There’s still a chill in the air, but it’s a warm spring day, and the sun feels good on my face. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on my horse, Cherry, and she might give me the stink eye for it.
After a stop at home to change, I head to the boarding facility where Cherry spends her days. Hunter has offered more than once to allow me to keep her at his place, but I’ve never accepted. Partly because I didn’t want to take advantage of our friendship, but mostly because part of me still thinks I have no business being with rodeo cowboys and involved with rodeo life. Even if my part is only as an observer.
After loading up Cherry and my tack, I hitch up the horse hauler to my Jeep and drive to Hunter’s ranch. I might be the bubbly blond who owns the town’s most popular coffee joint, but I’m also a horse lover and a onetime barrel racer. That part of my life is long gone, but my horse isn’t.
Pulling into Hunter’s ranch, I park close to the barn and check the time. It’s only 11:30 A.M., but I’m not about to sit and wait. Sliding out of my Jeep, I walk up to the ranch house and knock before popping my head inside. I know Gabe is at work and Hunter’s truck isn’t here, so if Rhett is home, he’s here alone.
“Rhett?”
The clicking of dog nails sounds from upstairs as Tater barrels down the stairs to greet me.
“Hi, sweet girl. Where’s your dad? He didn’t just leave you inside all by yourself, did he?” She rolls onto her back, and I drop to my knees while I scratch her belly and ears. Her tongue lolls out of her mouth, and she’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
“No, she’s not alone. She’s rarely by herself.” Rhett stands in the hallway with a small smile as he watches his dog beg for more attention. I stand corrected. Tater’s dad takes first place, trumping her cuteness with his otherworldly sexiness. Fuck me sideways, I’ve never wanted a man more than him.
“You look….” Rhett trails off, and I suppose my attire might shock him.
“I don’t always dress in Daisy Dukes and tight shirts. I’m no cowboy, but I know you need to outfit yourself properly for a trail ride.”
“You’ve achieved that.” His gaze is still heavy as it caresses my body. “And then some.”
My jeans are snug, but stretchy. I’ll be able to ride just fine. I still have a tight T-shirt on, but it’s underneath an ocean-blue button-up that makes my eyes look amazing. It’s the mostflattering colour I can wear. But Rhett’s eyes are stuck on my belt buckle, and he steps closer.
“Careful. If you keep staring below the belt, I might think you’re interested in more than a trail ride.”
Rhett’s gaze meets mine, and he licks his lips. “What other secrets do you have, Diamond? I know a rodeo buckle when I see one.”
“Ah, but if I tell you all my secrets now, I’ll have nothing to talk about later.”
“I doubt that.” He huffs and clicks his tongue for Tater. She sits at his side, gazing up at him like he hung the moon, and he smiles at her with such fondness it melts my fillings. “Tater will join us if that’s okay.”
“Won’t she get tired? It’s a long day and ride.”
Rhett’s cheeks flush as he grabs his hat off the hook on the wall. “She has a carrier. No need to worry.”
Oh, my heart. Sexy, thoughtful, and competent. I might need a moment to myself so I don’t physically throw myself at him.
He holds the door open, and Tater tears out, so I follow along and stop at my horse trailer. Rhett’s grin is much bigger now as he watches me unload my horse. Cherry steps out, and Rhett offers his hand, allowing her to sniff him before petting her neck.
“What a gorgeous horse, Diamond.”
Cherry nods her head in agreement, and I can’t help but laugh. “Thank you. She’s a bit of a diva like me. This is Cherry.”
Cherry is gorgeous. I’ll agree with that. But not just in her beautiful dapple-grey pattern and ebony mane and tail. She reads me better than my closest friends sometimes, even when I no longer ride her regularly.
“Do you need help getting her ready?”
“I’m good. You can get your horse, and I’ll meet you in the pasture. I’ll go in this gate, and you can just go out the back of the stable.”
“I’ll see you out there.”
Rhett leaves me with Cherry as I brush her coat before draping the ocean-blue saddle blanket on her, followed by the custom black saddle.
Once she’s ready, I grab the small cooler bags with our snacks and secure them in the saddlebags. The sun is high now, shining down, and I’m grateful for choosing a white cowboy hat.
After walking Cherry into the pasture and securing the gate, I swing up into the saddle. Tater races by, and a moment later, Rhett appears on the back of his black horse. He’s all sexy, rugged cowboy with his worn boots, cowboy hat, and red flannel jacket. Some men are just born to look like they belong in a magazine spread for competent cowboy kink. Rhett is centrefold material, and maybe this whole date idea isn’t such a bad idea after all.
“Lead the way, Diamond.”
