Page 24 of Holiday Hire

Great. I'm going to get fired before the week is over because of my lack of riding skills.

"My boys ride," he says.

"Yes, I know."

"Guess you're going to need a crash course in riding if you're going to do your job this week," he declares.

I open my mouth and shake my head. "No. Umm...that's okay. I'll do my job from the ground."

He steps back into the room and crosses his arms, making his biceps strain harder against the T-shirt. In a teasing yet stern tone, he questions, "Phoebe Love, are you scared to ride a horse?"

I debate if I should confess my fear.

Amusement fills his expression. "You are, aren't you?"

I stay quiet.

He purses his lips and spins, walking out of the room and calling out, "Get unpacked. Lessons will start once the boys are home."

I rush toward the door. "Alexander, it's okay. I can do my job and not get on a horse."

He turns. "My boys will be riding all over this ranch. If you're going to be in charge of them, you'll have to ride with them. But we can end the week now if you're not up for the challenge."

My heart pounds within my chest cavity.

Alexander waits me out a few moments, then declares, "Okay. Decision made. I'll get some tape for your boxes."

"No! I'll..." My stomach flips.

He arches his eyebrows.

I release an anxious breath. "I'll learn to ride."

What am I saying?

His expression shows both surprise and approval. "Great. I'll saddle Coco up."

"Don't you have to return to work?" I ask, trying to think of how to get out of this sudden requirement.

He shakes his head. "Nah. I've always got time to make sure my boys have the resources necessary to ensure their supervision."

I'm not getting out of this.

I'm going to get hurt, maybe paralyzed.

As if he can read my mind, he adds, "You can stop freaking out. There's no one better to teach you how to ride than me."

"Can't I ride something else?" I ask.

Amused, he questions, "Like what?"

"I don't know. Anyone or anything other than a horse?"

"Anyone?" He arches his eyebrows.

Mortified at the realization of what I just said, I gape at him.

He chuckles, then says, "Let's stick with Coco."

---