I whip around and look up into the amused eyes of my new roommate.
Roommate.
I shake my head. I still can’t believe that word applies to Jared and me.
“Morning.” Jared’s dark eyes fix only on me.
His hair is messily sexy.
He’s dressed casually.
So. Very. Casually.
Black jacket. Blue jeans. Cowboy boots.
Jared Storm wears cowboy boots.
And I am totally here for it.
“I like your boots,” I say to him. “Did you actually go shopping?”
He smirks. “I did. That’s how I get clothes and shoes to wear.”
“Ha ha.” I stick out my tongue at him.
He reaches out and tugs at a loose strand of my hair, the only piece not pulled back into a low ponytail. I call it my rebel lock of hair, the one that never behaves. It’s always been a favorite thing of Jared’s to tease me about it.
I brush his hand away. “Don’t be annoying.”
“I’m always annoying.”
“Not always.”
“No?” His tone changes from teasing to flirty.
I freeze, remembering we aren’t alone in the barn.
And the awareness that everyone has been watching and listening to us flirt hits me.
Luke clears his throat. “Why don’t you two go on a trail ride together? The horses need to be exercised.”
“Jared has a game tonight, so…” I begin.
“I’m fine to go on a light ride. I’ll take it easy.”
“I need to work,” is my next excuse.
“No problem,” Mia says with a smile. “Since you’re going to be doing a lot with our social media accounts, getting to know the horses is essential. I want them to trust you so you can take photos and videos freely. And what better way than a ride?”
“I don’t want to take time off work when I’m just starting.” That’s excuse number three, and I’m not sure I have a fourth up my sleeve.
“This will be work,” Mia says. “You need to get to know Wild Ranch.”
“I can go later,” I say to her. “Maybe with you.”Or alone.
Okay, so it turns out I did have another excuse. But I’m pretty sure I’m out of them now.
“Jared will be a great guide,” Mia says immediately. “I don’t have time to show you around the property today, and I don’t want you to get lost.”
