by Kate Pearce
“Profiles?”
“Yeah, you know, about their good and bad points. What kind of rider would suit them best, that kind of thing.”
“That’s a great idea.”
“Chase came up with it. He even created some kind of shared document where we can all upload our opinions about each horse, and then add to it when we get feedback from the guests.”
“He’s a smart guy.”
“Chase? Supersmart and super rich.”
She looked up at him, the horse forgotten. “Do you wish you’d gone to college like he did?”
“Nope. Not my thing.” He smiled down at her. “How about you?”
“I had a rodeo scholarship to a place in Texas, but obviously I couldn’t go.”
“That sucks.” He kissed her nose and then, more gently, her mouth.
She gave a quivery sigh and he kissed her again, licking the seam of her lips until she opened her mouth to him. He dove in, seeking her warmth, pressing her closer to him as he explored and luxuriated in her unique taste.
His hat fell off as she shoved a hand into his hair, scraping her nails against his scalp, making him arch his back and purr . . .
A long, wet lick to his ear made him jerk away to find Dolittle right in his face. He shoved the horse’s head away.
“You have terrible timing, dude.”
Avery’s laugh was shaky. “But a much longer tongue.” She attempted to pull out of his embrace, and he immediately let her go. “I’ll stand over there.”
“How about you go grab my saddle blanket and meet me by the mounting block?”
“Sure. Where is it?”
“In the tack room, hanging on the appropriately named pegs since Chase got in there and put everything in order.”
Her laugh this time was more genuine, but then she was walking away from him and the horse, right down the center of the barn, which meant she was going by eleven occupied stalls. He held his breath as she slowed and a few inquisitive heads popped out to watch her progress. But she kept going and he got down to the business of coaxing Dolittle out of his stall and into the sunlight.
She met him outside and placed the blanket beside his saddle, keeping well clear of Dolittle, who had immediately gone back to sleep the moment Ry tied him up.
“Thanks.”
“You weren’t kidding about the tack being organized, were you? I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Ry threw the blanket on Dolittle’s back. “We used to keep all the blankets in one big pile and hang the saddles and bridles wherever we found a space. Chase said we needed a more organized system, especially when the guests arrive, and made us redo the whole thing.”
“It’s kind of neat.”
“I know, but don’t tell him I said that.” He checked the blanket was level and then hefted the saddle on top of it before automatically checking the cinch and the length of the stirrups. “Want to hand me the bridle?”
He reached out his hand, keeping his back to her, and smiled as it landed in his palm the right way up, the reins trailing neatly on the ground. “Thanks.”
Dolittle yawned, and Ry slipped the bit between his teeth, fastening the leather straps in place.
“Damn.” He held on to the reins. “I left my saddlebags on the kitchen table.”
“I suppose you want me to hold the horse while you go and get them.”
He stiffened at her sharp reply and turned to study her. All Avery’s ease had disappeared. Her arms were crossed over her chest and her tone was downright dripping with sarcasm underpinned with a whole lot of fear.
He blinked at her. “I was going to ask you to go fetch them, actually.”
She let out a breath. “Sorry, I’ve had too many well-meaning people play stupid tricks on me with horses.”
“I said I wouldn’t do that.”
She stomped off toward the house, leaving him looking at Dolittle. “She’s a tough crowd.” The horse chewed on his bit as if he was contemplating his answer. “We’re going to have to take this slow, okay? Which should be a piece of cake for you, seeing as slow is your middle name.”
Ry checked the cinch and all the buckles again, untied Dolittle, and walked him up and down beside the barn.
“I’ve got your saddlebags.”
He turned slowly, keeping his body in between Avery and the horse. He hoped they hadn’t been too heavy for her to carry. Keeping his promise not to leave her alone with the horse had seemed the most important thing to honor. “You’re a sweetheart. Ruth really doesn’t like it when we bring the horses into the house; otherwise I would’ve gone myself.”
“So she said.” Avery slung the saddlebags over the fence. “She also said to tell you your memory is terrible, and that she made you beef sandwiches.”
“What a woman.” Dropping the reins to the ground, which was Dolittle’s signal to stand, Ry picked up the saddlebags and attached them to the back of his saddle. With one last covert look at Avery, who seemed to be doing okay, he mounted up and tipped his Stetson low over his eyes against the glare.
“Where are you working today?”
Good, she was still talking to him. “Up by Morgansville.”
“You’re running cattle there?”
“No, we, along with the ‘save the ghost town’ historical society, are working on ways to keep them out. We’re mapping out fences and boundary lines for what land is going to be left untouched, and what land we can use for grazing.” He hesitated. “Want to come along?”
“I’m not riding up there with you, Ry.”
“I meant in your car.”
“Not on that road.” She paused. “You really mean it about not scaring me, don’t you?”
“Yeah.”
“It’s very kind of you, but I’m not going to change my mind.”
“We’ll see.” He blew her a kiss and reined Dolittle back just to remind him who was boss. “Have a nice day.”
With a click and a nudge with his heels, Ry moved Dolittle off in the right direction, leaving Avery standing there in front of the barn. Ry could’ve sworn her mouth was hanging open. He patted the horse.
