Page 116 of Tempting Promises
And now I really am goo. Complete goo. “Who knew you were so romantic?”
“Sure as fuck not me.”
We both laugh. “Enough of that, let’s go for a ride.”
My ranch-helper, as I call him since a ranch hand would be paid, is out in the back pasture, trying to fix the fence with duct tape and glue, because that’s all I can afford, so we’re able to get the horses without anyone seeing us.
Rowan and I head out, riding the trail between the trees where the creek runs through most of the town. When we get across there, it’s just open land. My favorite place to let the horse have his head. Monty was built for speed. I used to love coming out here with my pop and galloping at full speed with him, which we never told Gran about.
“Are you ready to race?” I ask.
“Do I have to let you win?”
I scoff. “I never want a single thing handed to me. You know that.”
When he had first offered to step out of the running for Knight Food Distribution, I about lost my shit. I’m the better farm, or at least the one that has exactly what they require, and I don’t need charity.
I’ve proven my worth.
“You know it doesn’t make you weak if someone helps you.”
I stick my tongue out at him. “Afraid of losing, Whitlock?”
Rowan shakes his head. “You’re going to end up being the death of me.”
“Probably, but it’ll be a fun descent into hell.”
“I’m sure it won’t,” he counters. “Okay, let’s race.”
“Three, two . . .” I pause, shifting back into my seat so when Monty takes off, I’m in the best position. “One, go!”
I kick the horse and instantly we dart off, I ease up on the reins, allowing him full control. He speeds through the grass and I feel like flying. My smile is uncontrollable as we move, wind whipping through my hair, as my worries drift off with it.
I feel lighter than I have in forever. Nothing can ruin this for me. I’m happy, in love, and I’m going to win the race fair and square.
We keep going, and the edge of the trees starts to near. I grip the reins, preparing to control Monty as we reach the tree line. He’s run this with me so many times, he knows what is coming. I hear the hooves behind me, Rowan approaching.
“Come on, boy, let’s kick his ass,” I say, leaning forward and patting his neck.
Monty speeds up just a bit more, giving us half a head lead. I yell as we easily win and circle him as Rowan comes up behind me.
I smile, victory is so sweet. I look him up and down, my grin not fading but for a different reason.
“Like what you see?”
I quirk my brow. “Easy there, Cowboy, I was admiring the horse, not the rider.”
“Sure you weren’t. You like riding me too.”
“Do I? I can’t seem to remember saying that.”
Rowan grins. “You don’t have to say it, sweetheart, your body tells me otherwise.”
I snort. “Full of yourself there.”
“I’m happy to make you full of me if you’d prefer.”
“Oh Lord.” I laugh. “On your day of yes, we’ll do whatever you want.”
