by Holly Rayner
It was something she’d been aching to do, but the previous night just didn’t seem like the right time. He released her hands and wrapped her in his arms, encasing her with his warmth. When she finally stepped back from his embrace, she was practically seeing stars.
“Yes. That helps,” she said, breathless.
“Good,” he said with a nod.
He took her hand in his again and they continued walking until they reached the other side of the park. As they strolled down a sidewalk, the sound of a twangy country tune floated around them, and Marianne stopped.
Jay turned to her, confused.
“Do your plans involve anything particularly elaborate or special?” she asked.
He shrugged.
“I suppose not. I know another restaurant that I thought you’d like,” he said.
Marianne grinned up at him impishly.
“Perfect. Change of plans. Follow me,” she said.
She tugged at his hand, and he followed her as she led them down a side street, where the country music grew louder. At the end of the alley they reached a dingy hole-in-the-wall bar with actual saloon doors at the entrance.
“Right this way, sir,” she said in a posh voice.
Jay laughed as she pressed open the wooden flap and then led the way inside the actual bar, which did include a proper door to keep out inclement weather.
It was one of Marianne’s favorite old haunts. There was a large wooden dance floor in the middle, and a mechanical bull on the side surrounded by mats for all the riders that would inevitably fall off. Large bull horns dominated the space above the bar, which was stocked with every possible local beer available.
“Welcome to the Friendly Bull,” Marianne said, looking up at Jay.
His expression was hard to read. She couldn’t tell if he liked it or not, but she decided to keep up with her plan.
Jay Parish could use a little cowboy excursion outside of that ivory tower.
She led the way to the bar and ordered them a pair of beers from her favorite brewery. When they arrived, she lifted her frothy glass.
“To adventure,” she said.
Jay lifted his glass and clinked it against hers, then took a sip. She watched as his eyes widened.
“This is outstanding,” he said.
“It’s not exactly high-class,” she said, “But it’s delicious.”
Jay took another drink as the band on stage picked up another tune. The after-work crowd cheered, and several people ran onto the dance floor. Marianne plucked Jay’s drink from his hand and set it on the bar.
“This is what we came here for. Get ready for some fun!” she said.
Her smile was wild as she grabbed his hand and tugged him onto the dance floor, where several lines had formed.
“Marianne, I don’t think…”
“Shh,” she said. “Don’t think!”
He considered that for only a moment before the line began to move. Everyone knew the steps except for Jay, who stumbled over his feet a bit as Marianne laughed and focused on teaching him the rhythm.
After a few refrains, Marianne was surprised to see how quickly Jay picked it up. He danced alongside her, kicking his heels up and to the side as they did the steps and turned, then did them again. Marianne laughed, her heart racing, her body pulsing with joy as Jay smiled down at her as the song came to an end.
She tumbled right into his arms, laughing.
“That was fun,” he said.
He sounded surprised, as though he could have never imagined line dancing to be something anyone would actually enjoy. Marianne straightened up and glanced in the direction of the mechanical bull.
“You think that was fun? I dare you to try that,” she said.
Jay cast a wary glance at the bull, then back down at Marianne, who crossed her arms with a challenge in her gaze.
He narrowed his eyes.
“Only if you do it with me.”
Marianne blinked.
“Uh, no,” she said.
“Oh, come on!” he said with a laugh. “You have all this bravado making me do it, but you’re not brave enough to do it yourself?”
Marianne glared at him playfully, then stomped off in the direction of the bull with him right behind her. When they reached the door, the operator opened it up for them to mount the bull.
“Ladies first,” Jay said, gesturing for her to sit.
Marianne placed her foot on the bull’s stirrup and flawlessly mounted. Jay was up behind her in a blink, and the feel of his body right behind her sent shivers down her spine. He reached around to grab onto the handle in front of her.
“Don’t fall,” he whispered in her ear.
She leaned back against him a little closer and gripped the handle.
At first, the bull moved slow, gently rising and falling. The operator pressed his buttons, increasing the jerking motion as Jay held tight to keep them secure. Marianne could feel her grip loosening and she laughed as she held tight to Jay’s arms.
“I’m not going to make it!” she cried.
He released the handle and together they landed on the mat in a heap, laughing until it hurt.
Marianne realized then that Jay was nearly on top of her, his face just above hers. He gazed down into her eyes as their laughing died down, and he ran a tender hand through her hair before he kissed her.
“No time for that,” the operator said. “Next in line!”
Jay grinned at Marianne as he held out a hand to help her up. Together, they stepped out from the bull-riding pit and back into the bar.
“That was amazing,” Jay said.
“I’m glad you liked it,” Marianne replied.
When he gazed down at her, Marianne could see some kind of plan forming behind his beautiful blue eyes.
“Now, it’s my turn. Ready to try something new?” he asked.
She beamed up at him, loving every minute she got to spend in his presence.
“Always,” she said.
She couldn’t wait to see what came next.
