Page 18 of Seized by the Lawman

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe keep me from finding you online.”

“A cop like you has your ways.” She smiled.

“There’s something I’m real curious about. Did you really leave all this just to spite your dad?”

“Now did I say I did it to spite him?”

He caught her gaze. “That’s not what you said?”

“I left because I needed to spread my wings, get some independence under my belt. My father will always say that I left Shy Brooke. Difference of opinion. Potato and potahtoh.”

They reached the gate to the pasture and he slipped from the saddle to unlock and open it to allow her through. He walked his gelding in, locked the gate, then climbed back into the saddle. He squeezed his legs to bring the horse to a trot and once he caught up to Melly, he slowed to a cantor. “I think the whole idea is that you left.”

~~~**~~~

Melly enjoyed riding the mare. She squeezed her thighs and Jewels obeyed, trotting into the pasture. A part of her wanted to throw caution to the wind and take off at a sprint, but she wanted to relish the scenery too. Pulling back on the reins gently, coaxing Jewels to slow as she looked over at Nix who was still wearing a grin that made her nipples bud like the first flowers of spring. She wondered if the thin shirt hid her excitement, but she didn’t dare look.

Swallowing the tightness in her throat, she said, “I’ve missed riding. I can’t believe I hadn’t been out here since moving back.” She patted the horse’s neck. “She’s amazing.”

“I agree.” Nix’s deep, rich voice sent the butterflies in her stomach into a frenzy.

Daring a glance at him, she caught the wild glint in his smoky blue eyes and the grin that beckoned her like a lighthouse to a lost boat. He wasn’t referring to the horse, that was obvious. Why did she allow him to do this to her? It boggled her mind. Yet, she didn’t have any control when he was near. This angered her because she needed to keep her wits about her. And the fact that she carried his child made this situation even more off balance.

She reminded herself that an attraction for him was normal. After all, he belonged on the cover of a cowboy magazine. She’d been attracted to a lot of men and the lure didn’t last long, and just like those times, Melly would get over it. When the time came when she would tell him about the baby, they’d come to a solution to make this situation bearable. There were many parents who weren’t married and made co-parenting a breeze. Lifting her chin, she smiled. “You look like you own that saddle.”

“I’m still on the ranch working and riding as much as time allows me. I haven’t seen any holes or issues with the fence, have you?”

“Nope.” They rode in silence as they examined the entire fence surrounding the pasture. Once they were back through the gate, Melly wanted to feel the wind. Giving Jewels a gentle kick, the horse understood and took off at a gallop, but not too fast. Melly didn’t want to take any chances with the baby. Leaning into the horse’s neck, they dashed across the field, tall reeds whipping across the horse’s legs and the wind on her face. The feeling was good, liberating. She wanted to forget all her troubles for the moment, remember what it was like to be the girl who had no worries or cares. She set aside her father’s doubt and criticism. Her pregnancy. The irritating temptation for Nix Cade. All of it in exchange for the satisfaction that only a ride could give.

She didn’t even care that her hat flew off and her hair thrashed across her cheeks. Or that she’d be combing out tangles for hours that evening. Nothing that a brush and extra conditioner wouldn’t take care of. As a child she liked to get out here on the land and ride like the wind. Today, she would choose to not beat herself for not being perfect.

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