“Tash!” came the voice shocking her back into the room.
Her startled expression made the others laugh at her.
“She is texting my dad, she always gets lost in it, but so does he. They get the same expression.” Lizzie laughed as Tasha stuck her tongue out at them.
“I’m going to get ready to go riding unless any of you have something of interest to say,” she grinned and jokingly flounced to the stairs and sent Jim a final text.
****
Having just returned from a very invigorating, if slightly uncomfortable ride, Tasha dismounted and noticed Jim watching her, making her smile. Pippa was still petting her mount lovingly while Dan and Lizzie had merely handed the reins over to the stable hands.
“You ride well,” came the southern drawl from behind her.
“Thank you,” smiled Tasha as she turned and came face to face with a broad, blond, blue eyed, tanned Adonis complete with cowboy hat.
“Travis,” was the extent of his introduction as he tipped his hat making her smile far more than she ought to at the sight of the real life cowboy before her.
“Tasha,” she replied, extending a hand.
“Your friend seems to have fallen for my friend, Draper,” said Travis.
Tasha stared at him for a few seconds before realising that he was referring to Pippa.
“My sister, actually and he is very handsome. Who wouldn’t fall for those big eyes and thick black hair?”
“Indeed, ma’am,” Travis agreed making her laugh at his term of address.
“Travis, you’ve met my fiancée,” came Jim’s voice as his hand slipped around her waist staking his claim to her she thought.
“Hi, Jim. I didn’t realise, but we’ve exchanged names.” Travis was apparently unfazed by Jim.
“How was your vacation?” asked Jim, seemingly friendly.
“Good. I just went home to see the folks and catch up with friends, but this place seems to have survived without me.” He smiled.
“Just, although Alexi was asking after you,” replied Jim.
“Yeah, well she’s family so she has to miss me.” Travis laughed with a slight cock of his head, suggesting he knew that Alexi’s love for him had nothing to do with blood ties.
“You’d think so, but we both know that she makes her own mind up on who she likes and who she misses. She loves Tasha.” Jim allowed his hand to drop across Tasha’s behind.
“Well, what’s not to love?” Travis stared at Tasha before looking back to Jim. “You are a very lucky man, congratulations on the engagement.”
