Page 32 of The Roper & the Author

One of the ranch hands, Brandon, walked past. He gave Walker a sly smile and raised his hand to Marci. “Ma’am.”

“Hola,” Marci called out. She raised a hand, but then wrapped her hand over his again and rested her left hand on his leg.

His muscles tightened and he sucked in a breath.

“Is that okay?” she asked just like she had yesterday.

“It’s perfect,” he said, giving his same response.

Marci melted against him as they started along the dirt road that circumvented the ranch. He had to pay attention to the fence, but only his eyes were on the task. Every other part of his body was wrapped around Marci.

They didn’t say much as they rode. He took it slow. Really, really slow. He could do this route in forty-five minutes, but it was over an hour before they reached the lake and the north side of the property.

Marci tilted her head back to look at him.

“Would you like to get off and stretch?” he asked.

“Sure.”

He reined in Johnny Boy. She held onto the horn and lifted herself up. He swung off the horse and pivoted, reaching back for her. Marci slid down to the ground, leaning into him, her arms wrapping around his lower back.

“Sorry. My legs are stiff from sitting so long.”

“Don’t apologize,” he murmured, cupping her waistline and hips with his palms and fingers. He leaned down and brushed his lips across her forehead.

She blinked up at him. He should kiss her. Right now. Take advantage of those luscious lips and guarantee that Easton didn’t stand a chance with her.

Easton. He wasn’t certain if Easton deserved a chance, but he had promised his brother to watch out for her, not steal her. He bit back a curse.

He forced himself to straighten and step away, keeping one hand on her elbow. “Let’s walk around for a bit, stretch those legs.”

“Okay.”

He looped the reins around a tree branch, and they walked along the lake down to the river that flowed out of it.

“This is the most scenic spot on earth, like a postcard,” she said, glancing at the lake and the clearing then up at the mountains beyond. “I’m grateful I got to be here and see it, smell it, and feel it.”

“Do you think you’d come back?” he asked. He could imagine Key Largo was as gorgeous as his mountains. It was a compliment that she felt the same. “After Abuelita’s safe and you head back to your island?”

She glanced up at him. “I’d like to. I guess it depends.” She bit her lip and her eyelashes fluttered.

Walker’s blood ran hotter. He wanted to ask what it depended on, but he wimped out. She was interested in him; he knew she was. Would she continue to be interested when Easton returned? It was a gamble. He should make his move now. If only he could dump the guilt of not only not honoring what he told his brother he’d do but hurting his brother. If Marci was the right one for Easton, Walker had to step down. He might not survive, but Easton deserved to be happy. If Easton would truly commit to one woman. Even with a woman as mesmerizing and incredible as Marci, Walker had his doubts.

He took his hat off, ran his hand through his hair, and put it back on. They circled back to Johnny Boy, and he helped her climb on, then settled on behind her. It was instinctive to wrap her up and savor the feel of her, the coconut smell of her. She fit perfectly against him.

They finished riding the fence and returned to the barn. Marci was adorable as she helped him unsaddle, brush down Johnny Boy, and then do the second feeding for the horses.

“How many times do you feed them?” Marci asked. “It’s not quite lunch yet.”

“Three to five times a day is ideal.” He tilted his head. “There’s a shared calendar on all of our phones. We mark when we can feed for the upcoming week, and then mark it done. They usually get five small meals throughout the day, unless things are insane.”

“That’s so intriguing.” She blinked up at him. He wasn’t certain what to do now. Normally he’d be focused on an extra roping practice or workout for him or his horses, but he’d feel awkward having her watch that. They were finished with the feeding and the fence line and he didn’t want to muck out stalls with her. He could do that tomorrow and get in extra practice. When Easton was with Marci. His chest tightened painfully.

“Do we have time to tour your cabin before lunch?” she asked.

He swallowed hard, pulled off his hat and brushed at his hair, and plunked it back on. He and Marci, alone in his cabin. Was that like a match strike to kindling? He was gone over her and didn’t know if he’d survive the afternoon and evening without kissing her.

“Sure,” he heard himself say.

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