Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 100090 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100090 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
“I’d like that.”
He takes my hand and kisses my knuckles, links our fingers, and leads me back downstairs. When we walk out the front door to meet Chase and Summer, Summer’s eyebrows fly into her hairline in surprise.
“Hey,” she says, giving me the look that says you have to tell me everything that’s happening. “You’re here.”
“I’m here,” I agree with a laugh and hug her close. “I’ll tell you later.”
“Better,” she whispers before pulling away. “Jake, you’d better have my back today. And my ass, because if I fall, I don’t want to break it.”
“You won’t fall,” Jake assures her with a smile. “I’m putting you on Lullaby. We named her that because she’s slow and goes at her own pace. She’s an easy-going girl.”
“Thank God,” Summer says with a relieved sigh.
“It’ll be a quick ride today,” Ryan says, “but there are some water bottles and sunscreen down at the stables. Are you guys ready?”
“I have to grab my boots out of my car,” I tell him as I hurry over to where I parked. I have cowboy boots for riding, since my brother is a horse fanatic and I never know when he’ll put me on one. Summer joins me and stands over me as I sit on the seat and pull off my sneakers.
“What’s going on?”
“We had a great date the other night,” I reply quickly. “No sex. He invited me to come today, so I said yes, and he had me come early so he could show me around.”
“Isn’t it a sweet house?”
“That’s one word for it.”
“What would you say?” she asks, tilting her head to the side.
“Intimidating. Huge. Amazing. Glorious.”
Summer laughs, and when I get the second boot on, she offers me her hand to pull me to my feet, and I shut the door behind me, not bothering to lock it. With all the security out here, I’d say it’s safe.
“Let’s join the guys and get me on a horse,” Summer says with a bounce in her step. “Chase threatened to do this last year, but time got away from us.”
“You’ll like it.” I loop my arm through hers, enjoying this time together. “It’s fun. Are you almost ready for your grand opening at the shop?”
“No,” she says, looking so sad. “They had something bad happen with something that I don’t know anything about, and now it’s going to take about two months longer. Maybe more.”
“What?” I frown over at her. “Oh, friend, that is so not cool. I’m sorry.”
“I know that we need it done right more than anything else, but it was so close. Anyway, maybe getting on a horse will take my mind off of it.”
“Nice boots,” Ryan says, grinning at my feet.
“Thanks. They’re a million years old and dirty, so they’re perfect for riding a horse.”
“Climb in. I’ll drive.” Jake points to the large side-by-side with a grin.
“I’d rather walk,” Chase says, eyeing the boy suspiciously, and it makes Jake laugh. “Also, maybe Montana should rethink their driver’s license age laws. Fifteen is too young to be in control of a motor vehicle.”
Jake just laughs. “Come on, don’t be a chicken.”
We climb in, and I’m in the middle of the back seat, between Summer and Ryan, and Jake takes off for the stable. It’s not that far from the house, but I admit this is faster than walking.
And when we get there, I sigh in delight when I see the horses. Six of them are grazing in the small fenced pasture, and they all come over to see us.
“Hey, baby,” Jake croons to a brown-and-white mare. “This is Ladybug, and she’s going to be Polly’s horse today.”
“She’s so pretty,” I breathe and join him to pet her face and talk to her. “Hello, beautiful girl. I get to be your friend today.”
Jake smiles and then turns to the others. “Summer’s on Lullaby, that white girl there. I’m on Cowboy, and Ryan always rides Firefly. Chase, do you have a preference?”
“I’ve never ridden Snickers,” he says. “I’ll take her.”
“That leaves Blossom all alone,” Ryan says. “I should have had someone else come out to join us.”
“Hold that thought,” Chase says, holding up a finger as he pulls out his phone and dials a number. “Hey, are you busy? Wanna meet me at Ryan’s stable and ride a horse? See you in ten.”
He hangs up and grins.
“Who’s that?” I ask him.
“Erin. She’s on her way. She’s been learning to ride with the hands at the ranch, and she needs the practice. The kids are with my parents today.”
“Perfect,” Summer says with a grin. “What should we do while we wait for her?”
“We’ll saddle up,” Jake informs her. “And I’m going to teach you that, too.”
“I’m ready to learn.” Summer follows the teenager into the stable.
“She’s excited,” I say to Ryan and Chase as we follow behind. “She’s going to do great. And Jake is great at this. He should give lessons, work with riders professionally.”