Page 72 of Sweet Like Whiskey

“Sure, I know that,” he says, adding a muttered, “I just didn’t knowyouknew that.”

Smartass.

I dismount, grabbing a pair of pliers from the saddlebag on Starlight’s back. Colton goes on as I twist the wire, making sure the line is taut.

“If it’s ’cause of Ashley, I’m glad. Seems like a good guy.”

I grunt.

“Has nice…legs, I guess?” my brother says.

I look up slowly.

“Arms?” he tries. “A nice ass? I dunno, what does it for you?”

Shaking my head, I finish tightening the wire before putting the pliers away and zipping up the bag. Starlight barely shifts his weight as I swing up onto his back.

“I’m not discussing my…Ash’sass with you,” I tell my brother firmly. I’m not even getting into the fact that his ass was far from the first thing I noticed about him. It was those eyes. And his damn smile.

Although that ass…nope. I shut those thoughts down.

“What’re you even doing out here?” I ask my brother. It’s not uncommon for him to fill in around the ranch in addition to his job as a farrier, but I don’t recall a reason he’d be out in the pastures today.

Colton simply shrugs. “Haven’t had a chance to ride with Clementine in a while.”

I nod, understanding that. These horses are more than workers or pets to us. They’re family.

Checking the time, I swing Starlight back around. “Needa head back. You coming?”

Colton gives me a grin. One I know all too well. “Race you.”

He doesn’t give me a chance to respond before he and Clementine are off, the horse tossing her mane as her hooves dig into the grass.

I curse, kicking Starlight into motion after them. “Ya.”

A few of the cattle eye us warily as we pass at a breakneck pace. Starlight’s head is down, his gait smooth as silk as he gallops swiftly after our competition. My ass is out of the saddle, knees bent and body low, my legs absorbing the shock as I lead Starlight sharply left, heading toward a shortcut. Colton catches sight of me swerving and swears loudly. He course-corrects, a grin on his face as he tries to head me off. He doesn’t make it.

Starlight and I are first through the tree line, making it onto the narrow path that’s dappled in shade. Colton breaks off, knowing he can’t pass me here. He heads through the field, his laughter loud. I shake my head, urging Starlight on faster.

When we break out of the trees, I see Colton off to the right. We’re nearly neck and neck, the both of us barreling toward the gate nearest the ranch house. Ira sees us coming and unlatches the big metal swing gates, one after another, since no cattle are near. My brother shoots me a glance, and I know I have only one chance to throw him off his game.

I send a silent apology Ira’s way.

“Itishis ass,” I yell. “Best thing I’ve ever eaten.”

Colton’s eyes widen, his face drawn in shock. It’s enough. The momentary lapse in focus gives me the chance to urge Starlight into a final burst of speed, one Colton doesn’t counter fast enough. Me and my horse are first through the gates, dust kicking up around us as we slow to a swift stop. Starlightbounces his head a few times, breath huffing out as he walks in a tight circle, his steps high and light. I give his neck a pat, praising the old man for putting up with my brother’s shenanigans.

Colton comes to an abrupt halt beside us. “Youcheated.”

“Did not.”

“Did so. How does that even work? You just…”

I try my best not to laugh, butChrist, it looks as if he’s attempting string theory. “You’ve got a tongue. And an ass. I’m sure you could figure it out, one way or another.”

I shoot Ira a thank-you as he closes the gates after us. He returns my wave, his lips lifted into a smile.

“None of the women I’ve been with have been into that,” Colton says quietly, brow furrowed. “It feels good?”

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