Page 14 of Unexpected Second Chance For Love

CHAPTER 6

The chilly morning air turned Payton’s cheeks pink as she stood outside the barn rubbing her hands together. She had a habit of leaving her gloves in her coat pocket until absolutely necessary. This morning, she’d need them soon enough as she and Austin had a trail ride planned.

She’d nearly fell off her chair when she received the text yesterday from Austin inviting her along. He’d made a good point that the best way to get assess Mabel as a therapy horse was to ride her.

Which is how Payton found herself outside the barn in the cold, hesitant to go in to meet Austin. The last time she’d seen him, they’d shared a fiery kiss that nearly had her offering herself to him on the barn floor.

Instead, he’d put a stop to things and created a whole world of self-doubt for her. Maybe she wasn’t a good kisser and he could sense her inexperience. A man like Austin surely had more than his share of partners. He wouldn’t be interested in her.

Instinctively, she reached up to touch her lips, where the imprint of Austin’s kisses lingered. She had no frame of reference for the kind of passionate kissing Austin introduced to her, but she felt like he’d unlocked a secret part of her that she hadn’t even known existed.

Taking a deep breath, she pushed open the barn door and was greeted with her favorite sound—the slight whinnying of a horse. There was a comfortable warmth in the barn that she’d loved as long as she could remember. People were confusing, but horses were simple. Payton had long found solace in the animals, which was what drew her to equine therapy.

Her siblings were supportive yet didn’t understand why she’d want to pursue a therapy career instead of taking an equal share in the family business. Just one more thing that her and Griffin disagreed on. If he’d known Austin had kissed her, he’d likely come over here and punch him in the mouth.

Movement caught her attention as Austin led a beautiful mare from the bay into the main area. His green eyes met hers and she shivered at the intensity. It was as if a spell had been cast over them and they were the only two people in the world. Her doubts from the moment before dissipated at his steady gaze.

The man standing before her now was a far cry from the boy she’d once’d crushed on. He was broader, stronger, and tougher. Gone was the devil may care attitude that sent him hurtling headfirst into all manner of adventures. In his place was a more cautious, guarded man whose eyes reflected hurt rather than mischief.

Payton would give nearly anything to see the spark of playfulness return to Austin. Life had been hard for him and the stoic man before her now was a testament to his strength.

“You ready to ride?”

Austin’s voice brought her back into the present moment, in which they were trail riding as part of her deal to help him with the equine therapy business. As much as this felt like a date, and she wished it were, it was an outing between old friends who were helping each other.

Although the term friend didn’t seem to fit her relationship with Austin, it was the closest description for what this was. Her mouth craved more of his kisses and her body longed for something she couldn’t quite name, but Payton needed to reign herself in.

She nodded in answer to his question and moved to assist Austin with the preparation. They fell into an easy rhythm of their work and soon they were both ready to mount their horses. Payton was no stranger to working with others, since she co-owned the family guide business with her brothers, but the ease with which she and Austin worked was notable. They needed no words to convey their next moves and worked as if they’d done this a hundred times before.

Once on her horse, Payton tugged on her gloves and her knit hat. October in Montana was cold and she was glad for her layers. She and Austin rode in silence for a time and Payton took in her surroundings. Despite knowing Austin her entire life, she hadn’t ever ridden back into his property before. Austin had mostly spent time at her family home and the times she visited Breanna they remained on the trails closer to the house.

The ranch was over 3,000 acres, which was larger than most. The land had been in the Rainger family for generations. She knew these facts as much as any about her own family. The Rainger family was one of the founding families in Wildwood Falls. Their history was known to residents just as much as the founding of the town itself.

She ran her hand along the neck of her mare, which was a gentle mount named Mabel. She was the horse Austin hoped would be suitable as a therapy animal.

“You’re a gentle girl,” she praised Mabel and the mare whinnied in response.

Austin chuckled. “You two are getting along.” His tone turned serious. “What do you think of Mabel?”

Payton studied the horse, who appeared relaxed. “It’s too soon to say definitely, but first impressions are positive.” She would need to see how the mare responded to what they encountered on the trail before she could make a final determination.

Austin nodded. “She’s calm in the arena and the barn, but we haven’t had the opportunity to ride the backcountry. Thanks for being willing to come out today.”

Payton felt her face flush and hoped Austin would attribute it to the cold. “You’re welcome. That’s what friends are for.”

Austin caught her eye and the heat of his gaze burned through her. “Right, friends,” he said but she had the feeling that he meant something else entirely. The way he looked at her was anything but friendly.

As they rode, Payton used the opportunity to take in her surroundings. The trail had a slight elevation, taking them up the mountains behind the ranch. Leaves had yet to fall from the trees and the reds, golds, and oranges painted the vista beyond.

Soon enough the leaves would fall and she’d be able to see further into the distance. She couldn’t wait to hear the crunch of leaves under Mabel’s hoofs and the bite of coming snow in the air.

With a jolt, Payton realized she’d assumed that there would be a repeat ride. That this wasn’t a one time outing. She glanced at Austin, who had his head low, murmuring praise to his horse, Peaches. For a moment, she allowed herself to imagine how it would feel to have Austin’s mouth close to her ear as he whispered to her.

She shook her head as if to shake the rogue thoughts loose. It was most inconvenient to have a crush on this man. Her relationship with her brother was rocky enough without introducing complications.

Just because her crush on Austin had rekindled didn’t mean he was the love of her life. He was just a man. A very attractive man who she wanted to know better. He was different from the men she’d dated, who were immature and not ready to be serious about life. Austin was focused on his goals, which made him that much more attractive.

“Penny for your thoughts.” Austin’s question broke through her wandering thoughts.

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