“She’s been excited from the minute I took the path leading over from Giggling Streams.” She pulled Moonlight to a halt as they neared the gate.
Adam didn’t have to do a thing. The moment Moonlight paused, so did Banjo.
Mila guided Sol over to the keypad post and tapped in the code. The double gate opened and all four horses trotted through, two abreast.
Tracy glanced over her shoulder as the gates closed behind them. “Those always make me think of your dad.”
“Me, too.”
“That goes for all of us,” Claudette tossed over her shoulder. “Dad purely hated opening and closing gates. Automating them made him happy.”
“And my folks were the opposite. I had to learn to properly open and close one before I was allowed to ride anywhere outside our fence.”
“It’s funny the things people argue about,” Mila said. “Mom was against those gates, too, but eventually Dad sweet-talked her into it. All except yours.”
“Because it would get caught on weeds and stuff.”
“No, because Mom told him it wouldn’t be neighborly to automate that one since your folks were so against the concept.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really,” Adam said. “He was all set to put one in and just make sure to mow over there regularly, but Mom convinced him not to.”
“Huh. I never knew that. Does she still disapprove of the gates?”
“No.” Mila’s voice softened. “She claims that’s because she’s getting lazy but we all know that’s not why.”
“I’ve always liked them,” Adam said. “I don’t mind opening a gate, but these provide a lot more security for the wild horses.” He glanced around. “Speaking of that, let’s keep an eye out for Batman and Robin.”
“We were planning to,” Mila said. “It’s good for them to get used to seeing us. Each time they’re a little less skittish. For that matter, keep your phones handy. There are still some horses we don’t have pictures of yet.”
“But let’s not forget the main reason we’re out here.” Claudette twisted in her saddle to look back at Adam. “You had anahamoment this morning while we were tacking up. Would you care to share it with us?”
“No.”
“That spicy, huh?”
Tracy’s pulse leaped. Adam was blushing. Holy hell.
“Honest to God, Claudie, I?—”
“Okay, okay. Never mind, but something popped into your brain that made you reconsider my forbidden fruit theory. I think Tracy needs to hear that.”
“I think she just did.”
His husky voice sent chills up and down her spine. Focusing on the snow-covered Flint Creek Range looming ahead of them, she struggled to breathe.
He’d been so adamant this morning that he’d never thought of her in sexual terms until New Year’s Eve. What had he remembered?
“I bring that up,” Claudette said, “because if you both agree that’s the case, we know what we’re dealing with and can talk about how to address it.”
She snuck a glance at Adam. Still flushed and not looking at her.
He swallowed. “That’s not all we’re dealing with. There’s a good chance Tracy’s in rebound mode and I was handy.”
“Ugh.” She dragged in air. “That sounds awful. Like I was just using you.” She turned to him and this time he was looking back. “But you could be right.”
His dark gaze gentled. “It’s okay.”
