Roping the Rancher (Harlequin American Romance)

by Benson, Julie

  “You’ll be fine. Tourists do this all the time. Most of them city slickers like you who’ve never been on a horse.”

  “Do I look that scared?”

  “Like you’re about to shoot the rapids in a barrel.” He motioned her to come closer. “I’ll hold Bess steady. Grab the saddle horn and put your left foot in the stirrup. Then push off with your right foot and pull yourself into the saddle.”

  “Why do I think that’s not going to be as easy as it sounds?”

  “Again, tourists manage this all the time. Half of them not in anywhere the shape you are.”

  He thought she was in shape? He’d noticed? The heat of her blush crept down her neck.

  Remember, just friends.

  Oh, but being more could be so much fun.

  Trying to focus she grabbed the saddle horn, and after a minute of struggling she managed to get her boot in the stirrup. Then she pulled. She went up, and then came right back down. “I knew getting in the saddle wasn’t as easy as you made it sound.”

  “Try again.”

  She did, with similar results, except for this time when she started to come back down, his hand cupped her butt and propelled her upward. She glanced down at him from her lofty perch. “Cheap way to cop a feel.”

  This time he blushed. “Was it as good for you as it was for me?”

  It sure was.

  She loved how he made her laugh. Why did it feel as though she did so little of that when she was home? Then she glanced down at him. She’d sworn he was joking, and yet, she sensed in a way he wasn’t.

  Because of his eyes. She knew desire when she saw it in a man’s gaze, and her body responded. Heat charged through her, awakening places inside her that had been dormant for so long.

  Then Bess nudged him and the spell broke.

  She glanced at the mountains around her. Such evidence of endurance. A constant presence. So much like the man beside her.

  “How’s the view from up there?”

  Colt’s question made her realize where she was. She waited for panic to slam into her, but the emotion never came. “I’m on a horse, and I’m in one piece.”

  He smiled at her and she swore she now saw pride in his gaze. “You sure are.”

  “The view from up here’s amazing.”

  “It’s pretty fine from where I stand, too.”

  Men often told her she was beautiful, but there was something different about Colt’s compliments. Maybe because his felt more genuine, and he seemed to admire her as a person. For who she was on the inside.

  “Why sir, you’ll send a girl’s head spinning with pretty words like that,” she teased, feeling desperate to break the attraction pulling them together.

  She’d told Jess there wouldn’t be anything but friendship between them. The words had tumbled out of her easy enough. Too bad following through was turning out to be tougher than she expected.

  He mounted his horse and turned to her. “I’ll lead the way. Bess knows to follow. Tap her flanks with your heels and she’ll follow Jax here.”

  A twinge of fear rippled through her when Bess shifted under her. “Tell me again how tourists do this all the time and how safe this is.”

  “We haven’t lost a city slicker around here in years. You’ll be fine.” He flashed her a confident you-can-do-this smile. “If you get scared or want to come back, just say so.”

  Determined not to let fear rule her, she mumbled a quick prayer and nudged Bess forward. For the first fifteen minutes or so of the ride Stacy gripped the reins so tight her fingers went numb, but the farther they rode, the more she relaxed.

  As the ranch faded from view, the foliage grew denser and mountains enveloped them. The stillness surrounded her. The last time she’d been in Colorado she’d missed the city. Its entertainment, its hectic pace with nonstop activity, but not this time. Now she found a peace here her soul craved.

  She hadn’t realized how much caring for Ryan and dealing with Andrea had weighed on her until she’d gotten out from under some of the pressure. While her mother could still call, the distance kept Andrea from being able to expect Stacy to “pop over” as her mother would say, and deal with every imagined tragedy.

  And Colt had worked wonders with Ryan. Her brother was happier than she’d ever seen him. He talked about friends and socialized more since they’d arrived in Estes Park than he had in the entire time since his accident. His grades had improved and he’d started talking about attending college again.

  How could she go back to that bleak life? How could she cope with being that strong again and taking care of everything alone?

  Soon she’d have to find a way to do just that, but until then she refused to think about what was to come. Instead she’d concentrate on finishing the movie and enjoying her time here. She deserved that.

  * * *

  AFTER AN HOUR or so of riding, they came upon a clearing. Memories stirred within Colt as he stared at the remnants of a fort he and Reed had built as kids. Their hideout. The fortress where they’d gone to escape their father and his tirades.

  Here they’d read books, played cards, or just hung out in the quiet. They could forget for a while and be kids.

  He stopped and glanced over his shoulder at Stacy. “I’m ready for lunch. How about you?”

  “I’m amazed how hungry I am.”

  After he dismounted, he walked to where Stacy waited, still seated on Bess. “You need help getting down?”

  She shook her head. “Let me try. I would like you to hold her steady, though.”

