Page 32 of One Sultry Summer

“Would you like to go somewhere?”

“What did you have in mind?”

“There’s a place I’d like you to see.”

“Your bedroom?” I couldn’t help but joke.

“Nah, but we’ll definitely circle back to that later.” A sly smile formed on his handsome features. “I know you don’t have pants, but I’m sure you can ride a horse either way.”

“Horse? Didn’t I tell you I’d never ridden a horse?”

“You’ll be okay. You can ride with me, or I can lead you with another horse.’

“Um. Okay.” It was one thing to sit on top of a horse on a merry-go-round, but the thought of sitting on the real thing made me nervous as hell. I felt his hand on mine. I tilted my head to look into his warm, chocolate-brown eyes. He gently leaned down and placed a soft kiss on my forehead.

He picked up my plate, rinsed it, and slid it into the dishwasher with the remaining pans he used. Next, he went to the washroom and removed my clothes from the dryer. I followed him upstairs so I could put my dress and undergarments back on.

I admit, this sundress with straps and buttons down the front has to be one of my favorite outfits. The fabric felt soft and warm against my skin after coming out of the dryer. I slipped my sock-covered feet into my tennis shoes while sitting on the bed.

Wyatt stepped out of the bathroom wearing a burgundy T-shirt and blue jeans. They fit him inall the right places. In fact, fitting so nicely that it would have made any woman drool, and I was no exception. I attempted to be discreet and wiped the corners of my mouth.

He smelled delicious after taking a shower. He ran his fingers through his wavy hair. You couldn’t tell by his appearance that he was a doctor. Nothing about him screamed that he was one of the well-respected men in the community. However, he did carry an air of confidence about him that was extremely sexy and hard to ignore.

We walked downstairs to something he called the mudroom, where coats and flannels were hung on hooks. He slipped on a pair of worn boots and stood. Then he proceeded to push his hair back and put on a cowboy hat.

My body reacted to his appearance in a way I hadn’t expected. My, my…I’d drop my panties for him right now. I swallowed hard and blinked my eyes repeatedly. “There’s no need to feel nervous.” At that moment, I wasn’t nervous at all, I was hungry, and not for more food.

I followed him to the barn. Several horses stood behind gated stalls where their names were etched on each door. He opened the stall to a gorgeous horse that stood towering over me. The horse had a striking appearance and a unique white and dark coat pattern.

Wyatt threw the saddle on and strapped it down. He grabbed the reins and led the horse out of the barn, then tied the reins to a post.

“I’ll be right back, and whatever you do, don’t stand behind his back legs.”

I stood there frozen like a block of ice. The horse neighed and pushed its muzzle into my shoulder. My eyes widened with surprise. Without hesitation, I brought my hand up and touched its forehead. “Well, aren’t you pretty?”

Wyatt returned and observed us for a moment. “Come on, city slicker. Let’s get you riding Hubs.”

“I’m going to ride by myself?”

“Not today. I’m gonna get you on a horse first, and I’ll sit behind you.”

He then proceeded to tie something to the back of the saddle. “Listen. Since we’re riding together. I want you to put your hand on this. It’s called the horn. Now, place your left foot in the stirrup.”

I hiked the skirt of my dress because I guessed what he was going to say next, but he stopped talking. I turned to see him looking at my legs.

“Something got a hold of your tongue, Mister?”

He licked his lips and continued. “Where was I? Oh yes, pull up and throw your right leg over.”

“Pull up and kick my leg over. No problem.” However, there was a small problem as I didn’t get enough power to throw my leg over. I thought I was going to fall back down, but Wyatt instantly had his hands on my ass cheeks.

“Sorry, just trying to help you up.” Once I was settled, he lifted himself onto the horseas if he’d done it a thousand times before. As we departed the barn, the horse proceeded to trot through the apple orchard, traversing a small rise, past a cemetery, and into another open field characterized by tall grass. The horse’s steady rhythm and the serene landscape created a calming atmosphere. As Wyatt pointed out various landmarks, he shared stories about his personal history of playing out here as a teenager. It was an unexpected adventure for me as we rode along. The sound of water from a nearby brook was music to my ears.

I can’t deny that I’m enjoying his arms around me. I look around the wide-open spaces and appreciate the peaceful landscape and the sounds of the tall grass rustling from the breeze. The horse’s steady gait relaxed me, revealing Wyatt’s deep connection to the land and its history.

There were a few trees ahead, providing much-needed shelter, as temperatures began to soar.

“Whoa.” I felt Wyatt tug on the reins. When Hubs came to a halt, he jumped off the horse. He then tied the reins to a tree and helped me off. “We’re going to go on foot from here. I nodded, as I was willing to follow him anywhere he wanted. He took my hand, and we made our way through the tall grass to an area overlooking a valley. He laid down a blanket, and we both sat down. “I don’t know if we’ll see them today, but hopefully, we’ll get lucky.”

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