Page 40 of Cowboy's Sinful Bargain

We couldn't keep going in circles at this speed so I gestured to Wade to open the corral gate. As soon as he did, I guided Bucky out into the open range, running him at top speed. Miko's laughter followed us every step of the way.

This could become very addicting.

Finally, after a good long ride, I slowed Bucky down to a gentle trot. As much as I wanted to keep on riding—and hearing Miko's laughter—I knew it wasn't good for the horse.

I turned Bucky so that we could head toward the little creek not too far away. He needed some water before we headed back to the barn. It would also give Miko and me a chance to stretch our legs a little bit.

Strangely, the silence between us wasn't uncomfortable. I wasn't sure what was going through Miko's mind, but as curious as I was, I wasn't going to ask. He'd tell me if he really wanted me to know.

When we reached the creek, I slid off Bucky and then held my hands out to Miko so I could help him dismount. Once Miko was standing on his own feet, I led Bucky to the creek and then looped the reins around the pummel of the saddle.

"Thank you, Jos," Miko said after a few minutes. "That was amazing."

When I glanced down at him, he was still smiling. Only this time he was smiling up at me. "You ready to head back and try riding on your own?"

For just a moment, Miko's smile wavered before he said, "Hai."

Not sure what that was all about.

Chapter Twelve

~ Miko ~

I wasn't ready to head back to the barn. It was peaceful and quiet out here. I knew the main ranch was off in the distance somewhere behind us, but there were trees and open fields as far as I could see.

I kind of wanted to stay and walk around a bit.

"Jos?" I asked hesitantly.

"Yeah?"

I pressed my lips together for a moment before asking, "May we walk a little more?"

Jos's dark brows slanted over his eyes. "I reckon that would be okay."

I think that was a yes.

"How far is the ranch?" I asked.

"You are standing on it."

"I mean the house."

"Oh, I guess about a half a mile east of here, maybe a little more."

Yeah, I saw nothing.

I also hadn't realized we had come this far. "Is horse okay?"

"Yeah, Bucky loves this kind of stuff. Being cooped up in the barn is his idea of hell. He'd rather be out roaming the range."

Me, too, as it turned out.

"Where are the cows?"

This was a cow ranch. Shouldn't there be cows?

Jos gestured west of us with his head. "The boys have them out a little further. We try not to let them graze in one place for too long so we move them often."

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