Bailey
Man, oh man, does Brett look smoking hot in the saddle as we ride up the mountain toward Alpine Canyon. It’s shady, no wind, and the perfect temperature. And the company ain’t half bad.
I’m not much of a people person, but I’ve had to step outside my comfort zone a lot in this job. Sometimes I want to squirrel away where I don’t have to see or talk to anyone, but now and again, I have to make an effort when the team is short. I really don’t mind it because I love being outdoors. The sun on my face, the breeze cooling my skin, and a sexy cowboy next to me…Wait.Oh, fuck it. I’m not gonna lie, that kiss was incredible before George had to spoil it. Of course, a few minutes later I got a message from Izzy asking who the hot cowboy was I was smooching with. For two people who can’t stand each other, they sure as heck seem to find the time to talk to one another.
Along the way, I point out some of the history, as well as tree and plant species, local facts about the area, and Lawless Farms. When I glance at Brett every now and again, he’s just as engaged as the customers are, hanging on every word.
Is this guy really for real? He seems too good to be true.Nobodyis this nice. And that just goes to show you how cynical I am, because there are nice guys in my life. My dad. Jed. George. Zane’s dad, Frank. Zane—though, I have to say that because he’s my best friend’s boyfriend. Jasper from the Outfitters. Even Larry and Mr. Mackie from Trinkets and Treasures—who’s just as much a gossip as his wife, Audrey—is a kind soul. Justromantically, I’ve never met a man who’s nice, as well as sweet, kind, and funny with no agenda. I didn’t know they existed. When my ex cheated, it was the end, and I sorta haven’t been emotionally available since. I’d put my heart and soul into previous relationships, only to be disappointed when someone couldn’t even do a small thing, like be loyal. Not that much to ask, really.
I know I’m no picnic, but I would never do that to somebody. I’d end it if I were even thinking about someone else. Single life has been pretty good, I’m not gonna lie, but Brett is making me feel all kinds of things I didn’t know I was capable of. I figured I was closed for business on a lot of things when it came to guys, not willing to get myself emotionally invested again like I did before, but he’s slowly chipping those walls down.Slowly?Who am I kidding? It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours! I need a cold freaking shower, or something.
“How long have you been riding for?” one of the ladies, Jesse, asks me.
“My whole life,” I say. “I grew up in Colorado. My parents and I vacationed here every winter, and I fell in love with it. When the opportunity came up to run the stables, I jumped at it. It’s my dream job.”
She smiles and nods. “I can tell. You have a genuine passion for it.”
I’m glad it comes across like that. I’m not always articulate, but I am passionate about the things I love, so it’s not forced.
“She’s amazing, isn’t she?” Brett says as my eyes flick to him. “You should see her with the horses before you arrived. They adore her.”
“That’s certainly clear, they’re all so beautiful and well behaved,” Jess agrees.
“Well, not always,” I laugh. “Sometimes they need a stern talking to, but usually that’s during the colder months.”
Smiling. Laughing. Apparently not my usual behavior, but yet here I am, enjoying the fuck out the simple things. Why, oh why, do I wish Brett hadn’t visited Jed earlier than a few days ago? Why has it taken him to make me realize how good I have it here? I mean, I always knew I loved it in Alpine Falls, but sometimes you’re so bogged down with work and getting chores done that the day just gets ahead of you. You don’t smell the roses, even though the roses are right there for the taking.
This beautiful, untouched landscape takes my breath away and reminds me exactly why I live here. It’s so quiet and unassuming. Okay, there are a lot of tourists in the busy season, but it keeps the town thriving, and we get our quiet time. That’s the one thing about having an extensive property with lots of land. Ain’t nobody gonna be putting neighbors right next to me. I’m quite happy with the tourists being all the way over at the Lodge or the Resort, or one of the many Airbnbs around the town. My home isn’t much, but it’s mine.
We rest the horses under some trees when we reach the summit, and the clients take pictures from the ridge. It’s gorgeous at this time of year, everything is green and thriving after the winter we just had. Wildflowers are blooming, and the water is flowing in the canyon. The mountains farther up still have some snow on top, but we’re not going anywhere that far.
Brett isn’t taking photos. He’s staring at me, and when I meet his eye, he nods. I think that means I did a good job, and for him to know that I’m not as confident in this side of the job just goesto show how observant he is. We balance each other out. We’re good for each other… There I go again. Making big statements in my head that aren’t gonna do me any good. Brett will be gone soon, and then where will I be? I don’t want him taking my heart along with everything else, that would be stupid. But the way he’s looking at me now, it makes me want to leap off my horse and kiss that handsome face.
I take a breath as I move over toward him. “Everything okay?”
“Just admirin’ the view.”
I point at the canyon. “The view is that way.”
“Not from where I’m standin’.”
I lower my voice. “You’re just full of charm, aren’t you,cowboy?”
“When it comes to you? I’m down for anythin’.”
“Is that any way to speak to your boss?”
He bites down on his bottom lip—hot—and tries not to smile. “Oh, you’re just lovin’ that, aren’t you, darlin’?”
Darlin’.
Holy smokes.
Okay, I have a nickname kink I didn’t know I had. It seems Brett brings out a lot of things in me I didn’t know existed.
“Well, I admit, you have worked pretty goodunder me.” I pause. “Oh, wait, was that last night? I’m confusing myself.”
He lowers his voice. “I know what you’re doin’.”
