Page 10 of The Wrangler Takes a Wife

“I just made up some treats. He’s already eaten.” Amara grabbed her saddle. The stall life wasn’t really for her baby. The minute the sun was up, they set him free in the paddock. She walked through the horse-shed and saw him waiting by the gate. “Hey, Ranger.” Her stallion neighed and swayed his head. She’d had him since he was a colt. A hand stood nearby but knew better than to attempt to assist Amara with saddling Ranger. When she was around, he didn’t like anyone else touching him.

Soon they were off on their adventure. The sensation of sitting atop the powerful stallion was exhilarating, as if she was one with the wind itself. With every gallop, she could feel the rhythm of his hooves echoing through her body, a harmonious dance between her and Ranger. The world blurred past them, leaving only the freedom that came from their shared speed and strength.

The vast, open landscape of Welch’s Ridge Ranch stretched out before her, dotted with lush green pastures and the occasional grazing cattle. It was a liberation unlike any other, a moment where the constraints of everyday life seemed to dissolve away. In those fleeting moments, she felt unanchored to the earth, soaring with an unbridled feeling. Riding through the open fields, she embraced the boundless possibilities that lay ahead.

The ride was just what she needed. It all came to a crashing halt. On the way back, she caught sight of Chase on his horse, looking over the bison. She grew up on a ranch for goodness’ sakes. She’d seen men on horses since before she could walk… but damn… he was captivating.

Once she got back to the stables, Amara spent time with Ranger, giving him a good brush down, and a drink, before she headed home. She took a nice, long, hot shower. Chase had almost erased the effects of her time with Ranger. So, she turned toher first love. Amara pulled ingredients from her pantry and her fridge and on autopilot, she mixed items together.

Her thoughts were filled with Chase Harrison. Her soon to be husband. After the kiss last night, she really should run for the hills. Rolynda, like Amara, was an avid romance reader whose favourite smutty books featured fake relationships who failed when one person was too attracted to the other.

Chapter Five

Chase

What was that saying about shooting yourself in the foot? Chase was feeling the effects. Of course, he always knew they would have to kiss if they were going to convince everyone they were a couple. However, he hadn’t planned their first kiss. Last night, he allowed his feelings to get away from him. The kiss wasn’t at all the controlled tool he’d wanted it to be. Amara’s lips were so pillowy soft. When her warm, luscious curves were pressed against his body, it felt as if she had been made especially for him.

He was a grown man, accustomed to controlling his emotions, but there was something undeniably magnetic about the moment. It wasn't just about the chemistry; it was the way her presence made him feel alive, as if time had paused just for them. Despite knowing he should pull away, he found himself lingering, savoring the connection that felt both exhilarating and comforting.

Chase hadn’t counted on their chemistry being an added complication. If anything, he thought it would make for a more enjoyable time. His plan had seemed so fool-proof. Both Amara and he would get something out of this. The two years would fly by in a blur. Then, when the time came, they would walk away. No harm, no foul. He felt like all kinds of a fool for letting one little kiss question his plans. He needed to stay at the ranch for two years before he could unload it. It was the stipulation his uncle had put in his will. He’d only been messing with her when he suggested five years.

Since his days at Silver Creek Ranch, he had not stayed in one place for such a long period. The gigs Chase took before moving were either one-year or short-term. He had just finished working at a ranch for a year, when he was called to Alberta for the reading of his uncle’s will. Being in one place for two years wasn’t ideal, but the land was all the incentive he needed to stay put. It was all so uncomplicated. Even when he came up with the plan to marry Amara, things seemed simple enough.

An errant thought struck him as he made his chicory.After I’m gone, Amara will move on. Someone else will be kissing her.The thought didn’t sit well with him. Chase tried to convince himself it didn’t matter, as long as no one touched her while he was still here. Which got him to thinking. Had he made that clear to her? He was making damn sure she got that straight the very next time he saw her. In the meantime, the thought that his future-wife might be thinking she could have a side piece had him in a foul mood.

When he snapped at the first person he encountered, he surprised them. Rightly so. Chase was direct, but he was never overly harsh with his workers. In fact, most would say they liked him. He worked right along with them, just as hard.

A few people felt his irritation before Chase got himself under control and managed not to be so ornery. Until he overheard two hands talking.

“Did you see Amara out there riding this morning?”

“You know I did. Her days off are my favourite days. The way she rides the horse.”

“Good, Lord. I wouldn’t mind her riding me like that.” This is how he speaks about Amara, how dare he?

Seeing red was the real thing. Chase knew it for a fact. He’d never experienced it over a woman before. Nevertheless, he was balling his hands into a fist and preparing to introduce it to Vin’s face. Lucky for Vin, Rodney intervened before he could get to the man.

“I know the fuck your ass isn’t talking about my little sister.”

The other man made himself scarce while Vin put his hand up in the air. “I was just messing around.” The man looked contrite, but that probably had more to do with Rodney’s stature than being sorry he disrespected Amara.

“I have a good mind to tell my sister how you were speaking about her,” Rodney groused.

“Please don’t. You know how she is.”

Chase wanted to hear this. Maybe he could still kick Vin’s ass.

“She’ll probably deck me, then kick me in the nuts all before she bans my ass from the diner. Then still turn around and tell my Momma.”

It was the first thing which made him smile all day. God Amara was something fierce.

“You better watch yourself, Vin.” Rodney stepped closer to him, until their boots touched, and growled down at the man. “You’re lucky I promised Louisa not to start no fights.” Looking from side to side, he lowered his voice. “But next time, I might swing and pummel first, then ask forgiveness later. Or, however, the hell the saying goes.”

Vin scurried off like his friend had before him.

Even though Amara was tough and stood her ground, it was nice to know how her brothers looked out for her.

Rodney noticed Chase’s presence. “Hey.” He nodded.

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