Page 10 of One Night to Fall
“Why not?” he asks, leading me toward the back where a beautiful horse stands, its tan and white coat in contrast to the dark saddle. A pretty blonde with a Cheshire cat smile holds the reins, and I feel the tips of my ears heat as her gaze slides over me.
“Evening, boys,” she says, rubbing her hand over the horse’s mane.
“Thanks, Pen,” Jesse says before pointing to me. “This is Adrian, and he lost a bet. Adrian, this is my sister-in-law, Pen. She’s married to Lake.” When I blink at him he rolls his eyes. “It’s Beau, Lake, Wren, and me. And then our cousin Reid.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” I say, holding out my hand, relieved when she shakes it without comment because I know how this looks.
“Likewise.” Her eyes are sparkling as she hands the reins to Jesse. “Remember where the cameras are,” she singsongs with a wave over her shoulder as she exits the barn. I expect Jesse to be mortified when I look at him but his expression is wolfish.
Great.
“Shall we?” he asks, nodding toward the back of the barn.
“Let’s get this over with.”
“That’s the spirit.”
7
JESSE
“Istill think you should be riding a horse too,” Adrian says, his body only slightly more relaxed as I lead Jolene around the pen, his knuckles white as he holds on to the saddle for dear life.
It’s adorable, honestly. This big strong man—the one that’s done and said pretty filthy things to me—humbled by the animal beneath him.
“You’re not ready for that,” I tell him even though I would have loved to take Zeus out too. I was about fourteen when we got him, and he’s the first horse I ever truly bonded with.
Later.
Later as in when Adrian is gone, notwithAdrian. Definitely not. This was just a bet—nothing more.
Unless I can get him off quick when we’re done here.
Clearing my throat, I focus on my steps, on the feel of the reins in my hand, and the way the fall air is cooler than it was earlier this afternoon.
“You never told me why you don’t like horses.”
“It’s not that I don’t like them. I just prefer to be on the ground. I feel awkward up here—off-balance. Hell, you’re justwalkingand you’re more in sync with her than I am.”
“So, you’ve just been checking out my ass this whole time?” I tease as we circle back toward the barn.
“It’s my reward for doing this,” he grumbles.
“I didn’t take you for being so dramatic,” I tell him as I hold Jolene steady so he can get down. Relief pours off him the second both feet are on the ground, his face flushed and gorgeous, that square jaw covered in scruff just as tempting as I remember.
“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be.”
“Did you hear that, Jolene? I think he likes you.” Jolene bobs her head and swishes her tail as I get her settled back in her stall with fresh straw and a treat for putting up with Adrian.
Not that I say that part out loud.
Because I shouldn’t like him in this space. I’ve never brought a date here—not that this is a date.
“Have I paid my penance now?” Adrian asks, his eyes molten as they lock on mine.
“Not yet,” I murmur, grabbing him by the elbow and dragging him back toward the offices and to one of the storage rooms I know for afactdoes not have a camera.
“What are you?—”
