by Vella Day
She’s your mate, his bear insisted. Why can’t you just admit that?
Zane huffed out a laugh at that thought. His bear hadn’t been able to hunt or fish in years. That had to be what caused his animal to scream for his freedom—not this charming, sexy woman.
“Why is that funny?” Missy asked.
Had she read his mind? Holy hell. “I don’t know why I chuckled.”
Her brows pinched and her eyes narrowed. Now she must think he was crazy. “You were talking about your shovels.”
He’d totally forgotten. “Oh, yes. I was thinking about one request a few years back. The customer wanted the metal to look like lace. I remember laughing, saying it wouldn’t be a shovel if I punched holes in the metal.”
Her eyes softened. “I bet that would be beautiful.”
Much of his artwork was beautiful, but this piece wouldn’t have been. “What good would a shovel be if you couldn’t dig with it?” he asked, curious to hear her response.
“You said you’re an artist. Surely you can see that something like a lacy shovel is the definition of art. You take an ordinary object—one that is meant to do menial work—and turn it into something delicate. It’s the contradiction that makes it so divine.”
Missy looked up at him with such hope that he wanted to give her the world. “I’ve never heard anyone describe art in that manner. Thank you.”
A pretty pink tinged her cheeks, and Zane decided at that moment that he had to find a way to pursue her no matter what. His body might be urging him to claim her for his own, but he could tell that Missy was not the type to accept such an advance. He needed to make her see who he really was as a man and how well he could protect her. While she seemed to respond to him on a physical level, clearly she wasn’t impressed with his lack of awareness to the world around him. If he told her the truth about where he’d come from, she was sure to run. Damn. There had to be something he could do.
As much as he wanted to ask about what she liked to do, he’d save those questions for tomorrow. Having Rye suggest horseback riding had been a stroke of luck. Once she realized what an accomplished horseman he was, she might give him a chance.
*
Why had Rye told Zane that she liked to ride? Missy couldn’t remember the last time she’d even been on a horse. Sure, she’d loved to go riding as a kid, but one needed to practice in order to be able stay on the horse. Zane was supposedly this super equestrian while she was a total novice. Not that she wanted to impress him, but she didn’t need Zane telling Rye that his mate’s sister was a total klutz.
Missy stood in front of the mirror and shook her head. Damn. Her riding habit was way too tight. The moment she swung her leg up onto the horse, her pants would probably split. Oh, hell. Who was she trying to fool? She wasn’t fifteen anymore with slim hips and no chest.
Missy tore off the old outfit, deciding that comfort was more important than style. Besides, this wasn’t a date. It was an obligation to a man she respected. Missy might not be a shifter, but Rye was the Alpha of his Clan, and as such, deserved a lot of respect. The fact he treated Izzy like a queen was enough to endear him to her for life.
Already late, Missy tugged on a pair of baggy jeans along with worn sneakers. Not wanting to chance being sunburned, she tossed on a long sleeved, white stretchy top. To keep her hair out of her face, she tied it back with a green ribbon. Without checking her appearance, she dashed out of her house.
Her six-year old Saturn started on the first try and off she went. While she didn’t visit Rye’s parents often, she knew exactly where they lived. She would feel a little funny driving past their home to the guesthouse in back and not stop in, but if she said hi, Mrs. McKinnon would insist on fixing a cup of tea and chatting. That would make her even later for her date with Zane, and Missy prided herself on being on time. Unfortunately, her wardrobe malfunction had already caused a delay.
As she pulled past the McKinnon home, Missy debated whether she should honk to let Zane know she was there and then wait for him to come out of the house, or walk up to his door and knock. If he asked her in, it would be rude to say no, but she wasn’t all that comfortable being alone with him. At least horseback riding took place outside.
Thankfully, when Missy arrived, Zane was sitting on the porch. He stood and came toward her. Uncertain if he would be able to open the car door, she jumped out and nodded to his backpack. “Hey. Whatcha got there?”
