I turn in the saddle to glance behind me, already knowing what I’ll find. Colton is staring at me. No, that’s too basic. The look he’s giving me is much deeper than that simple term. It’s burrowing beneath layers until I feel him promising my body filthy pleasure.
“Good grief,” Paisley sighs from astride her own horse next to mine. “What did you do to that man?”
“Nothing yet.” But then I study him and his unwavering intensity again. “Well, that’s not entirely true.”
“Duh, Bee. His smolder is hungry and you’re his meal of choice. Spill.”
“We’ve been alone for… two days.” That gives me pause as my hips sway to Bandit’s smooth stride. “Gosh, is that all? I’m such a hussy.”
“No judgment.” Her soft smile is for my brother and their fast-acting fuckery, but that’s a different story.
“It’s bound to happen in the forced proximity trope, right? Resisting is pointless, especially when Colton is so thoughtful. And persistent. The man is a romantic ninja. I can’t anticipate his next move. Is he still back there?”
My bestie laughs into an approaching gust.“As if he’d let you out of his sight.”
“I dunno,” I mumble. “When we were on this trail last, he vanished without a trace only to creep up behind me. It scared me until I was pinned protectively beneath him.”
Paisley nods, not disturbed in the slightest. “‘Tis the season.”
My blank stare has her quickly clarifying.
“It’s almost Halloween. Getting chased and tackled in the middle of nowhere seems very appropriate.”
“Interesting.” My mind wanders to how I might return the favor. And then I consider what will happen once I catch him.
“Are you blushing?” Paisley’s voice rises in volume to alert the freaking birds miles away.
I brush my cold fingers along the heated skin. “It’s the breeze stinging my cheeks.”
“You’re serious about him.” It’s not a question.
Which earns her a quirked eyebrow. “Haven’t I mentioned that already?”
There’s awe in Paisley’s slack expression. “This is incredible. I’ve never seen you like this.”
“Okay, let’s take it easy. I’m not a tourist attraction.”
She makes a noise of agreement. “Freak show is more your style.”
“Brat,” I laugh and lightly shove her.
“See? You’re talking to yourself. Totally freaky.”
A wispy breath doesn’t deny it. I’m more than ready to get my freak on with a certain protective grump. We’ll see what tonight brings.
In the meantime, my attention wanders to where Spud is scouting the property ahead of us. It’s only been a day, but he’s claimed this territory as his. I love that he’s ours. Animals have a way of establishing unbreakable bonds.
“How’s Echo?” I reach to pet my mom’s favorite horse.
“She’s great. Don’t change the subject,” Paisley scolds.
But I veer off course again regardless. It just feels like that kind of moment. The buckskin mare belongs to my friend now. That’s what Mom would’ve wanted.
My gaze drifts to the right. Dad is off on his own, appreciating the rural scenery. His stare is unfocused but reflective. I imagine he’s picturing my mom at his side. They loved to hit the trails together. Maybe that’s a ritual I can adopt with Colton.
“He learned how to ride from watching my YouTube channel. Kept it a secret,” I reveal absently.
Paisley’s interest burns into my profile. “I was a bit surprised he even knew how to get on.”