  As he stood beside her, his hands on Bess, he said, “Do you realize how far you’ve come?”

  She beamed down at him. “I think I can really do that scene now. Thanks to you.”

  “You did all the hard work.”

  “I understand now how the horse therapy helps. There’s something about riding that is freeing.”

  “These programs can help so many people. Ones with mental disabilities. People like Ryan with physical injuries. It’s also helping vets who suffer from PTSD.” Stacy waited while he retrieved the blanket he’d tied behind his saddle. Then he shook out the old wool and placed it on the ground. He told her to get settled while he returned to Jax and grabbed his saddlebags containing their lunch.

  “You’re making such a difference for so many people.”

  When he turned the sight of Stacy sitting under a canopy of Aspen trees, her face bright, her eyes sparkling nearly bowled him over. She looked so at ease, so right sitting here on his land. Maybe this hadn’t been such a good idea. He’d better find some self-control real quick.

  As he sat on the far edge of the blanket and placed the leather bags between them, she said, “Thank you for helping me prepare for the scene.”

  He unpacked their simple picnic and handed Stacy a sandwich. “It’s egg salad. I figured that was safe. I know you don’t eat red meat, but I wasn’t sure about chicken or turkey.”

  “Thanks for remembering. For the record, I do eat chicken and turkey.” She took a bite. “This is good. What restaurant did you get the food from?”

  “Now I’m insulted. I made lunch.”

  “Wow. A man who can cook and keeps a house clean enough it could pass the white glove test. How is it that some smart woman hasn’t snatched you up?”

  “Maybe I just haven’t found one I wanted to let grab me.”

  Until you.

  Unable to resist, he leaned over and kissed Stacy. Lightly at first, but when she responded, he couldn’t help but deepen the contact.

  Thunder rumbled in the distance, and Stacy practically jumped away from him. “We shouldn’t have done that.”

  “If you’re waiting for an apology, you’re not going to get one.”

  More thunder rolled toward them. “S
till sticking with your weather prediction?” Stacy teased, easing the tension inside him, but not the physical ache.

  He glanced at the sky. The dark clouds on the horizon would be rolling in soon. “We need to head back.” He scooped up the remnants of their lunch, shoved everything in his saddlebags and stood. Briefly he considered holding out his hand to help Stacy up, but changed his mind. The less they touched the better.

  Ten minutes later, the sprinkles started. The temperature, which had been warm and pleasant when they headed out on the trail, dropped at least twenty degrees when the front moved in. The wind picked up, now coming in from the north.

  “I thought you said the rain was supposed to hold off,” Stacy chided.

  “Guess it’s a good thing I’m not a weatherman. Take the path coming up on your right. It’ll get us back to the ranch quicker.”

  Then the heavens opened up, drenching them. He glanced back at Stacy. Worry lined her forehead. “Bess is used to walking in weather like this. She’s sure-footed, so there’s nothing to fret over. We’ll be back to the ranch in a few minutes.”

  Stacy patted the horse’s neck. “I trust her. I don’t think I’ll ever be someone who wants to dash around on a horse hell-for-leather—isn’t that the expression?”

  He nodded, unable to speak. The rain had soaked through her clothes. Her pale blue T-shirt left almost nothing to the imagination, outlining her lacy bra. The cold had hardened her nipples. His body hardened in response.

  “But I could see her and I taking a leisurely afternoon stroll every once and a while.”

  Sure she was more than easy on the eyes and her body could keep a man busy for months exploring every exciting inch of her, but those things weren’t what he found most intoxicating. Her grit. Her tenacity. The way she never let anything get the best of her. He couldn’t help but admire her. She’d faced her worst fear. She wasn’t some dainty little thing that folded when a strong wind blasted her. Those things drew him like a stallion to his favorite mare.

  When they reached the ranch, he dismounted and turned to Stacy. As he helped her off her horse, he said, “You know where my room is. Go inside, dry off and get warmed up. I’ll see to the horses.”

  “No, you’re cold and wet, too. I can help. Just tell me what to do.”

  They led the horses into the barn and down the first row of stalls. “Bess’s is the third one down.”

  While she took Bess, he put Jax in his stall and removed his saddle and bridle. After he set the items in the aisle, he joined Stacy to help with the other horse. “Do you remember where the tack room is?”

  “Is that the room where you keep all the horse gear? Where it’s all neatly arranged by the horse’s name?” He nodded, and Stacy continued. “Has anyone ever mentioned you take organization to a whole new level?”

  “You wouldn’t say that if you had to spend ten minutes finding the right bridle.” He handed her the bridle and told her Jax’s was outside his stall. “While you put those away, I’ll see to the saddles.” And work on getting my hormones back under control before I dry my clothes from the inside out.

