Total pages in book: 85
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82671 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 413(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
“I’m surprised Luke approved that,” she murmured.
“Oh?”
She shrugged. “Not my story to tell. But he must listen to you.”
I laughed. “When he chooses to.”
“Sounds about right.” She chuckled, then became serious. “We’ll work on getting all the approvals and permissions. It won’t take long to get the permits here.”
“Great.”
I grabbed my jacket and added the rain poncho Rachel had loaned me. I slid on a pair of boots I had brought, grateful for the thick soles and the extra socks I had added, and headed to the stable. The sky was already breaking, and the air smelled crisp and fresh. I looked around at the various structures, ideas cropping up in my head. I knew Rachel would love them. Luke, on the other hand, would resist. I had a feeling he was going to resist every idea. I would have to figure out a way of talking him into it. My dad always said I was good at that.
At the stable, I found Luke speaking quietly to his horse, Maverick. Another horse was ready, and I drew in a deep breath, tamping down my nerves. Although smaller, it seemed large to me.
Luke looked up, still somewhat on edge. His mouth was set in a frown, and his tone was impatient. “You do have experience riding?”
I lifted my head. “I have been on a horse, yes. It’s been a while, but I can handle it.” I walked over, letting the horse sniff my hand. “What a beauty.”
“Her name is Dusty.”
I stroked along her velvet nose. “Hello, Dusty.”
Dusty tossed her head, whinnying low in her throat. I looked at Luke. “What did I do?”
He snorted. “She can tell you’re green. She’s asking me why I’m subjecting her to you.”
I crossed my arms. “Are you going to be snarky and rude all day?”
He shrugged. “Maybe sarcastic and indifferent. Haven’t decided. Get in the saddle and find out.” He paused, his impatience showing through. “Now, Lady. I don’t have all day.”
I tried to recall everything I had read on getting into a saddle. The videos I had watched so I wouldn’t make a total fool of myself in front of him. I slipped my foot into the stirrup and, stretching on my toes, grasped the pommel, confident I could swing myself up into the saddle.
I failed. Twice.
He watched me, his face impassive, saying nothing. Dusty huffed an impatient whinny through her nose.
“I think I’ll try using the fence,” I muttered. “I think I’m a little short.”
Except Dusty didn’t want to move when I tugged on her reins.
“How do you get her in reverse?” I mumbled, looking over my shoulder. “Is there, like, a key word or something?”
Luke’s lips twitched. “When exactly was the last time you were on a horse?” he asked, his tone mild.
“I was eight,” I muttered, turning back to Dusty. “Can you back up a little?” I asked, somehow not shocked when she ignored me.
I gasped as I was suddenly lifted—as if I weighed nothing—up and over the saddle. I gripped the pommel, shocked at how far away the ground was. Luke adjusted the stirrups and shortened the reins, not speaking until he had swung himself back onto Maverick and led us from the stable.
“I imagine a lot of people who come here won’t have the wealth of riding experience you have,” he stated dryly.
I tossed my head, much like Dusty was doing, ignoring his sarcastic undertone. “I am sure many of them will have never been on a horse.”
“So, total greenhorns, then.”
“Yes.”
He sighed and shook his head. “God help me.”
CHAPTER NINE
LUKE
We rode around the ranch at a slow trot. I gave Sammy some pointers, my earlier ire evaporating in her presence and smiles. That seemed to happen a lot when she was around. I felt lighter—strangely content.
She had been beyond adorable approaching Dusty and informing me she could ride. I knew she was bluffing. Her remark about a command for reverse made me want to laugh. It was odd, but every time I was close to her, I wanted to laugh and smile. Make her smile. I wanted to bask in the warmth of her sunshine smile.
“Relax, Lady. Dusty can feel your tension. Loosen your hold on the reins.”
“Nudge with your knee gently,” I instructed. “She’ll follow your lead.”
“Try moving with the horse instead of keeping yourself so rigid.”
Sammy listened to me, and after her fear dissipated somewhat, she relaxed enough to start looking around at the vista and beauty of the area.
“What is that?” she asked, indicating the tree-covered hills.
“The farthest edge of the ranch. Forest mostly going up the hill.”
“Can we go up the mountain?”
I chuckled and indicated the mountain range in the distance. “Those are mountains. That is a hill.”
“Where I come from, it’s a mountain. You should refer to it that way. Mount Rock or something. People will love it.”