He wraps his arms around my middle, resting his chin on my shoulder. “Open.”
I’ve never felt so content. Being in his arms like this is all I want from him. I don’t want to open my eyes, because then the moment will be over.
When I do finally peel open my eyes, I’m looking at my hands on Shadow’s saddle, but I don’t understand. He’s not giving me his sister's horse. Is he?
“I’m confused.”
“The saddle. I made it for you.”
“You what?”
With him still wrapped around me and his chin on my shoulder, I glide my fingertips over the magnificent piece of leather and see what I didn’t notice before. Daisies. The intricate design comprises endless daisies linked as they outline every piece of the saddle. The fender, the seat jockey, the skirt... Owen masterfully designed every piece.
“Owen, it’s stunning.”
His sigh tickles my ear. “I’m glad you like it. I’ve been working on it for a year now. With work and the team, it took me a little longer than it should have.”
“I can’t believe you did this for me.”
“I’d do anything for you. You know that.”
He would. I know he would. And that scares the shit out of me.
When I don’t reply, he presses a sweet kiss to my cheek. “Let’s go for a ride.” His hands fall to my hips. “Need a boost?”
“Sure,” I say, breathless.
I don’t need his help, but I’m so out of my depth, I don’t know what to do with myself.
Seconds later, he’s in his saddle. “Come on, I wanna show you something.”
“There can’t be more.”
“There can always be more.”
Why does everything he says have a double meaning in regard to our relationship or lack thereof?
“Lead the way.”
When Blue breaks into a trot, Shadow does the same. My saddle is a perfect fit and rides like a dream.
We ride in companionable silence until we reach the top of the meadow, where we stop. I expect him to hop off his horse, but he doesn’t make a move. He rests his hands on the horn of his saddle and tips his hat toward the sky.
“Told you there could always be more,” he says as he looks out at our view.
He made me a masterpiece and took me on a sunset ride.
Owen Swift is romancing me.
I’m so damned screwed.
We settle in and watch the sun set behind the Cascade Mountain Range. When the sun completely disappears, we trotback to the barn, lit by the remaining glow of the evening sky. Our pace is slow and easy. Our shared quiet as comforting as a warm hug.
It isn’t until after we’ve walked the horses to cool them down and are removing their saddles that I speak. “I think this is my best birthday yet.”
“Even if it’s a week and a half late?”
“It was worth the wait and the work you put into it.” I run my fingertips over the leather of the gift he must have spent hours and hours on. “I didn’t know you were so talented. You could charge a fortune for work like this.”
