The words sent a ripple through me.
Arlo glanced between us, reading the air but choosing not to comment. “You did good work today, Cami. We’ll go again tomorrow if you’re up for it.”
“I’ll be here,” I said automatically, then bit back a smile. “I can’t wait to ride again.”
“Good.” He tipped his hat, leading Starling back toward the stalls.
Majesty stayed beside me as we watched him go, the silence between us thick with everything we hadn’t said. It was difficult to remain cool when he looked damn edible. His skin had a sun-kissed glow that was good for him. Though it was February, the sun still shone brightly in the afternoon. Now though, it was beginning to get chilly as the sun descended to rest.
Majesty’s phone rang and he glanced at the screen. “I need to take this, gimme a sec,” he said before walking away from me. He never turned his back to me, keeping his eyes glued to mine.
I took the moment to finally exhale. Today had been wonderful and I’d spent most of it with Majesty. He’d been the perfect gentleman. Even I knew I’d lowered my guards around him today. It was too wonderful of a day not to. Being outside with the animals and focused on the moment had made everything else fade to black. My anxiety had melted and I’d leaned into the attraction I felt for him.
Chapter Seven
Majesty
I watched Cami’s chest rise and fall as she caught her breath, her cheeks flushed from the ride, hair slightly mussed from the helmet. She looked looser than she had this morning. Like something inside her had finally unclenched.
Fucking beautiful.
The call I was on was Lex checking in, his voice steady and efficient as always. “This is taking longer than I expected. I won’t be back until after seven.”
“No problem,” I said, keeping my eyes on Cami. She was watching the sunset now, arms wrapped around herself against the cooling air. “I’ve got everything handled here.”
“How is she?” Lex asked, and there was that careful interest he tried to hide but couldn’t quite manage.
“Really good, actually. We spent the day with the horses. Arlo was able to give her lessons today.” I paused. “She rode for the first time.”
“And?”
“And she was incredible.” I couldn’t keep the pride out of my voice. “Nervous as hell at first, but once she let go of the fear, she was a natural.”
Lex was quiet for a moment. “You’re getting attached.”
“We’re both getting attached,” I corrected. “Don’t pretend you didn’t spend last night in her bed.”
“That was different. That was aftercare.”
“Was it?” I challenged gently. “Because from where I was standing this morning, it looked like a lot more than that.”
Another pause. “I’ve got it under control,” Lex said. “She mentioned being open to more so eventually, we’ll need to talk.”
“Okay, but not tonight.” I watched Cami turn back toward me, a small smile playing at her lips. “Tonight, let her just be. No heavy conversations, no pressure. She needs that after the past couple days of training. Plus the classes are about to begin and I want her to be able to relax into them.”
“Agreed.” Lex sighed. “I’ll be back by seven-thirty. Don’t let her skip dinner.”
“I won’t. Drive safe.”
I ended the call and walked back to where Cami was standing, her arms still wrapped around herself. Without thinking, I shrugged out of my jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
“You looked cold,” I said when she glanced up at me, surprise in those expressive eyes.
“Thank you.” She pulled the jacket tighter, and something about seeing her wrapped in my clothes did things to my chest I wasn’t ready to examine.
“Lex is running late,” I told her. “Won’t be back until after seven. So it looks like you’re stuck with me for dinner duty.”
“Stuck with you?” She raised an eyebrow, that playful spark returning. “That’s one way to put it, Sir.”
