Page 21 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“How much does a horse cost?” I cleared my throat. “If you don’t mind my asking.”
Wyl smiled. “Not at all. You can buy a horse for anywhere from around $3,500 to as much as $100,000. We spend around $10,000 on steeds for our hands. We paid $20,000 for Beauty, but she came from excellent stock, had attractive color, and no issues.”
“$20,000?” I gasped. “I had no idea.” I admired the beautiful steed.
“Walt may end up with another. He’s looking at a horse in Oklahoma City. If he buys her, we’ll put her in the empty stall.” Wyl nodded toward the stall as he held out another apple half.
I opened my palm, grazed by Wyl’s fingers placing the apple half. The zing of electricity raced up my arm. “I never learned about horses, but Beauty reminds me of racetrack horses from TV and the movies.” The beautiful brown horse with a white star on her muzzle took the apple half from my palm.
We crossed to the remaining two horses, one with a dark brown body and blonde mane.
“This one is Sarge. He’s an independent horse with a mind of his own. His name comes from his take-charge attitude. He’s my primary horse. He responds well to my commands and my firm hand on the reins. Sarge proved a challenge to break, but once he accepted me, we developed a connection.”
“So, you bought him as a colt?”
Wyl stroked Sarge’s muzzle. “While home on leave five years ago, I went with Walt to Oklahoma City to check out horses. One particular colt kept calling my name.” Wyl cupped his hand around his mouth and spoke in a soft, ethereal voice. “Wyl…take me home.” Sarge nodded his head and nickered.“I liked his spirit and coloring and couldn’t resist. Sarge ran free for six months, maturing and getting accustomed to the ranch. On my next leave, I broke him. Now I ride him every day.”
I listened to Wyl’s story, watching his strong hands soothe the horse.You can rub me the same way.I turned my thoughts elsewhere to ease the bulge in my jeans.A bulge I should NOT be forming. Shit.
Wyl handed me another apple half. I hesitated to put my open hand out for Sarge, but the horse took the apple and nodded his head.
We moved to the last stall. A yellow card with my name adorned the gate. “This one is Blanket. He’s an American Paint.” Wyl touched my shoulder and pulled me to a better angle to view Blanket’s side. He pointed at Blanket's back with his hand still on my shoulder. His warm breath tickled my ear, reminding me of our time in Big Spring. “The coloring on his back gives the impression of a permanent horse blanket. He is gentle. This is the one I will saddle up for you when we go riding.” He released his grip and stepped back.
The sensations from Wyl’s touch threw my libido into overdrive. I gripped the stall door to stay upright and to keep Wyl from noticing the instant hard-on straining against my fly. Wyl nudged my shoulder with the last apple half. I took it and stepped straight back, keeping my crotch out of sight. I extended my open palm to Blanket. The horse took the apple and nudged my shoulder as if he understood about the future. I stroked Blanket’s muzzle. “I’m looking forward to our ride, Blanket.” I smiled at the horse and the lingering sensation of Wyl’s touch.
“I won’t let anything happen to you.” Wyl bumped my shoulder with his fist. “Let’s go back to the house. I’ll grab the steaks, and we can chat while I grill.”
“Lead the way.” Wyl’s introduction to the horses is forever branded in my mind. The caring approach Wyl used with each horse. The gentle nature each horse showed to Wyl and to me. My excitement ramped up several notches at spending future time with my rancher on horseback.Shit. I’ll admit it. I’m falling for him. Now, I must figure out how to handle the college's ‘no dating a student’ rule.
Chapter Fourteen
ROD
Wyl grabbed the steak platter from the refrigerator. “Let’s go to the patio.” He motioned for me to follow. “I lit the grill before you arrived, so it’s warmed up and ready.”
Damn weak knees. This guy did things to me.
With his hand on the sliding glass door handle, Wyl paused. “Your foot spasm again?”
“Not this time.” I shook my head. “My knees decided not to work right.” I hoped my blush wasn’t obvious.
The door slid open, and Wyl stepped out, grinning. He waited for me to walk through before sliding it closed. “Anything I can do?”
“I’ll be fine.”If you’ll stop grinning at me, offering to help me, and being all kinds of sexy!
“Lean on me if needed,” Wyl offered his elbow, still holding the platter of steaks.
“Thanks, but I’m okay.”The last thing I need to do is to touch you.
The patio included a U-shaped stone island equipped much like an outdoor kitchen. The U included a built-in gas grill. Wyl opened the lid, reached for the grill brush, and gave the grate a final scrub. “You grill much?”
“Sometimes, but I’m sure you’re much more experienced.” I stood ten feet away with my arms wrapped across my stomach. My decision to allow my attraction to run free, tied me in knots. I questioned the decision.
“The only grilling going on in the Marines is from the drill sergeant.” Wyl tossed the steaks on the grill with tongs. The moist meat sizzled against the hot grates, and soon, the smoke and grilled beef scent filled the air.
“I love the aroma of grilling steaks.” The domestic scene Wyl and I shared made me realize how much I enjoyed this. My Jekyll side wanted to be with Wyl. My Hyde side wanted to…well…hide. But hide from what? My own feelings for Wyl? Why hide from those since I let it happen? Hide from Wyl? No way. Keep things hidden from the college? Yeah…from Stella.
Wyl snapped the grilling tongs for my attention. “Are you okay, or did you transport to Mars or something.”
