Page 33 of Choosing the Montana Cowboy

“TV?Pfft, it’s not the same. Not even close.” He took a drink, then met her gaze. “You have any experience riding horseback?”

Natalie laughed. Took in his perplexed look and laughed some more. “Did you notice how scared I was of those dogs over at the lodge?”

“Yeah. So?”

“So, horses are way bigger than dogs.” Another shiver rattled through her, this one not temperature related.

“Are you saying you’re scared of animals?”

“I mean, notallof them,” she said. “Dolphins seem safe. And goldfish.”

Sam shook his head. “We need to get you over this fear of the great outdoors.”

“Or I could just focus on my love of the great indoors,” she said, grinning.

“Look, if you truly want to understand how your fancy resort might impact us locals, you should probably spend some time out here like the rest of us. Not just inside, either.”

Her smile slipped. “Sam, I didn’t come here tonight to—”

“Wasn’t saying you did. And I didn’t take you to bed because I was trying to influence your work, just so you know.” He pulled her closer and pressed a kiss to the hollow beneath her ear. “Won’t be trying to influence you next time, neither.”

Next time? A grin stretched her lips. “Uh-huh.”

“Good, then it’s settled. We’re going out on the range tomorrow. I’ve got the perfect gelding for you to ride.”

Natalie frowned. “A gelding? Is that like a Gator or something?”

“A wha—” Sam dropped his head on a chuckle. “No, city girl. A gelding isn’t a four-wheeler—it’s a male horse that’s had his manhood removed.”

“Ohhhh.” Her thoughts shifted from what that poor horse went through to the realization that Sam was expecting her to getonthe beast. “Hold up—what part of I’m afraid of large animals did you not understand a moment ago?”

Sam studied her over his coffee mug. “Something tells me you’re afraid because you’ve never been around them much. Am I right?”

“Hey, if my gut warns me to stay away from something, I’ve learned to listen. And when it comes to animals bigger than cats and bunnies, my gut always tells me to steer clear.”

“Oh yeah?” Sam kissed his way to her ear. “And what did your gut tell you about me?”

She turned and kissed him, ending it with a soft nip. “Pretty sure it told me to run like hell in the opposite direction.”

“And yet here you are, still breathing. And, dare I say, rather satisfied.” A smug look settled on his face as he set his mug down.

Natalie tried to fake a scowl, but it was pointless; she broke into soft laughter as she, too, set her coffee mug aside. “Fine, yes, all of the above. But riding you, I’m sure, is way different from being up on some giant horse.”

“Guess you’ll never know until you’ve tried both.” His lips found hers again. “Multiple times, would be my professional recommendation.”

“I thought tonight was just us scratching this crazy itch.”

“Sure, but that doesn’t mean I won’t want to keep scratching it with you every chance I get while you’re in town.”

Natalie laughed softly. “I’ve created a monster.”

“Nah, more like woke him up.”

A fresh shiver rattled her, and Sam pulled her closer.

“Come riding with me tomorrow,” he whispered into her hair. “Let me show you Big Sky country firsthand.”

It sounded wonderful and terrifying at the same time. Her? In the wild? On ahorse?

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