Page 2 of Ranch's Resolve

“How do you leave?” Athena asks. “I could sit here forever and never get bored.”

“You should see the view from the bedroom,” I say as I hand her a glass of lemonade. Pleased when she rewards me with another adorable blush.

“I’ll take your word for it,” she mumbles before taking a sip.

“So tell me about what you and Caitlin want to do with my ranch.”

She explains how a ranch like mine can be therapeutic for adults and children. Not only horseback riding but also caring for the animals. I admit I’m not listening, but I am mesmerized by her enthusiasm. She’s positively glowing. If I don’t get her out of the house soon, I won’t be able to stop myself from dragging her upstairs and having my way with her. I have to think about Caitlin.

“That sounds fascinating. I suppose you and Caitlin want to use this place to help those at Crossroads. I’m fine with it. Anything for our club princess.” I take the empty glass from her hand. “Did you want that tour?”

I lead her back outside and over to the stables, where Max is finishing up with Sunset. Sunset is a gorgeous Connemara pony with a golden coat. I unlock the stall door for my horse, Devil’s Sire. He’s a rare black Mustang who is part feral. He wandered onto our property a few years ago, injured. I helped nurse him back to health, and we’ve formed an uneasy alliance. No one but me has ridden him. He tends not to like people very much and barely tolerates me. As I prepare him for our ride, Athena wanders over to watch.

“He’s gorgeous,” she says. Devil nods his head in agreement, making us both laugh. Fuck me, even her laugh is sexy. I’m fucking doomed.

I nod at the bag of carrots we keep handy. “You can feed him one.”

She places the carrot piece in her palm and holds it up to him. Her smile is broad when he nips it gently out of her hand.

“She’s ready for you, Ms. Stokes,” Max calls her over.

“Please, call me Athena. Thank you, Max.”

“Do you need help…” Max starts, chuckling when she mounts with the grace of someone who’s ridden. “Guess not.”

“I’ve ridden a few times,” Athena admits.

“Let’s go,” I tell her as I mount Devil and lead her outside. We spend the first ten minutes just enjoying the experience.

I have a hard time keeping my eyes off her. The way she sits in the saddle is sexy. Her confidence in the saddle impresses me, but her juicy ass distracts me.

“Your ranch is gorgeous,” Athena says as we trot along the path. “How long have you had it?”

“Been in my family for several generations,” I tell her. “I grew up here.”

She has a wistful look on her face as she glances around the open space. “You’re fortunate.”

“I am. How did you learn to ride?”

“Camp. I was a city girl. I had the opportunity to attend a camp at a ranch similar to this one. Fell in love with the horses.”

“They’re easy to love,” I say, patting Devil on his neck.

“Who are they?” Athena asks, drawing my attention.

I glance over to where she’s looking and see five men standing defensively just inside my fence line. Behind them, I can see where they’ve cut the barbed wire to sneak onto my property.

I’m armed, but don’t want to shoot any of them. They’re simply looking for a better life.

“Oh my god,” Athena says before urging her horse toward them.

“Athena, wait!” I call out, but it’s too late. She’s already moving toward the men, who all have guns pointed right at her.

CHAPTER TWO: ATHENA

Following Caitlin’s directions, I pull down the long driveway of the DDMC Ranch. I grimace when I see the unpaved road but discover the firmly packed dirt offers a smooth ride for my older Lexus. On either side of the road are pristine black fences. On the right, I spot several horses galloping around the space while cows meander through the space to my left. Caitlin had mentioned that Ranch’s ranch is a working ranch. They raise cows and breed horses and ship both throughout North America and South America.

When I pull up in front of the house, I take a moment to study the gorgeous home. Rather than being made of wood, the building is reddish-tan stucco with natural stone accents. A wide porch covers the entire front and wraps around each side. Rocking chairs, a porch swing, and other furniture invite visitors to sit down, take a load off, and just enjoy the views. Sunlight sparkles off the massive windows, inviting light into what is likely a beautiful home.

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