Chapter 20
Jay
Jay reached for Marianne’s hand and dashed out the western-style doors. He was a man on a mission, and he would not be deterred. Marianne kept pace with him, her hand perfectly melded into his.
For the first time in his entire life, Jay felt truly alive.
They crossed back through the park as the sun crested the horizon, casting a creamy glow all around them. Jay reached the parking garage and headed right for his black sports car, which was in its usual presidential spot. He unlocked the car and opened the passenger side for Marianne.
“Madame,” he said, gesturing grandly.
Marianne giggled and slid inside.
“Thank you,” she said.
“You’re most welcome,” he replied.
Once she was securely in, he closed her door and made quick work of jumping in beside her. The car was out of the garage and zooming along the highway within minutes.
“This looks familiar,” Marianne said.
Jay nodded.
“It will be, a little. There’s just something I really want to show you.”
When he glanced over at Marianne, he was glad to see her looking content and happy beside him. For so long this was all he’d ever wanted—someone to share in the joys of life. He indulged in the feeling of satisfaction it brought to bring happiness to Marianne’s life, and he dearly hoped that she would enjoy this surprise as well.
He pulled off the highway and headed to his manor gate, typing in the code so they could drive through. He pulled up to the front of the house and turned off the engine, turning to face Marianne.
“Ready?” he asked.
She lifted an eyebrow at him.
“I think so?” she said.
“This way,” he said.
He stepped out of the car, and Marianne joined him by the front door. When he opened the door for her, she was slow to step inside, gazing all around her as she entered.
&nb
sp; “This is your house? It looks like a museum!” she said.
“My parents were very fond of historic monuments, and they wanted to have a cultured vibe to the estate,” he said.
“So I see,” Marianne breathed.
It had never happened to Jay before, so the sensation was strange, but was that…embarrassment? He wasn’t quite sure. He felt heat rising in his cheeks as he waved off the elegant space.
“Yes, well. I don’t spend much time here, really. It’s so big for one person that it’s very easy to feel alone.”
Marianne nodded, her gaze still admiring the view around them.
“Yes, I could see that,” she said, her voice soft.
“Anyway, the house isn’t what I wanted to show you,” he said.
She cast him a curious glance as he led the way toward the back of the house, through several hallways and past a small dining room.
“This is unreal,” Marianne said, her voice filled with wonder.
Jay reached the back set of French doors and tossed them open, revealing the vast grounds of the estate as well as a large white barn.
The scent of hay floated on the air as the sun continued to set, the sky turning various shades of creamy orange.
“You have horses?” Marianne asked, clapping her hands together.
Thank goodness.
He grinned down at her and gestured in the direction of the stables.
“Yes, I do. Care to go for a ride?”
Her eyes were wide as saucers as she looked up at him.
“I haven’t ridden since I was a girl. I’ve dreamed of getting back on a horse.”
“Then let’s make that dream a reality,” Jay said.
He gripped her hand again and together they crossed the neatly mowed lawn until they reached the barn door. When Jay pulled it open, the sound of nickering and whinnies met them.
Marianne wasted no time. She walked right up to a stable as a brown horse’s head poked out. She reached out and patted the horse’s nose, gently stroking the length of her face.
“That’s Peach,” Jay said. “She’s definitely a social one.”
“I can tell,” Marianne said with a laugh.
Peach nuzzled her ear, eliciting even more giggles from her.
A huff from the other side of the stables drew Jay’s attention, and the large black stallion responsible stamped his hoof in protest.
“I know, I know. I’m sorry Weston.”
“Weston?” Marianne said. She glanced over at the large black horse and gasped.
“Oh. He’s beautiful,” she said.
“He’s mad at me,” Jay said.
“Why?” Marianne said.
Jay walked over and gently patted Weston’s silky-smooth nose. The horse allowed him the gesture, which was a sign that he wasn’t completely unforgiving of Jay’s neglect.
“I don’t spend much time here, either. I have a few folks come in every day to care for the horses and make sure they get the grazing and exercise they need, but I can’t remember the last time I’ve ridden.”
“Then why do you have them?” she asked.
Jay’s gaze grew distant as he looked from Peach to Weston.
“My mother adored horses,” he said. “This was her legacy. She had the barn built and spent a lot of her life collecting rescues or adopting retired city horses. Peach was a city horse for much of her life before she joined us here. I don’t usually have a lot of time to ride them, but I like to keep up my mother’s wish of saving as many horses as I can.”
Marianne blinked several times.
“Are you all right?” he asked.
“Yes,” she said. “I think I just got some hay in my eye.”
He had a suspicion that she was lying, but he let it slide.
“Would you like to go for an evening ride, before it gets too dark?”
She brightened at that. “Of course!”
“Good. Can you hand me that bridle over there?”
Jay then gave Marianne a brief instruction on how to prepare a horse for riding. Together they cleaned out the horses’ shoes, gave them a good brush, and then saddled them up. Marianne led Peach out of the barn before Jay took Weston’s reins and stepped alongside them.
