Page 62 of Colt

Slightly.

When he’s done, he climbs back onto his horse and pulls on his gloves.

“That’s it?” I ask. Cream Puff ducks his head to munch on some grass.

Colton nods. “That’s it.”

Dean urges his horse into a walk. “Woo-hoo! Let’s go, guys! Best day ever!”

I’m a nervous wreck at first. Horses are so much bigger when you’re on them, and it takes me a while to get used to the rhythm of Cream Puff’s movements. Practicing on that saddle in the barn the other day didn’t help one freaking bit.

Colton rides beside me as we head out into an open pasture beside my apartment. At one point, he reaches over and presses a hand against my spine.

“Remember to sit up straight. If you start hunching over, you’re gonna get hurt.”

Why do you care? “Okay.”

“You actually look decent in the saddle, Dallas.”

I glance at Dean, who’s far enough ahead of us that he’s out of earshot.

“You’re actually a gigantic dickhead,” I reply.

He grins, the skin at the edges of his eyes crinkling. “Still salty about…well, that stunt I pulled with something else salty, huh?”

My stomach turns over at him bringing that up. “You’re rude.”

“You liked it.”

I scoff. “You’re the one who—never mind.” I shake my head. “Let’s move on, yeah?”

“I ain’t letting you out of my sight. Something happens to you, my dad’ll have a shit fit. It’s not a good look for us if people are getting hurt on the ranch. Even if they are amateurs.”

“Aw, be honest. You’re still sore you made the amateur move of not locking those handcuffs.”

His eyes meet mine. “Would an amateur make you come that hard?”

I decide not to answer that question and focus on staying in this goddamn saddle. Doesn’t help that my center meets with the pommel as the horse walks, stoking sparks into flames.

I don’t want to be turned on by Colton’s teasing. His obscenity. That fucking squint.

But I am, and that kills me.

It’s beautiful out here. A mist has settled over the pasture, and we chase it toward the strengthening sun. The world is painted in shades of green and gold, and it smells like fall: earth and leaves and a cool cleanness that sends a rush through me when it hits the bottom of my lungs.

The world opens up around us as the mist dissipates, and I feel the vastness of it inside my chest as we plod forward. There’s something soothing about the horse’s steady, certain stride. My mind begins to clear as my body settles into an even rhythm.

“Lainey!” Dean exclaims. “Look! You’re doing it!”

The horse hits a divot, and I lurch a little to the side. Colton is there to catch me, though, curling his hand around my side to help me straighten. It’s all I can do not to shudder.

Goddamn it, I want this man. I also want to kill him.

“You jinxed me,” I manage, looking at Dean.

He holds a little finger to his lips. “Won’t do it again.”

I have to smile at how he looks on his horse. He’s already such a pro, handling the horse with an ease that only comes from years and years of experience.