The thought of Emily staying here forever caused his heart to race like a runaway stallion.
Easy now.
“I don’t think that’s possible.”
Chapter 22
Jake let Emily walk as far as the back patio before he insisted on carrying her to the stables. She couldn’t deny being in his strong arms felt good, but she couldn’t take advantage of Jake simply because she craved the comfort and security he provided.
She couldn’t make that mistake again.
Emily laughed as they entered the stables, and she saw how Jake intended to take her for a ride. “You’ve got to be kidding.”
Two horses, a bay and a chestnut, stood hitched to an old-fashioned buggy meant to carry two people plus a driver. Jake deposited her in the back seat of the buggy and climbed in beside her.
“You’re driving this thing from back here?”
“I’ve got long arms.” Jake smiled and winked at her.
Long, strong arms.Emily’s breath caught in her throat as she admired the way Jake’s shirt molded to his muscular arms. Some days, he wore lightweight, long-sleeved shirts—probably the days he knew he’d be in the sun all day—and other days, he wore t-shirts. Today was a t-shirt day, and she was glad.
Stop it. The man is trying to help you through a difficult time, stop ogling him.
Jake snapped the reins and led the buggy out of the stables and down the lane toward Zane and Lottie’s house. Before reaching their house, however, he turned down another lane. Emily spotted Daniel standing beside an open gate. Jake drove the buggy through, and Emily turned to see Daniel close the gate.
Emily looked at the man beside her. He looked every bit the part of a tough rancher, but he had a sensitive side that was in-tune to what she needed. How could one man have two so drastically different sides?
Jake relaxed back in the seat and looked at her.
No doubt he had a million things to do and would rather be working, yet he made her feel like she was all that mattered to him. He couldn’t possibly look more handsome than he did in this moment, driving this silly, old, very cozy buggy.
“You’re staring at me.” Jake’s voice was quiet and playful.
“I’m trying to figure you out.”
Jake’s ears turned red. “What do you mean?”
“Why do you own a buggy? Who even owns a buggy anymore? I can’t imagine you use it regularly on the ranch. So, why do you keep it around?”
Jake chuckled. “I prefer to call it a carriage. It sounds much more romantic than buggy.”
“I see. Are you trying to be romantic?”
Jake studied her face for a moment. “I would like very much to take you on a romantic carriage ride, Emily. But I know now is not the time for that.”
Emily’s stomach took flight. Did Jake admit to being romantically interested in her?
Jake gave a nervous chuckle. “How’s that for being honest and direct?”
Emily’s cheeks flushed. “Well done. But I agree, this is not the right time.”
Before Jake looked away, Emily thought she saw a flash of disappointment in his eyes.
“The carriage came with the ranch. It’s been passed down for generations. Besides parades and such, we only ever use it to impress the ladies.”
“Impress the ladies, huh? Is that what you’re trying to do?”
“Depends. Is it working?”