He froze for a moment as if he had to figure out what she’d said. “Mrs. McKinnon made us some lunch.”
What was up with everyone trying to fix them up? Didn’t they realize Zane would be gone soon? Just her luck, he’d win over her heart, and then she’d be heartbroken when he left. No, today had to be her last exposure to him. “That was really nice of her.”
“She’s the best.”
Just as she was about to open the car door for him, he yanked it open and slid in. Before she’d even settled into her seat, he had his seatbelt fastened and was holding the backpack containing their picnic lunch on his lap. Apparently, his memory was coming back if he could do those movements, though she still wasn’t convinced part of his actions weren’t an act for some reason. She hoped he wasn’t hiding out in Silver Lake, trying to avoid detection from the law. Knowing Rye though, he would have already had Kalan check him out.
“How often do you ride?” Zane asked as she drove down the McKinnon’s drive.
“The truth? I haven’t ridden in probably fifteen years.” She glanced over at him to see if he’d be disappointed, never expecting a grin.
“Then I can help you. I ride more than I drive.”
Missy glanced over at him. “Even when it’s raining?”
“The rain washes away the dirt.” Zane laughed, but she had no desire to live that primitively.
“Don’t tell me you avoid running water.”
He huffed out a breath. “I can see we’ve gotten off to a bad start. I use a shower just like everyone else.”
That was good to know. “I bet at home you don’t have a dishwasher though.”
His eyes sparkled. “You’re very astute. I don’t have one. Washing for one doesn’t make me need one. Besides, appliances cost money.”
So he was frugal. She liked that. Given his desire to ride a horse rather than drive a car, she bet he would live off the grid if he could. Missy had run out of questions. Even if she hadn’t, it would be better to keep who he was a mystery. The less she knew, the less likely she’d fall for him. His gentle ways were already dissolving her resolve to keep her distance.
Once they arrived at Renford’s Farm, she cut the engine and pocketed the keys. “Ready?” she asked, trying to keep the jitters at bay.
Her big hope for the day was that she didn’t make a fool of herself. If she fell, Missy would be mortified.
“I’m more than ready.” Zane pushed open the door and hopped out, acting like a man in charge.
Together, they walked over to the barn where Chris Renford, the owner, was inside, brushing one of the animals. “Hey, Chris,” she said.
Chris was a couple of years older than she was and a werewolf. His parents had died a few years back, and he was now in charge of running the farm.
“Hey, Missy. Haven’t seen you in a while.” His gaze shot to Zane. “You must be the new guy in town. I’m Chris Renford. Welcome.”
Zane shook his hand. “Thanks.” He nodded to the horse Chris was brushing. “She’s beautiful.”
“This is Dasher. She’s my favorite. This filly is fast yet gentle.”
Missy liked the gentle but not the fast part. She spotted a pinto horse that looked like she might be slow. “What horses do you have for us?”
A horse whinnied in one of the stalls, and Zane immediately strode over to him. From his pocket he dug out an apple and let the animal feast on it.
“That one’s a bit wild,” Chris said nodding to the one Zane had taken a fancy to. “You’d be best with a mare. One that’s older and gentler.
”
“Perfect,” Missy said, pleased he didn’t pressure her to ride a more temperamental horse.
The animal with Zane backed up and whinnied. “May I try him?” Zane asked.
“That stallion is a handful.”
Missy wanted to have a better look at the animal. As she approached, the stallion calmed, and she smiled. She still had the touch.
Chris came over and stood next to Zane. “Rye said you were quite the equestrian. If you think you can handle him, I’d be happy for you to take Storm out. He can always use the exercise.”
“I’d like that.”
Chris opened the stall and led the animal out. Storm nudged Zane, and then whinnied at Missy. “I think he likes you,” Zane said.
“It’s my magic. I have a calming effect on beasts.” Zane let out big guffaw, and heat raced up her face. “What? You don’t believe me?”
