Page 14 of Fool's Gold

He laughed, got to his feet, and walked over to the horse that threw him. He crooned softly to the wild-eyed animal. Sweet sounds came from his mouth as he put a hand on the horse's shoulder and stroked his palm down its quivering side. It calmed, ears coming forward.

Who would've thought such sweetness could come from the man's throat?

She scowled. She couldn't be jealous of a stupid animal, could she?

She had to turn away from the sight, unsettled by Rafe's carefree attitude. She'd been terrified, and he'd acted like he was having the time of his life.

She angrily picked up the camera from its strap and snapped several shots. Tab climbed on the back of a fresh horse, and she got several great photos of his handsome face. This would sell. The sunlight glinted off his blond hair and muscular, tanned body.

She smiled, loosening up now that she was in her element, and moved on to the other busy men. Turning a little farther to the right, she brought Rafe's scowling face into focus. He strode toward her at a furious pace. Sarah snapped off a final shot. It would be a keepsake to put this fiasco in proper focus after she left.

He stopped a few paces before her, a frown furrowing his brow. "I thought you specialized in nature photography?"

She was surprised by his angry reaction and embarrassed by the attention it drew. The men nearby stopped what they were doing and looked their way. She let the camera dangle from its strap and leaned against the wooden corral. There was no way she would let him get to her this time.

"There are horses in the shots."

He crossed his dusty arms over his chest and scowled. "There are also cowboys, and you're in their way. Knock it off."

She cocked an eyebrow at his imperious tone. Could the man be jealous?

She decided to egg him on to see if it was true. "Maybe I should do a beefcake catalog. ‘Men of the West.’"

He put his foot on the bottom rung of the corral and leaned toward her. His expression became more determined, but his voice grew softer. "I said no. Go take pictures of prairie dogs or something."

His worn jeans conformed to the shape of his well-muscled body. He was a walking advertisement for hot, cowboy love. All she had to do was say the word, and she could have him.

Tempted, she sighed and turned her back to him. "Fine. I don't have to put up with your foul temper. Come on, Mandy, let's go out onto the south pasture for our picnic."

Rafewasjealous. But what did it mean? Was he beginning to care for her?

She grinned as she heard his parting words because they sounded as confused as she felt.

"Damned fool woman."

SARAH TOOK A SHOT OFa hawk swooping majestically overhead while Mandy picked wildflowers nearby.

Suddenly, the pristine silence was shattered by the thunder of hooves. She looked to the left. A speeding black horse barreled down on them, followed by several other dark, dusty shapes.

Sarah shouted, "Get behind the tree, Mandy!"

Mandy's high-pitched scream echoed, and she ducked behind a big oak tree.

Sarah froze momentarily, then climbed onto the tree's first branch for safety.

Rafe came into view from the other direction on Umbriago. He leaned, andhis horse veered in front of the wild horses, changing their path just in time.

Rafe muttered what could have been a curse or a prayer as his horse stopped short, and he turned in the saddle to look at her.

Sweat ran down his face, and his breathing was hard. A nerve pulsed tightly in his jaw as he sidled his horse up next to her. He plucked her out of the tree and pulled her effortlessly onto the saddle in front of him. As he held her close, she was enveloped by the scent of cologne, sweat, and horse.

He was the most reassuring thing she'd ever smelled in her life. She slumped against him, his heartbeat thundering in his hard, muscular chest. As she lay trembling against him, it began to slow. She was too stunned to even worry about being astride a horse.

Hiss voice shook. "My God, woman. The stampede could have killed you."

Sarah mumbled against his chest. "I know. Thank you for saving me."

Mandy raced toward them, tears running down her face.

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