Page 9 of Ride 'Em Hard
“How goes it, Doc?” I call out as soon as we’re in shouting distance, happy to see he looks healthy. Doc had a scare about a year ago, had to go through all kinds of crap, but his full head of crazy gray hair is back.
“I wasn’t expecting company, but come on in. I’ve got something on the stove,” Doc yells. He gives me a wave before disappearing inside.
“That cabin looks like it’s been there forever,” Lexi says.
“Nah. It’s not as old as it looks. Doc used authentic materials though. I helped him build it a few summers after I graduated high school. It’s about twelve years old.”
“You grew up around here? Like, you’re a real cowboy? Not just in the movies?”
“Yeah, I guess you could say that. All of us are. You were snooping on my family’s ranch, in case you’re interested.”
“Well, please apologize for me,” Lexi huffs, sounding as if it’s the last thing she wants me to do. She’s such a pistol. “It’ll never happen again, I can guarantee you that.”
I let Angel take us to the hitching post she knows so well, and we come to a stop. Lexi makes a move to climb down, and my hands instinctively grab hold of her tight little waist, preventing her.
“Let me get down first, sugar, then I’ll help you,” I say, digging my boot into the stirrup. I swing my leg over Angel and dismount. Angel’s well trained. She won’t move while I help Lexi, so I let go of the reins and hold my arms out. “Okay, sexy girl, your turn.”
“That’s an awfully long drop to the ground.” She’s hanging on to the saddle horn with both hands.
“All you have to do is swing your leg over. You don’t have to put any weight on that bad ankle. I’ll catch you.”
“No way. I can’t.” She bites her plump lower lip, and I wish she’d stop doing that. Does she even realize she’s the kind of woman who can bring a man to his knees? “I’m the girl who tripped and fell into a well, remember?”
“Come on. I won’t drop you.” I smile because I can’t help myself. Lexi looks stunning on a horse. The woman is gorgeous, especially with her skirt hiked up high on her toned, curvy thighs. I know I shouldn’t be happy she can’t walk, but I’m dying to get her in my arms again.
“Promise you won’t let me fall?” Lexi pulls in a deep breath and moves her injured ankle away from the stirrup.
“Cross my heart.” I move closer, at the ready to catch those beautiful curves.
“Here I come.” Gripping the horn, she swings her uninjured leg over Angel, giving me a quick flash of her panties, then lets go of the horn and tumbles backward into my arms.
“Pretty smooth,” I say, feeling every inch of her settle into my arms. I’m as fucking hard as a rock again.
Her long, soft hair spills over my arm. “Not the most graceful thing I’ve ever done.”
“Looked good to me.” I glance down at her, grinning like a schoolboy. Adjusting my grip, I bring her closer to my chest and carry her up the porch steps and into Doc’s place.
“Do you think you could possibly put me down now?”
“No. Not yet.”
The front door leads us straight into the living room. The cabin looks the same as ever, not that there’s much Doc could do to change it. It’s pretty much just one big room.
Doc looks up from the pot he’s stirring in the kitchen nook, rests the spoon on the counter and comes over. Whatever’s simmering makes my stomach growl.
“And who do I have the pleasure of meeting this evening?”
“Lexi,” she greets him, bumping my chin with her head when she extends her hand.
“I’m Doc.” He grins.
“Sorry we interrupted your dinner. She hurt her ankle.” I lift Lexi a little higher so he can look.
“No mind about dinner, Chase. Please stay, I’d enjoy the companionship. And of course I’ll assist and treat you Lexi, in any way I can. And Angel’s welcome in the barn tonight.”
I nod, glad I won’t have to ride in the dark tonight. “Thanks. Appreciate it.”
Doc props his glasses higher on his nose and bends, scrutinizing Lexi’s black-and-blue ankle without touching her skin.
