Page 87 of Yours To Take
“That doesn’t make me feel any better.”
“Eyes on me.”
I blow out a breath, focusing on the woman in front of me. A ball cap covers her head where a braid falls down her back. She’s got a calm smile on her face.
“Shouldn’t you be paying attention?”
She shakes her head. “Old Man River here knows the way.”
“Is that really his name?”
She nods. “It was that or Trout. I didn’t think he’d want to be named after a fish.”
“Was he named after a river because he wanted to go fishing in it?”
Gemma barks out a laugh. “You really want to try fishing on a horse, don’t you?”
“Of course I do!” I shout up to her as the trail curves upward. Fallen logs line the trail, making it seem more secure.
“I wouldn’t even know how to start. There is no fishing on horses.”
I pat Buttercup as she takes me farther up the mountain. “Maybe Buttercup and I will make a break for it. Head for the river.” She tosses her head back at me.
Gemma points at her before spinning back around. “See? Even she knows that’s a terrible idea.”
“And here I was going to give you an acknowledgment in the credits. Guess you can forget about that.”
Gemma’s body shakes with laughter. “I should get that line because I’m making your show authentic.”
The path levels out and widens. To the left of us, the ranch stretches out below us. In the short time we’ve been out here, we covered a lot of ground.
Gemma pulls the horses to a stop as I move next to her.
“Okay, maybe not fishing on a horse. But this would make a good plan B.”
Pushing her hat up, Gemma wipes the sweat from her brow. She’s glistening. And looks fucking sexy as hell. I can’t get over how gorgeous this woman is.
“Would it be redundant to say it’s my favorite view?”
“I thought the hiking trail was?”
She shrugs a shoulder. “It is. And so is this.”
“How often do you come out here?”
“I try to come out here with Buttercup at least once a week. She’s great with guests, but I love getting to do the harder trails with her.”
It’s like she knows we’re talking about her. She turns her attention to Gemma, who gives her an affectionate rub on the head.
“Yes, you’re my girl,” Gemma purrs at her.
“Do I get to be your guy?” I stick my face out toward her.
“Aww. Do you want me to rub your nose and give you carrots?”
“Please?” I jokingly ask her.
She rubs a finger over my nose. Grabbing it, I pull her in closer.
