“Come on. Let’s head up to the lodge.”
I follow Kade, my eyes admiring everything that’s been done. Even the trails look better. By the time we get back to the main building, crowds of people have already gathered. The ranch is the place to be in Pinecrest today.
And it seems the entire town has come out for the big day.
A few of the newer workers are showing people around. Updates on the cabins. The lodge entirely redone. A brand-new menu that people can try today.
Heading inside to grab a drink and mingle, my eyes immediately find our front desk manager.
Joey Andrews.
The woman is so damn beautiful, it hurts to look at her. When she spots me, her face lights up.
“Hey, Sam. How are things out at the barn?”
I drop my arms on the counter and lean closer to her. “Ready to go. Horses are freshly groomed and ready to ride.”
“Guests will love seeing the trails in the spring,” she says. “Poppy has been talking non-stop about going out today.”
I smile at her. “Kade said he was taking her out later today once everyone cleared out.”
“And you? Do you plan on going riding?”
“I’ll be taking some guests on the cattle drives later.”
Joey leans closer. There’s a sparkle in her deep brown eyes. A playful glint that I can’t help but focus on. “They’ll be lucky to have you as their guide.”
“Maybe I can take you out sometime.”
“I’d like that. Show me the ropes.”
There’s a hint, a tease, in her voice.
“You got it.” I rap my knuckles against the counter, putting distance between the two of us. “I need to get up to the dining room for Kade’s toast.”
Joey walks around the desk. “I’ll come with you.”
“Great.”
Not great.
The very last thing I need is to surround myself with this woman. This woman that I can’t stop thinking about but is twenty years my junior.
I do my best to ignore the heat that zings through me when her elbow brushes against mine. Or how damn good she smells.
The sweet smell of her perfume shouldn’t be so damn enticing, but it is.
“Can I get you something to drink?” I ask.
At least this will put some space between the two of us.
“That’d be great. I’ll take a glass of white wine.”
“You got it.” I wink at her.
Fuck. Rein it in, Sam.
A bar is set up in the back corner of the dining room. The regular tables were replaced with high-top ones. Apps and desserts are carried around by the servers.