“Good job, buddy. Just keep on being your dozy, nonthreatening self, and we’ll have her eating out of your hand within a week.”
Chapter Eight
Avery hugged Marley hard. After her tumultuous day at the ranch she’d woken to find her sister had returned to her family home. “It’s so good to have you back.”
Her baby sister, who was at least five inches taller than her, kissed the top of her head. “It’s nice to be home.”
Marley dumped her backpack on the bed and surveyed the small attic bedroom. “I don’t suppose Dad’s had an epiphany and put air-con in up here?”
“Nope. Not for family.” Avery moved over to open one of the sash windows. “But you do have cross ventilation.”
She sat on the bed as Marley unpacked the basics from her backpack with her usual calm efficiency. Her brown hair had been layered and lightened to a soft gold that Avery wondered if she could carry off herself. But would she be willing to keep it looking as good as Marley did? She had a feeling it involved more than just shampoo, conditioner, and a comb.
The rest of Marley’s stuff was en route from her college digs and would arrive the next day. She’d persuaded some poor guy to drive it down for her.
“How are you doing?” Marley flopped down on the bed beside Avery.
“I’m good.”
“Mom said you were working up at Morgan Ranch?”
“I’m coordinating Chase Morgan’s wedding.”
“Chase is getting married?” Marley pouted. “Damn, I was hoping I was the only one who’d seen his potential, and that he was up there waiting for me.”
“You’re too late. He’s not only superhot now, but super rich.”
“So I heard. Is his fiancée nice?”
“January’s lovely. You’ll like her a lot.”
Marley avoided Avery’s gaze and smoothed a hand over
the pillow. “So you’re okay about me muscling in on the family business?”
“The hotel stuff? Sure. I’ve been doing it for quite a while. I can help you get up to speed pretty fast.”
“You’re really okay about it? I could probably find a job somewhere else if it bothers you. You’ve done a great job getting the Hayes family into the twenty-first century as it is.”
“I’m good.” Avery hoped she sounded as certain as she felt. “I want you to be successful as well.”
“Then I’ll do my best to follow in your footsteps.” Marley grinned. “Dad won’t know what’s hit him.”
“Good.” Avery smiled back. “You show him.”
Marley started talking about all the things she intended to change, and Avery sat back and listened. She had no doubt her sister would shake things up.
Marley was something of a perfectionist. Her drive would free Avery up to work on the Morgan wedding, which was becoming more complicated every day. With Marley on board at the hotel, Avery would be able to spend two or three full days up at the ranch on double pay.
Chase had given her office privileges in the newly constructed welcome center, which had high-speed internet and excellent cell reception. How he’d managed that on a ranch in the middle of nowhere she had no idea, but she wasn’t about to complain. It was much easier to coordinate her efforts from the ranch than she’d anticipated. And then there was the added attraction of a certain soft-spoken cowboy.
In her head, she couldn’t stop replaying his kisses—the way he’d focused entirely on her, the lush taste of him . . .
Marley stood up. “I’m ready to start right now, sis.”
Avery groaned and hauled herself off the bed. “I’d forgotten what you’re like. Let’s start with a tour of the place to meet the new staff, and then you can take it from there.”
* * *
Later that day as she drove up to the ranch, Avery smiled as she remembered how quickly her sister had fitted in. Marley was not only smart, but very likeable, and had made a great first impression on everyone. Avery didn’t mind one bit, which was something of a surprise. It made her feel less guilty about wanting to be up at the ranch.
She parked in front of the house next to Ry’s old truck and went down toward the barn. The new welcome center was right behind it, and wide paths connected the house, the barn, and the as-yet-tobe-constructed guest cabins. The center had been designed to fit in with the original clapboard house and barn and, to Avery’s amusement, looked as if it had always been there.
It was quiet, and Avery decided to take the shortcut through the middle of the barn between the stalls. She’d started doing it as a kind of test for herself, and now didn’t even notice the number of horses she had to pass. It wasn’t as if she was going to jump on one and start riding again, but at least she wasn’t frightened every time one of them moved.
Progress was progress. She’d learned that the hard way.
The last stall was empty, and, hearing voices, Avery carried on walking until she came out into the paved yard between the barn and the fenced pasture. The area had been extended to meet up with the welcome center and now held new hitching posts and mounting blocks for the anticipated dude-ranch guests.
Both Ry and his horse had their backs to her and she paused to admire the sight of her favorite cowboy talking away to Dolittle as he brushed him down. The saddle and bridle were sitting on the fence, and from the muddied state of the horse, it looked as if they’d already been out.
“I think you need a bath, old fella.” Ry smoothed a hand down the horse’s neck. “Let me get the hose.”
Avery stayed where she was as he turned toward the corner of the barn where the hose was connected to a standing pipe, and turned the water on. It was no hardship watching him work with the big animal. He talked more to the horse than he did to most people, and his voice was so soothing she was more than willing to fall under his spell.
She still wasn’t sure how her friendly feelings for him had evolved into something quite different. She felt . . . safe. But a few kisses—outstanding as they had been—didn’t make a relationship.
“Grab me a bucket and some soap, would you, Avery?”