He held up his hands. “Oh, I believe you all right. You just proved it to me. I need to make sure we ride side by side so the horse doesn’t act up and throw me.”
She smiled. “Funny.”
Chris brought over a horse for Missy. “Here’s Grandma.”
Seriously? “I have ridden before.”
“Good, because Grandma can be feisty if provoked.”
She stroked the mare’s flank. “She’s lovely. We’ll get along just fine.”
Chris held Grandma’s head. “Do you need help getting on?”
Even if she did, she wouldn’t admit it. “I’m good.”
Missy placed her left foot in the stirrup and pulled herself up. She must have misjudged her own strength, for when she swung her leg up and over, her momentum carried her too far. Hanging on, she stopped her forward progress, but then couldn’t right herself immediately.
Before she managed, strong hands gently guided her onto her saddle. Embarrassed, she cleared her throat. “Thank you.”
“Are you okay?” Zane acted as if she’d taken a tumble.
Missy forced a smile. “I’m good.”
He patted her leg then helped Chris saddle his stallion. A minute later, Zane swung onto his horse’s back with little effort. “We’ll take it slow.”
She nodded and walked her horse outside to a day that was sunny with just a slight breeze. Perfect. As soon as Missy smelled the loam of the earth and the fresh air, she calmed. She and Zane were just two acquaintances going for a ride. Nothing more. Rye had suggested she take the path along the river to the mountain before heading back to the lake, and that was what she planned to do.
They rode side by side at a nice pace. Had he been her typical date, he’d be trying to show off, but not Zane. The man seemed content merely to be out for a lovely outing. When they reached the riverbank about twenty minutes later, they let their horses drink their fill before heading toward the mountain. The flowers were in bloom and the trees lush.
Happy to enjoy the fresh air, they continued to where the river flowed down the mountain. Missy was totally lulled into complacency by the slow pace and beautiful scenery when suddenly her horse reared up and pawed the air. Shocked at the unexpected movement, she didn’t have a chance to send out her calming thoughts to the spooked animal. Hard as she tried to hold on, Missy lost her grip and flew through the air. Her feet hit first then her butt, and finally the back of her head slammed against the ground. Stars spun and adrenaline coursed through her.
“Don’t move,” Zane said, holding out a palm.
How had he dismounted so quickly? “I don’t think I could if I wanted to,” she panted out.
Damn. This was certainly not how she wanted the day to end.
Chapter Six
‡
Zane knelt in front of Missy and lifted her hand. To her surprise, her pulse calmed at his touch.
“You hit your head. Did you pass out at all—even for a few seconds?”
Missy tried to recreate the fall. “Everything happened so quickly, but I don’t think so. I’m just shaken.”
Grandma whinnied then took off at a fast trot, heading back toward the farm. “Wait! Come back here,” Missy called after her.
The horse did not stop, and Missy didn’t want to think about what that meant. Storm, on the other hand, seemed content to wait for the trauma to be over.
“We don’t need you losing your memory too.” Zane winked then ran his hands up both arms before checking out her legs. “Nothing appears to be broken. How’s your head?”
Missy rubbed her neck then touched the back of her skull. Other than some dust and sticks stuck in her ponytail, she seemed to have come out okay. “I’m good. Can you help me up?”
She didn’t want to chance trying to rise on her own and failing. Zane grabbed her hands, and slowly helped her to her feet. When he didn’t let go, a flush raced up her face. She eased her hands from his and then brushed off the dirt from her butt. “Did you see what happened?”
“A snake crossed your path and spooked Grandma.”
Just her luck. “I thought Storm would be the wild one.”
“Oh, he bucked all right and actually kicked the thing. Fortunately, the snake wanted nothing to do with that fight.”
Missy actually chuckled. “Smart snake.”
Zane reached out and plucked something from her hair. She must have flinched because he held it out. “It’s just a stick.”
