“Hi, Garrett. Riley’s in the living room,” Rebecca informed him.
Riley straightened as he walked into the room.
“We’ll see you later, kiddo,” Garrett told Tara before glancing at Riley. When did his beard become so alluring? She imagined how it might feel brushing along her neck and thighs.
Garrett waved his hand in front of her face. “Riley. Do you feel all right? Do you want to go home?”
Brought back to reality, Riley gazed into Garrett’s deep brown eyes. His dark features and intense stare reminded her of a bear.
“You have pretty eyes,” she whispered.
“What?” he asked.
Riley shook her head. “Nothing.”
“Do you feel like going for a ride?” he asked. “Or do you want to return to the cabin?”
“No, I want to go with you,” she murmured, still mesmerized by his eyes.
“Let’s get you home,” he said, glancing at her empty glass. His eyebrow arched as he picked it up to take it into the kitchen.
“You shouldn’t be drinking while on pain meds,” he chastised her.
“Oh, don’t worry. She assured us she hasn’t taken them the last couple of days,” Rebecca volunteered.
Garrett’s eyes drifted to Riley, who pretended not to hear Rebecca’s proclamation. She picked up her crutches and stood. The floor suddenly tilted, and Garrett’s arm shot out, catching her.
He bent, picked her up, and let the crutches fall to the floor.
“What’s wrong with my sister?” Tara exclaimed, concerned for Riley.
“She’s perfectly fine,” Garrett assured her. “Riley needs something to eat and rest. Enjoy the rest of your evening, and we’ll see you later.”
Rachel handed Riley a bag and winked at her. Tara picked up the crutches and put them in the truck.
Riley lay her head on Garrett’s shoulder and closed her eyes. He smelled like leather, horses, and spice. He took her to the truck, and Matthew held the door for him.
He set her down, buckled her in, and slid into the driver’s seat. Driving to the cabin, he continued to glance at her as if debating on what to do with her.
“I’m sorry about the pills,” she said, trying to preemptthe storm heading her way. “They make me groggy, and I can’t remember shit. In case you haven’t figured it out, I don’t like losing control.”
“You don’t say,” he said, swiping his jaw. “Didn’t we discuss your body’s needs?”
Oh, she had needs, alright, and suddenly, Garrett seemed like the only person to solve them.
“I’m trying, Garrett. I’ve worked on a ranch until the day I took Tara and ran away. I miss everything about it. I hate working at fast food joints and bars. We barely make ends meet. Mom always says, ‘Watch what you pray for.’ Every time I worked one of those shifts with guys who pinched my ass or tried to run their hand up my leg, I prayed to have time to do absolutely nothing. I take it back. I’m bored out of my mind.”
“How can you possibly be bored? You’re doing the chores at the cabin,” he exclaimed.
“It’s not the same. Here I’m staying on this big, beautiful ranch, and I can’t even smell the grass, ride a horse, or make butter. I’m stuck on a couch, and my ass has started protesting to all this sitting.”
Garrett chuckled. Instead of turning into the driveway, he passed it and kept going until they arrived at a barn.
“Why did you bring me here?” she asked, staring at the building before them.
“I’m thinking a different kind of ride might make you feel better,” he said. “I’m serious, Riley. No more shenanigans. We’ll make a deal. If you stay off your leg, I’ll let you go with me to a horse sale on Saturday.”
“Really?” she asked, astonished.