She jumped as he addressed her directly, and checked the time. She should’ve known he would spot her. She was early, and there was no reason why she couldn’t help out—except it meant getting closer to the horse. Without answering him, she backtracked to the tack room and found what he needed, along with a couple of sponges and cloths. When she got back he was gently playing the water around Dolittle’s hocks and feet, getting rid of the worst of the muck.
“Thanks. He’s scared of the bucket, so when you bring it round here could you put it on a cloth?”
Avery tightened her grip on the handle. “Where exactly do you want it?”
He looked up and her throat tightened as she realized his shirt was unbuttoned, displaying his chest and tight abs. It was a riveting sight. For a second she imagined grabbing the hose and directing the water at his chest, and lower, until he had no choice but to strip naked and let her towel him dry . . .
“Avery?”
She averted her gaze from his chest to the hose. “Yeah?”
“You okay? Dolittle’s not going anywhere, I promise.”
He thought she was scared of the horse. For the first time in years he was wrong. She was more scared by the throb of excitement running through her.
“I’m fine. Where do you want me to put the bucket?”
“Over here beside the fence.”
“Sure.”
She walked in a wide circle around the horse, and carefully placed the bucket on top of one of the cloths she’d brought out with her.
“Thanks.” He turned toward her and used the hose to fill up the bucket, adding some soap as the level rose. “It’s all good. Dolittle’s tied up. He’s not getting loose at any time.”
“Okay.” Avery took two careful steps back, her gaze drifting to Ry’s chest where a happy trail of golden hair disappeared down into his jeans. He was a good man in so many ways. He’d kept his promise and never once tried to force her to come anywhere near his horse.
He dunked one of the sponges in the bucket and straightened, rubbing his palm over his collarbone, which almost pushed his shirt off his muscled shoulder. She knew cowboys were fit—especially the ones who competed—but she hadn’t seen one up close and personal for quite a while, and the sight was mouthwateringly good.
Or maybe it was because it was Ry . . .
He came toward her, his gaze steady, and started stripping off his shirt. His jeans were held up with a leather belt with a modest silver buckle on it proclaiming him runner-up in some long-forgotten rodeo. And why was she staring at his belt buckle?
“Better take my shirt off before I ruin it and Ruth kills me.” He hung it on the gatepost beside her. “You sure you’re okay? You’re making me look like the chatty one, here.”
Reaching out one trembling hand, she touched the curve of his bicep with her fingertip, and he went still.
“Avery . . .”
With a soft groan he leaned into the press of her fingers, his muscles bunching under his sun-warmed skin. She got a firm grip of his upper arm and reeled him in. The sudden heat and press of his naked chest against her was a delicious shock, as were his lips as they met hers in a deep and thorough kiss.
She slid her hand up his arm to his shoulder and just held on as the kiss turned molten, pressing her body against his, all too aware of the rigid length trapped within his jeans between them. His hands moved over her back, molding her against him, soft to hard, demanding heat to her yielding welcome.
“God . . .” she whimpered against his mouth as he hitched her higher against him, her back to the fence post, her right thigh falling to the side so that he could rub himself harder against her denim-covered core.
He was like a drug—so important to her right now that breathing, standing, and maybe even wearing clothes seemed l
ike stupid ideas. Oh God, if he kept that up she was going to . . .
“Don’t stop.” She moaned as his hips rocked into hers. Her fingers tangled with the back of his belt, locking him against her, keeping him exactly where she needed him.
“Yeah,” he breathed, and rolled his hips. “Not stopping sounds good right now.”
She barely heard him, her focus all on the incredible, unbelievable evidence that she was about to come right here, right now. She flattened her palm against his ass and climaxed, gasping her pleasure into his mouth as she shuddered and rocked against him.
Oh dear God . . .
It took her a long time to peel her eyes open, and even longer to extract her nails from his skin and lower her right leg to the ground. Around them the birds still sang, the chickens pecked away around her feet, and . . . someone was walking down from the house.
Avery shoved hard at Ry’s chest and he stumbled backward, his golden eyes dazed, his mouth reddened from her kisses.
“What’s wrong?”
“Someone’s coming!” she hissed.
He blinked and looked down at himself, one hand cupping the hard evidence of his arousal.
“Crap,” he muttered and picked up the bucket of cold water. She winced as he doused himself with it, shivering with the shock.
“You okay there, son?” Billy called out as he came out of the barn with Roy. Both of them stopped to look at Ry.
“I picked up the wrong bucket of water,” Ry said. “Didn’t mean to freeze my assets off.”
Roy cackled. “That’ll teach you.” He tipped his hat to Avery. “Morning, my dear. Don’t leave that horse standing around too long, will you, Ry? There’s a cold wind blowing through.”
Billy winked at her as they both went into the welcome center, leaving her alone with Ry and the horse.
“I’m sorry,” Avery blurted out.
“For what?” Ry gave a convulsive shiver.
She gestured at his now soaked jeans. “I didn’t mean—”
“To turn me on?” He grabbed one of the cloths and mopped his face before looking at her. “You do that without even trying. Turning you on—now that’s way more exciting.”
