“Look who’s getting more confident on a horse.”
I lean in closer, a breath away from her lips. “I have a wonderful teacher.”
“And you’re an excellent student.”
Tipping her hat up, I kiss her. Slow and sweet, until Old Man River starts to move.
“I guess someone doesn’t like that,” she laughs.
“Man, I’ve got some competition.”
“Between you and the horse? Easy.”
I quirk a brow up at her as Buttercup follows. She really is the best horse. “Why do I have a feeling you’re talking about the horse?”
“I guess you’ll have to catch up with me to find out!” she yells over her shoulder.
The rest of the ride is easy. Following Gemma is a no-brainer. Her laughter makes it effortless to focus on her and not on the trail as we descend.
Before I know it, the ranch and the barn are coming back into view. Gemma hops off her horse and then comes over to me.
“Swing your leg out and over, and then you can drop your other foot.”
This time, my movements are less awkward. I hop off with ease, even though my ass is sore.
“Wow. Look at you.”
“Am I a regular cowboy or what?”
“Just what I’ve always wanted. A cowboy.”
“Maybe I can wear my hat for you?” I wrap my arms around her as the horses stand on either side of us.
“That cowboy hat is a good look for you, Blake.”
There’s a heated look in her eyes. Oh yeah, I’m liking this idea.
“Better get me a lasso then, so I can wrangle up my cowgirl.”
“You think I’m getting caught up in your lasso?” Her hands drift under my T-shirt.
“Like you’d even try to resist.”
“Maybe I should get you one. Test out your skills.”
“You’d be surprised.” I tilt her head up. “You’d make a pretty good catch.”
“If I let you catch me.” Her brown eyes are playful.
“I think I’ve already caught you.”
And she’s caught me. I don’t know who is more caught up in this thing, but I’m falling fast. The very last thing I expected when I came here.
But this woman?
I’d let her lasso me up every day.
ChapterTwenty-Three