Normally, Missy wasn’t skittish, but there was something about Zane that had her on edge. She smoothed her hair once more. “I must be a mess.”
His eyes changed from dark brown to a soft hazel. “No. You’re perfect.”
The way he said those words had her pulse spiking again. Missy glanced away, embarrassed by the incident and his words. Needing to take a step back to put more distance between them, she tested her limbs. Thankfully, nothing was broken or severely injured. A slight headache had surfaced, but hopefully it would disappear soon.
Her stomach grumbled, and Missy pressed a hand to her gut. Not ready to deal with walking back to the farm or riding double, she pointed to a three-foot tall boulder that could seat two. “What do you say we have some lunch while we wait for Chris to bring us another horse?”
“You think he will?”
“Sure. Once Grandma trots home, he’ll realize something happened.”
“That would be great. How about you sit, and I’ll get the food?” When Zane rubbed her arm and smiled, a blue spark shot off her hand. Damn.
Why were her sparks appearing now? It wasn’t like she was sexually excited—or so she wanted to believe. Sure, he’d been helpful and even kind, but that didn’t mean she was attracted to him. Blue spark indeed. Most likely she was overjoyed that her fall hadn’t been worse.
Zane led his horse over to a copse of trees and tied the reins to a limb. They didn’t need his horse to take off too and leave them to have to fend for themselves. An image of them stranded for a few hours came to mind. Knowing Zane, he’d wrap the picnic blanket around her shoulders and hold her tight. She quickly pushed that ridiculous thought aside. They weren’t more than two miles from Chris’s farm. They could walk back in less than an hour.
“Need help getting onto the rock?” Zane asked. His backpack was slung over his shoulder, and she had to say the Paul Bunyan look had its appeal.
“I’ll try it myself.” She liked to believe she was self-reliant. To her dismay, when Missy planted her foot on a small outcropping, her leg gave way and she slid back down.
Zane set the backpack on top, lifted her in his arms and deposited her on the slab. “If you hurt yourself anymore, I’ll feel really bad.” Even though there was a hint of humor in his tone, Missy believed him.
“Thanks.” Zane’s legs were so long, he only had to bend his knees to sit on the rock. “I’m not usually so clumsy,” she said.
“You weren’t clumsy at all. You didn’t ask for the snake to jump out in front of your horse and spook her.”
His comment made her feel a little better. Zane opened his backpack and pulled out a bag that smell
ed divine. “What do you have there?” she asked, craning her neck for a sneak peak.
He shrugged. “I don’t know. About a half hour before you stopped over, Mrs. McKinnon knocked on my door and said she’d fixed us a picnic lunch, but she didn’t say what she’d made.”
Missy wouldn’t be surprised if her mom hadn’t made the meal and asked Rye’s mother to drop it off. He pulled out a few plastic containers. One held strawberries, but she couldn’t tell what was in the other ones.
Missy opened one. “Mmm, fried chicken. My favorite.”
Zane smiled. “Mine too.”
He set the food out along with two paper plates, plastic silverware, and a bottle of water. “I need to thank Rye’s mom for this,” Missy said.
“Me too.” Zane was about to pick up the chicken with his fingers but then stopped. It was as if he wanted to see how she planned to handle the food.
“Fingers are okay to use,” she said as she grabbed a piece of fried chicken. When she followed her comment with a smile, the tension around his eyes disappeared. Whether it was because she wasn’t being totally proper or something else Missy couldn’t tell. All she knew was that Zane appeared truly relaxed for the first time.
Once she took her first bite, he grabbed a chicken thigh and munched on it. Being outside, coupled with narrowly escaping a severe injury, made Missy almost high with relief. While she was enjoying the food, she didn’t miss how Zane would wait for her to serve herself first before he sampled his. Perhaps he was being a gentleman, but he seemed unsure how to proceed.
“So you get a chance to ride a lot?” Missy asked.