“Do you need help mounting?” he asked.
Marianne shook her head.
“If you didn’t notice, I’ve had experience with the mechanical bull.”
He grinned.
“You did look like quite the professional,” he observed.
She cast him a cocky grin and then slid her foot into the stirrup, launching up and into the saddle effortlessly.
It was impossible for Jay to be more impressed with this woman.
He followed suit, sliding into Weston’s saddle and finding his seat. He clicked his tongue and pressed his ankles against the horse’s side, and Weston began a gentle walk along the gravelly path. Marianne was beside him after a moment, and together, they rode the horses slowly as they made their way across a vast grassy field.
“Is this where they graze?” Marianne asked.
Jay shrugged.
“Sometimes. There’s another place for that. They like to go for runs around this field, so it’s best to keep it free of holes.”
Marianne nodded. They rode in comfortable silence, the sound of bullfrogs echoing around them in the surrounding woods. Fireflies blinked, casting an ethereal glow before dissolving into the darkness. Jay breathed in the scent of fresh earth and horses, relishing in the sensation of being out in nature with Marianne.
When he snuck a glance at her, he was happy to see her expression of pure peace and joy.
“You like this,” he said.
She glanced over at him, then looked ahead.
“I love it. I don’t understand how you couldn’t spend all of your time here.”
He sighed.
“This house is filled with memories. When I’m not being reminded of what I lost, I’m left alone with my thoughts, which are almost constantly focused on work and the chaos that I have no control over. It’s so maddening. I toss and turn, sleep a couple hours, and then head back into town to work out and get back to work.”
“That sounds awful,” Marianne said, casting a pitying glance at him.
The last thing he wanted was her pity.
“It’s of my own doing,” he said. “Once this retirement fiasco is over, perhaps I’ll sleep again.”
“I hope so,” she said.
He did, too.
They rode on in companionable silence. Jay couldn’t stop himself from watching her. The graceful movement of her hips as she rode in perfect harmony with the horse. Her shoulders were relaxed, her posture upright. She was absolutely lovely, and, cast in the glow of dusk, he couldn’t believe how beautiful she was.
“What kind of wedding would you want?” he asked.
That took her by surprise. She blinked again as she considered his question.
“Something intimate. I don’t mind a good number of people there, but I’d love it to be something special. Something meaningful.”
“So, you’d like to get married at Brunscorp?” he teased.
Her smile was distant as she kept her gaze ahead, the sun nearly set along the horizon before them.
“Not quite. Someplace just like this. A wide, open field, in nature, our closest family and friends here to just enjoy life and love…”
She glanced at him nervously and cleared her throat.
“Or, you know, whatever. I imagine we’ll figure out what we want to do. Depending on how much time you’ll have, it may be a quick town hall kind of situation.”
Her tone changed from dreamy to uncertain, and Jay almost regretted bringing up the subject.
Almost.
Now, he had some valuable information that he could perhaps use for later.
As the sun finally disappeared beneath the horizon, the world began to turn dark as stars sparkled against the early evening sky.
“We should head back,”
he said.
Marianne nodded, though her disappointment was apparent. He turned his horse around and she did the same.
He glanced over at her and smirked.
“Last one to the stable’s a rotten egg,” he said.
She looked at him and grinned.
“You’re on,” she said.
“On three. One, two, three!”
They both kicked their horses into high gear, Marianne galloping right alongside Jay. Her hair streamed behind her as she laughed, the sound echoing all around them. By the time they reached the stable they were neck and neck, and when they pulled to a stop, it was a clear tie.
“I suppose we’re both winners,” Marianne said.
“I guess so,” Jay agreed.
He stepped down from Weston’s back and walked over to help Marianne dismount. She placed both hands on his shoulders and he wrapped his hands on her waist as she slid down to the ground, her body pressed against his. When she looked up at him, starlight lit her eyes.
“Thanks,” she whispered.
“Any time,” he said, pressing a kiss against the line of her jaw.
He knew that if he let it go any further, there was a chance they would go a little too far. Stepping back, he put some space between them as he guided his horse back into the stable. Together, Jay and Marianne brushed and cleaned up each horse, settling them in for the night in their stalls.
Jay entered the tack shed and brought out some sugar cubes.
“A goodnight snack,” he said, dropping a few in Marianne’s open palm.
“Thanks for the ride,” she whispered to Peach as the horse nibbled the cubes from her hand.
Together, they walked out from the stables and headed back in the direction of the house.
“Would you like anything to drink or eat?” he asked.
Marianne shook her head.
“No, thank you. I should really be heading home. My mother made me promise not to stay out late on a work night.”
He glanced over at her with a grin.
“And you still take orders from your mom?”
Marianne’s returning smile was shy as she shrugged her shoulders.
“Mothers know best,” she said, then frowned.
“What’s the matter?” he asked.
“Nothing,” she said, though she said it a little too quickly to be believable.
