“Yep. A very professional one. So now I’m not just a winner, I’m a very dangerous opponent.”
Jamie chuckled, the sound low and teasing. “That’s bold talk, love.”
“It’s just facts,” she said, flicking a smile at him. “Seems I’ve got your number.”
He moved with ease and self-assurance, rinsing the mare’s legs.
“I like your confidence. But if we’re talking takedowns…” Jamie glanced up at her, eyes glinting. “I’ve got moves you haven’t seen yet.”
Her breath hitched, heat pricking her skin, so she changed the subject fast.
“Looks like you’ve done this before?” she asked, her brow furrowing as she watched him work with a surprising focus.
Jamie gave her a sideways glance, the corner of his mouth twitching. “I have. Horses don’t lie, unlike self-taught poker players who claim they’re not into me.”
“I’m being serious, Jamie, not everyone knows how to act around a horse.”
“Like I said, I’ve had plenty of experience.Plentyof it.” He paused, holding the hose away from Trixie, letting the water pool on the ground.
A charged silence hung between them, and Shannon sucked in a deep breath, trying to steady herself.
“How do you have so much experience with horses?” she asked, her voice softer now, filling the silence with words rather than heated stares.
“I own a few,” he said, his tone vague, like he was hiding something. How many is afew? How had she not known this already?
“Really? How many?” she asked, pressing him.
Jamie’s gaze shifted back to her, the teasing edge still there. “About that bet, love. I owe you the cash. But you owe me too.”
“Really?” Her brows drifted skyward. “How do you work that out?”
“I asked for one night. You owe me that. I’m here to deliver and cash in,” he replied, his voice deep and gritty.
He was teasing her again, pushing her buttons, justlike before. Last night had been confusing, thrilling, too, and ended with a hot shower and a self-release.
The quick orgasm hadn’t been as powerful as what she’d needed, and now he was here, making her clit throb with suggestions.
“If you weren’t holding Trixie, I’d hose you down too. I’d love to see you soaked again,” he said, a smirk playing on his lips.
“Again?” she whispered, tugging at the safety strap of her helmet, suddenly trapped under his gaze.
He stood there, eyes narrowed, radiating a mix of mischief and raw desire.
“Last night, watching them blow me turned you on. I know it did. I could see it. Your reaction is what pushed me over the edge… Just you.”
Shannon swallowed hard, trying to ignore the heat spreading across her skin. His gaze settled on her every breath and studied the flush creeping up her throat.
“I need to untack Trixie now,” she said, her voice a little shaky, leading Trixie towards her stable. “Would you like some lunch?”
“Is there anywhere good to eat around here?” He bolted the stable door behind her as she led Trixie inside.
She slid the saddle off and placed it on the half-door, her eyes drifting up to meet his.
“Yeah, I know a great little place, not too far from here. It’s just up those steps.”
She gestured behind him toward the stone steps that ran along the side of the stable block.
“That’s my place, in the loft above the stables. I could make you a bacon sandwich?”
