He’d watched that black silky hair, tied back, swinging whenever she’d turn her head. She sat proud, holding her shoulders back, relaxing in her seat. Every now and then she’d lean forward and reach around to reassure Pickles.
Seeing the awe on her face when they emerged from the trees, he’d been poleaxed. The pure appreciation for nature and beauty and everything he loves,… that kind of pretty on a woman he doubted he had ever seen.
He wished they’d been alone. He wished he could have pulled her off the horse and dragged her onto some grass…
But they’d already discussed this, sort of. Last night she’d said she didn’t want to get involved with him because of Corinne.
Shit.
Still holding Stella’s hat, he swung himself back onto Hermes and urged the great horse forward. She’d ridden on. Had he spooked her?
Shit.
Peyton caught up with her all too easily. She had to have heard him but didn’t look back.
Corinne and Misty were waiting on the ridge, watching them. Stella sat up straight, not nearly as comfortable as she’d been earlier. Should he apologize? Except he didn’t want to apologize. Hell, he wanted to do it again.
It wasn’t like she’d fought him off. No, she’d been into it.
The trail fanned out so he urged up beside her and dropped the hat on her head.
Pink tinged her creamy complexion. “You did put sunscreen on this morning, didn’t you?” He didn’t want her to suffer a burn.
“A gallon of it.”
His mind backtracked to the taste of her lips. “Well put some more on. You’re burning.”
That proud back stiffened even further. He ought to have known Stella Fairchild didn’t like being told what to do.
“I’m fine.”
“Don’t be stubborn about this. It may feel cooler up here but the sun’s rays are hotter.” He reached into one of his saddlebags. “Here.”
She glanced over with those cool grey eyes.
And then slapped her hand at the sunscreen and swiped it out of his hand.
“Fine.”
He couldn’t help but laugh. “Do you want me to apologize?” Was he willing to? He didn’t like saying things he didn’t mean.
“No.”
“Well good then.”
“You guys are slow pokes!” Misty’s voice stopped him from saying anything else.
Corinne and Misty both stood on the ground while Corinne’s horse grazed on some grass. “Should we go all the way to the river?” Corinne looked flushed herself. She’d want to make this a memorable ride for Misty. And for her friend.
Pickle’s head dropped down to eat too. “Pull her head up, Stella. That’s a bad habit for a horse to get into.” Stella did as he said. And then shifted as though experiencing some stiffness.
“I don’t know about going much farther. I’m already feeling muscles I haven’t used in years. It’s incredible right here.” Stella spoke casually.
So, she had seen the tension around Corinne’s eyes.
“I’m hungry!” Misty tugged at her mother. “Let’s get the food out, Mom.”
Peyton swung his leg around and hopped onto the ground as well. He didn’t want Corinne tiring herself out, so he began pulling out the picnic they’d brought. They could eat, sit around for a little while and then head back down.
