks flush. “Both? I’m sorry. Are you okay, miss?”
“I think so.” Sweeping my hands over my ass and hips, I check for bruises. My tailbone is a little tender, but I’ll live.
“Are you here for the riding lesson?” he asks
“We are. Two beginners under the name Keeley,” Mara replies.
If possible, the ruddy color on his cheeks deepens.
“I’m your instructor. Jeb.” He extends his hand. “I was just running back to my cabin to grab some gum before we started.”
Gum? Why exactly does he need fresh breath for a riding lesson?
“I have some in my bag.” Mara roots around in her bag and pulls out a packet. “Never leave home without it.”
Jeb takes two pieces and I wonder how he’s going to speak around the wad of gum.
I try to catch Mara’s attention. Jeb’s weird. Cute, but he called me ma’am. Do I look like a ma’am? Maybe I do.
“Want to meet your horses?” Jeb gives us a friendly grin. Evidently, he’s already moved on from our awkward first encounter.
“Shouldn’t we start with the basics? Maybe work with a dummy horse? Or a saddle on a stump?” Mara twists a curl around her finger. “Not sure I’m ready for real horses yet.”
Jeb studies her and then me. “The reservation didn’t mention you’re afraid of horses.”
“Not afraid. I have a deep respect for them. From afar.” Mara points to the parking lot.
“Maybe pretend we’ve never met a horse before and start there?” I suggest.
Jeb nods. “Um, sure.”
“We brought treats.” Mara lifts the canvas tote. “Apples and carrots because I wasn’t sure what they’d like.”
“The horses?” Jeb’s confident smile wavers.
“I tried to eat an apple on the way here and got my hand slapped. If you want one, I can create a distraction,” I say, stepping away from Mara.
“Okay then.” Jeb rubs his hands together and then claps once. “Maybe we’ll begin with introducing the tack.”
We follow him into a room in the barn filled with horse equipment. Ropes, reins, pads, blankets, bits, saddles, and harnesses line the room. One wall has a row of hooks with what appear to be whips.
“No chains?” I ask.
Mara elbows me in the side.
“What?” I whisper. “Come one, we saw that movie together. No way your mind didn’t go to the red room, too.”
Jeb’s pretending he’s talking to children as he performs a simple show and tell about each item.
“Are we in charge of dressing our horses?” Mara asks.
“No, they’re tacked and ready for you.”
“Great!” Mara gives him a thumbs-up.
“How about we go over to the ring and you can check out our group riding class?” He picks up two helmets off the shelf and hand them to us.
We agree, and he leads us over to a fence surrounding a dirt riding ring. On the way over, I notice a calf dummy
and my mind immediately conjures images of Justin with a rope in his hand. Not paying attention to my footing because I’m having dirty thoughts, I misstep and trip on air.
Okay, focus, Zoe.
Inside the fencing, a group of kids in helmets confidently steer their horses around the circle. In the middle, a woman in a cowboy hat and an outfit similar to Jeb’s shouts instructions and praise.
“How long have they been riding?” I ask.
“About a month.”
“Are you kidding? Look how fast they’re going!” Mara’s voice shakes with nerves.
“You’d be surprised how quickly you’ll learn,” Jeb says, his confident smile returning.
She presses her lips together. “We’ll see.”
“Ready to get in the saddle?” he asks.
Mara and I stare at each other. I shrug.
Jeb fidgets with his cuffs. “I won’t force you. How about we meet them and you can decide then?”
In contrast to the junior equestrians, we’re two nervous old nellies.
Reluctantly we agree and trail behind him to a smaller ring holding two horses.
“Meet Dolly and Loretta, the sweetest horses on the ranch.” Jeb swings his arm in a broad arc, in case we missed the large brown beasts with black manes.
Mara and I both wave at the horses.
They turn and whinny at us, loping over to the fence where we stand. They don’t stop until they can hang their heads over the top rung, sniffing and studying us.
I take a giant step back and feel Mara move behind me.
“Might be a good time for those treats,” Jeb says with a laugh, petting the nose of one of the horses.
Taking a carrot from the bag, I hold it out like Justin taught me. Soft velvet brushes my palm as one of the horses eats from my hand.
“Dolly likes you.”
I glance at Jeb who is focused on helping Mara.
“How’d you know carrots are her favorites?” a familiar deep voice asks from my other side.
Leaning on the fence, Justin grins at me. “Can’t say I’m not a little jealous you came to my ranch to see Dolly and not me.”
“I …”
Wild for You Page 13
