“But not a problem for you?”
She had a detailed plan for this place’s growth and the passion required to take it to the next level. This was a place he’d love to work and the kind of person he’d enjoy working for. “I’ve been employed by outfits of all sizes, and I don’t need much to get by. I’m a simple man. Ready to take on a new challenge—and happy to ditch the uniform.”
Her eyes twinkled. “Did I forget to mention the white polos?”
He turned as if to go. “Well, it was nice knowing you.”
Her laughter stopped him in his tracks. Gripped him. She laughed with such abandon.
“But the shirts are so nice, with the logo and everything. And the tan riding breeches are really comfortable.”
He couldn’t help but return her smile. Heat sparked between them as the moment stretched out. Horse smart, cute as a button, and a sense of humor too. If that wasn’t the perfect trifecta in a woman, he didn’t know what was.
The attraction was unfortunate, as she would be his boss. But he could handle the temptation. He was a man of discipline. Anyway, she apparently had a thing for a certain construction worker.
She tilted her head, still studying him. “The owner of Four Winds called you their horse whisperer.”
“Nah. I just pay attention. Horses have plenty to say if you watch and listen.” He glanced over her shoulder. Speaking of the construction guy... “Your contractor is heading this way. I should go now.”
“No!” She glanced over her shoulder and rubbed her lipstogether. “I mean . . . you might as well, you know, stick around a minute. Gavin will, uh, be around a lot this summer. You should meet him.”
“Sure.” Gunner gave her a speculative look. Did that mean he had the job?
He didn’t have time to ponder the subject as the man in question approached. He walked with the confident stride of someone who knew who he was. He wore a T-shirt with the company logo, a cordial expression—Gunner’s gaze slid down his arm—and a slim silver band on his ring finger.
Two
Blue. His eyes were worn-denim blue. Charlotte scanned Gavin’s face, searching for familiar features, and stopped at his lips. Aha! The upper one sported a defined Cupid’s bow and the lower one was thick. The upper lip not so much.
You’re staring at his mouth.
She snapped her gaze back to his eyes. Yep, he’d caught her staring. Her face went nuclear. Belatedly, she shoved the binoculars behind her back. Why was she still carrying these things around?
“Hi.” She cleared the threadiness from her voice and tried again. “Um, hi.”
Gavin offered a professional smile as they shook hands. “You’re Charlotte, right? I’m not sure we’ve ever formally met. Gavin Robinson.”
“Yes, uh, right. I think your little sister was a few years ahead of me in school.”
“Sounds about right.”
Do not look at his mouth.Her curious eyes ticked over to hisears instead. Small and slightly pointed with detached lobes, just like—
“Gavin Robinson.” He held out a hand to Gunner.
“Gunner Dawson.”
“Sorry, I should’ve introduced you. Gavin is the owner of Robinson Construction, and Gunner is, uh... my new horse trainer, I guess? If he’s amenable to the idea, that is.” Wow, she was so smooth today.
Gunner’s brows darted upward as he met her gaze. “Very much so.”
“Congratulations are in order, then,” Gavin said. “You must be new around here. Where you from?”
“Louisville most recently.”
“He worked at a big horse farm there,” Charlotte said.
Gunner gave a nod. “Came through Riverbend on the trail last summer and liked the looks of it.”
