Page 41 of Wrangled

I bit back a smile. “Do you write for a problems page? You know, kind ofAsk Agathasort of thing?” His face darkened, and my stomach clenched.What did I say?

“I try not to dole out advice. Sometimes it can backfire.” He cleared his throat. “Your granddad sounds as if he was good people. How did he die?”

“We lost him to pancreatic cancer four years ago.”And you just changed the subject.

Compassion filtered into his gaze. “I’m sorry. We lost my dad seven years ago. And you’re right—itistough.”

“The men still talk about him,” I remarked. “Your dad, I mean.”

Robert’s eyes twinkled. “I can imagine.”

“‘Tough old bird’ I think was the phrase Butch used.”

He laughed. “That sounds about right.”

“So it’s just you and Diana?”

Another twinkle. “What—didn’t Butch fill you in on my family tree? Yeah, it’s just me and my little sister.”

Zeeb strolled into the stable, and came to a halt when he saw Robert. “Hey, boss. Thought you were up at the house.” Then he smiled at me. “You know, if this guy’s distracting you, you only have to say, and he’s outta here.”

The fact he felt comfortable enough to come out with stuff like that said a lot about his relationship with Robert.

I returned the smile. “What if he’s a welcome distraction?”

Robert’s eyes widened.

Zeeb blinked, then coughed. “We’re riding the Shafthouse trail this afternoon, boss. Figured Declan and Toby here might like a little challenge after their laid-back morning.”

Laid-back?I rolled my eyes. “Of course, I’ve been sitting on my ass since breakfast. Not sure I can fit in a trail ride—Iwasthinking about getting my nails done.”

Robert burst out laughing. If I’d thought Paul’s laugh was great, Robert’s was on a whole different level. I couldn’t help but think he didn’t laugh enough.

Judging by Zeeb’s dazed expression, I’d nailed it.

Robert patted Zeeb on the shoulder. “Sounds as if you’ve tailored the trail ride to the clients. Good job.”

Zeeb waited, but when it became clear Robert wasn’t about to say anything else, he tipped his hat, and ambled out of the stable.

“This trail Zeeb is talking about—what’s it like?” I was looking forward to getting on a horse again. My brief morning ride had only served to whet my appetite.

“Put it this way, you’ll get a fantastic view. It can get a little rocky the higher you go, but nothing you can’t cope with, I’m sure.”

“Sounds awesome.” I bit my lip. “Hey, if you want to give your paperwork a rest, you could always come along.”

And why did I say that?

I knew why, of course. Robert was a hot older guy who ticked all my boxes, and was sexy as fuck on a horse. The prospect of riding a trail with him?

Put it this way, I wouldn’t be admiring the fantastic landscape.

“Don’t tempt me.”

“Why not? Don’t they say temptation is good for the soul?”

Robert’s eyes danced with amusement. “I think you’re getting a little confused. Don’t you mean confession?”

I grinned. “Temptation sounds like more fun.”

---