Colt bobbed his head in approval. “Nowthisis perfect driving music.”
To her chagrin, he proceeded to bellow the chorus with uninhibited gusto.
She suppressed a groan.
Based on the events ahead—not to mention the company—she had every reason to worry.
Chapter 9
To her immense surprise, prickles of excitement skittered up Penny’s spine as they stood outside the stables of Lupine Ridge Ranch waiting to saddle up.
Saddle up. She’d expected the prospect to fill her with dread, but she found herself brimming with unprecedented anticipation.
Maybe it had something to do with the intoxicating aroma of rich soil, sweet-smelling hay bales, and invigorating pine trees. Or the gorgeous, Pinterest-worthy property—acres of lush meadows, an exquisite two-story lodge, and a long row of elegant stables nestled beside a peaceful brook.
Whatever the reason, she’d never experienced this kind of exhilaration before. And she didn’t hate it.
To think, she’d almost nixed the idea. Partly because she’d wanted to dismiss everything on Colt’s list. Plus, the ranch technically sat halfway across the county line, making it a part of Poppy Creekandtheir sister town, Lupine Ridge. But since Burns had approved it, Colt wouldn’t let her back out. And while she hated to admit it, she admired his persistence.
As Penny snuck a glance in his direction, she caught him watching her.
“Excited?” His lips twitched, and Penny could sense anI told you socoming on.
She shrugged, playing it cool. “A little, maybe.”
“I thought you hated horses.” He leaned against the split-rail fence, his playful gaze holding hers.
“No. I hate snakes, piranhas, poisonous spiders, and confrontational kangaroos. Horses are fine. It’s being thrownoffthem I don’t particularly care for.”
Colt chuckled. “If it helps, we can request their shortest one. You know, to decrease the distance between you and the ground.”
“Gee, thanks.” Penny rolled her eyes but couldn’t help a smile. Not even Colt’s childishness could ruin her good mood.
She opened her mouth to make a sarcastic retort, but her words faltered as a tall, distractingly handsome man approached them from the stables. In his plaid shirt and fitted Wrangler jeans, he could star in a Stetson cologne commercial.
Colt noticed her flabbergasted expression and turned to follow her gaze.
A slow, friendly smile stretched across the man’s rugged, chiseled features. “You must be Colt and Penny. Welcome to the ranch. What do you think of it so far?”
“It’s breathtaking.” Penny found it difficult to tear her gaze from his gentle, honest eyes. Behind thick lashes, they shimmered a deep amber color that reminded her of black Darjeeling tea.
“Thank you kindly. I can’t take too much credit, though. It looked like this when I bought it.”
He exuded a genuine, humble warmth Penny found instantly appealing. And for a fleeting moment, she lamented her no-dating policy.
“You own this place?” Colt asked with a scrutinizing stare.
“Shoot. Where are my manners? I’m Hunter. Hunter West.” He offered his hand to Colt, who shook it reluctantly. “I bought the ranch a few years back from the original owner, Gus Walker. Are you two from around here?”
“We’re from the next town over.”
Penny didn’t want to read into anything, but the way Colt saidwealmost made it sound like they were a couple. And for some reason, she felt the need to clarify. “I live in Poppy Creek, where I run an antiques store. Colt’s visiting family for the summer. We’re actually writing an article on adventurous activities in the area for our town’s guidebook.”
“Well, you’ve come to the right place,” Hunter drawled with an effortless smile. “Have you been horseback riding before?”
“No, I haven’t,” Penny admitted.
“Then I’ll make sure you get my favorite mount.” He flashed his perfect teeth again. “Wait here. I’ll be back in two shakes of a lamb’s tail.”
