Page 27 of Holiday Hire

"Why is he so adamant about it? Answer that, and the solution will come."

I rack my brain, but nothing comes to me.

Ruby steps in front of the window and says, "Come here, Phoebe."

I do as she asks.

"Why did he say you had to learn to ride?"

"To watch the kids since they'll be all over the ranch."

"Okay, so what is the problem, and what is the solution? That is, if you're not ready to learn to ride?"

I think for a moment, then snap my fingers, answering, "I need to find a way to keep up with the boys, but not on a horse."

She nods, smiling. "That's right. So, figure that out, but I suggest you do it before you step outside. Because once you do, you'll have all those men and my grandsons trying everything they can to get you on Coco." She points to the horse Alexander leads across the yard and toward the corral.

My pulse skyrockets. The magnificent white horse moves with confidence and beauty. It doesn't calm my nerves. If anything, it makes me more anxious.

Ruby leans into my ear and says, "It's all in front of you. I have faith you'll figure it out." She pats me on the shoulder and then leaves the room.

I scan the ranch, trying to calm down. No solutions come to me. Then Alexander catches me staring at him and curls his finger in a "come here" gesture.

"Oh crap," I murmur, clenching my thighs.

What the hell is wrong with me?

That man wants me to get on a horse, knowing I'm petrified.

He's sexy.

No, he's not!

I step away from the window.

What am I going to do?

I peek out the other window, fretting, and then my solution comes to me. But I need to ensure I'm interpreting what Ruby said correctly.

I leave the kitchen, move through the house, and call, "Ruby!"

She replies, "In the living room."

I step inside and ask, "When you said I can help myself to anything, did that include everything on the ranch, or is anything off-limits?"

She grins. "Ah, you've found your solution."

"Yep!"

"Great! You can use whatever you want as long as no one's safety is at risk."

"Funny you say that when they all want me to get on a horse," I comment.

She laughs. "Phoebe, I'm confident you'll learn to ride at some point while on our ranch."

"No, I won't."

"We'll see."

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