Page 15 of Flyboy

Ivy nearly choked on her bit of a buttered roll. “They are good men.” She tried to recover her equilibrium. “When they aren’t goofing around.”

“Ah, yes, men do that. They can’t help it. I think they never really grow past the age of twelve.”

Ivy laughed. “That would explain some things.”

Colton moved past their window, balancing a rock on the top of his nose. His arms were out, and his head back. Omar laughed and cheered until the rock fell.

“You see?” Fatima wiped her hands on the front of her apron. “But if you can find a good one, they will keep you warm and happy all your days.” She moved away. “Enjoy your day.”

“Thank you.” Ivy considered her words as she savored the last few swallows of her juice. The way Fatima described marriage, who wouldn’t want to find someone to keep them warm and happy all their days?

When she exited the front door, both Omar and Colton had rocks balancing on their faces, trying to outdo each other. Omar stood on one foot. “Okay, now switch feet.”

“I hope I didn’t keep you.” Ivy stepped closer.

“No way. I’ve just got to beat Omar here, and then we can be off.” Colton switched feet. The rock wobbled but stayed in place. But then Omar sneezed, and the game was over.

“That just isn’t fair.”

“All’s fair, dude. You should know that.” Colton grinned.

As they made their way to the stables at the side of the property, which Ivy now knew sat on their neighbor’s land, Omar jogged up ahead. “I want a rematch.”

“Any day, man. You’re on.”

As soon as they were saddled up and Ivy sat on a beautiful speckled mare, she didn’t think life could get any better. They had used an English saddle for her, and the other two rode western. Their horses shone in the morning sun. They were healthy, full of energy, and Ivy wanted to prance on the inside with her horse. “We ready?”

“Oh? Does Ivy ride, do you think?” Colton asked.

Omar studied her. “Sure looks like it. Hey guys, don’t be letting me fall off this animal.”

“What? Omar. You fly fighters. You gonna be worried about a little bit of horse?” Colton clucked, and his horse led the way.

“I’m not worried about it. I just value my back . . . and my backside.” He laughed and winked at Ivy.

She snorted.

Colton turned and laughed. “Just trust your horse. These animals know the land.”

Omar’s horse fell in behind Colton’s. Which was good because Ivy was doing everything she could not to notice Colton. They walked out of the main area around the house, and through the first opened fence. From there, land stretched in all directions.

Without warning, Colton shouted. “Hiyah!” And his horse took off out across the pasture.

Omar followed, and Ivy, for a moment, shook her head. They didn’t know the land—or the horses—at all. He’d developed no relationship with the powerful, moving force beneath him. One thing she’d learned in her riding was the unpredictable nature of the animals they rode. But no amount of spouting the rules in her mind could diminish her appreciation of the sight of such a beautiful man atop a horse, riding across the pasture.

“What are you waiting for?” Fatima called from the house. “Go taste the freedom!” She laughed and shooed Ivy away with a dishcloth as though she were a young child.

Ivy laughed and nudged her horse. That was all it took for the beautiful mare to tear out after the others. Soon they were in a smooth canter, and she laughed in the wind. She caught up to the others, and the three rode side by side.

The land flew past them in a blur, and Ivy didn’t think she’d experienced anything as exhilarating, outside of flying a jet. Colton’s eyes were on her, which left a tingling awareness coursing through her. Adrenaline pumping madly, she lifted her hands out to her sides. “Yes!” she hollered, and smiled up into the sun.

Chapter 7

Colton didn’t think Ivy had it in her. When she’d stayed behind, he could almost feel her disapproval shooting daggers at his back.

With her hands out, and her face free and smiling, she’d painted such a pretty picture he didn’t think he could ever look away.

Who was this woman? Gone was any resemblance to the other Ivy he’d seen. The one who carried around a spreadsheet like it was her Bible. This woman before him looked like there was nothing in the world that would hold her back. The power of her freedom struck him, and he remembered once again why he flew planes in the first place. It was that look right there beaming out of Ivy while she rode horses, that joy. Did she look the same when she flew?

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