Page 61 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“We’ll ride over to the bluff.” Wyl indicated a point in the distance. “We can see the entire ranch from there.”
“I’ve seen your size, and I’m impressed.”
“I’m talking about the ranch, babe, but we can compare sizes later.” Wyl’s eyes twinkled.
I winked. “I can hardly wait.”
“The ranch has a natural spring, a perfect place to camp for the night. Fresh water for the horses and for us. A grove of mesquites borders the spring, providing privacy.”
We were in the middle of nowhere, but I didn’t have to ask why we needed privacy.
“Tomorrow morning, we’ll ride over to the herd. It's more like what you saw on those television shows you mentioned.”
“Those shows were fake, like you said. Sterling Ranch is beautiful. Lots of room to roam. Calm and peaceful.”
“I’m glad you like our spread, cowboy.”
My insides trembled again. “I like it when you call me cowboy.”
“I told you the title would fit. You’re enjoying the horseback ride and the ranch.
“And the rancher,” I grinned.
On the bluff, we stopped and took in the breathtaking view below and the mesas in the distance. “This is magnificent,” I sighed.
We dismounted, and Wyl grabbed a brown paper bag from one of his saddlebags and a canteen he strapped to the saddle.
“What’s in the bag?”
“It’s our lunch. I brought a couple of sandwiches. The canteen has water. We’ll have a hot supper tonight, but this will hold us until we set up camp.
We sat on a boulder and gazed at the ranch below. It was peaceful. No traffic noise. No broadcast media or computer noise. Only the two of us, the two horses, and nature. I could adapt to this life.
After lunch, we mounted up. I took another lungful of the fresh air and reached for Wyl’s gloved hand. Despite the gloves, the warm sensation traveled up my arm when we touched. I could not imagine my life without Wyl. Being together made time stand still. It was love. I thought Patrick and I shared love, but never like this.
“I’m glad you’re here, cowboy.” Wyl released my hand and pointed toward an oasis-like area in the distance. “The green spot in the valley below is the spring and our campground.”
I kept my eye on the oasis as we descended the bluff. I hadn’t slept outdoors since I was in Boy Scouts as a teenager. Was I ready for this?
By 5:00, we had arrived at the spring. I dismounted, groaning from my sore thigh muscles.
Wyl glanced over as he dismounted Sarge. “You okay, babe?”
“I’m fine.” I rubbed my butt. “Being in the saddle all day does a number on the inner thighs.”
“Told you,” Wyl held out his hand for Blanket’s reins. “You’ll live. Tomorrow will be worse, but your body will adapt.”
When I walked, my sore thigh muscles complained. When I stood still, the same muscles throbbed. Thinking a stretch might help, I bent over, only to be rewarded by more pain. But I wouldn’t let a minor discomfort interfere with whatever Wyl planned for us later. I hobbled behind Wyl as he led the horses to the water and let them drink their fill. Standing by the gurgling spring, Wyl stood behind me and surrounded me with his arms. “This is my favorite spot on the ranch.”
I took off my hat and leaned my head against Wyl. His closeness made me forget my sore muscles. “I like the sound of the water almost as much as I enjoy your arms around me.”
Wyl nuzzled my ear and nibbled the lobe. “I enjoy my arms around you, too.”
My entire body started to tremble. “If you don’t stop, we’ll never finish setting up the camp.” Almost overcome with desire, I turned my head to sneak a quick kiss.
Wyl’s deep, sexy voice rumbled from his chest. “We’ll continue this later.” He unwrapped his arms and turned to the horses.
I watched as Wyl unsaddled and unbridled Sarge.