  Five minutes later they sloshed into his house. By the time they reached Colt’s room, Stacy knew what it felt like to be a Popsicle. She’d never been so cold in her entire life. She wrapped her arms around her middle, not only for warmth but because her shirt had become completely see-through. At least she’d put on her best ice-blue Victoria’s Secret bra today. She’d be even more embarrassed if she was wearing some industrial white thing.

  “My bathrobe’s still hanging on the bathroom door. When you get that on, toss out your clothes. I’ll change out here.”

  Standing in his bedroom, his presence overwhelmed her. His wet shirt revealed the definition of his rock-hard abs and broad shoulders. His jeans molded to his strong thighs and she refused to think about what else they revealed. So much for being cold. Not a problem now. She practically ran into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her, wincing at the harsh sound.

  As she peeled off her soggy clothes her imagination went crazy. All she could think about was Colt a few feet away shedding his clothes, revealing those amazing abs and everything else. Her jeans hit the floor with a thwack and she reached for his robe. She’d thought the last time she slipped into this garment it was intimate. Today was past intimate.

  She’d tried so hard to stay away from Colt. To keep from feeling anything for him, but how could she when he’d done so much for Ryan since they’d arrived? He’d given her brother that steady male presence he craved. Ryan had changed so much since they arrived. Not only had he improved physically, going from needing a walker to occasionally only needing a cane, but he’d grown in confidence.

  But Colt had helped her in so many ways, too. She enjoyed his company and how he made her laugh. He kept her from taking life too seriously, from becoming overwhelmed. She didn’t feel as if she had to always be strong when she was with him, and now, after she’d basically ignored him for weeks, he helped her overcome her fear of horses.

  Over a few short weeks, he’d become a part of her life, and she feared she was falling in love with him.

  No.

  She couldn’t. Loving someone started out all sunshine and butterflies, but her relationships never lasted. Loving led to being vulnerable, to disappointment, to unfulfilled expectations and responsibilities.

  A knock on the bathroom door broke through her thoughts. “You got those wet clothes off yet?”

  After mumbling something like an apology for taking so long, she scooped up her clothes, opened the door and tossed them out. While he went to throw their clothes in the dryer, she located a hair dryer. When she finished with that task, she sat on the toilet. What else could she do to avoid facing Colt? The two of them together with her dressed in his robe? Not a good idea.

  A knock sounded on the door again. “You okay in there?”

  Startled, she slid off the toilet and landed on the floor with a thud and a squeal, banging her hip in the process.

  The door burst open and Colt filled the space. “What happened? Are you all right?”

  “Just call me Grace.”

  He rushed forward to assist her, but she held up a hand to stop him. Once on her feet she took a couple of steps, but his robe tangled around her legs. She reached to free the material, lost her balance and she tumbled smack into Colt. His arms wrapped around her, steadying her.

  Desire coursed through her. Lightning crackled closer outside as the storm moved in, mirroring the one brewing inside her.

  Her hands cupped his cheeks, his rough stubble scratching her palms as she pulled his face down to hers. Her lips covered his, searching, asking, pleading.

  She wanted to feel. She wanted to care. She wanted this man.

  More than she’d ever wanted anything in her life. For however long she could have him, even if it was only for the afternoon.

  Colt deepened the kiss. As he pressed against her she felt the evidence of his desire. Her hands fumbled with the buttons of his shirt, needing to explore more of him. “I can’t do this.”

  He pulled away, confusion and disappointment flaring in his gaze. “I understand.”

  “No. It’s not what you’re thinking. I want you. I can’t get these damned buttons undone.”

  His beaming masculine smile sent a new rush of passion coursing through her. “Let me see what I can do.”

  Unlike her, he made quick work of the task. Then she slid his shirt off. Her hands caressed his firm flesh. Who needed a gym if hard work could do this for a man’s body? Her lips found his again.

  His callused hand slipped inside the robe, kneading her breast, sending fire racing through her. She moaned. The hoarse sound filled with need and longing startled her as the soft fabric slid down her body. Lightning cracked outside and thunder rumbled toward them. “A storm�
�s rolled in.”

  “And not just outside. You’re cold.” He scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed. “Scoot under the covers.”

  She slid between the sheets and then glanced at him towering beside her. Scars dotted his magnificent chest, but only added to his appeal. Testaments to his courage.

  “Undress for me. I want to see you.”

  “You’re so bossy.”

  “I’m sorry,” she stammered, and clutched the blanket up around her chin.

  “Nothing to apologize for. No one pushes you around. I like knowing exactly what you want. I don’t have to guess what you’re thinking.”

  “Then strip.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  His fingers shook as he unbuckled his belt, and slowly lowered his zipper. His gaze locked on hers as he slid his jeans past his hips, revealing himself to her. The sight of him, strong, proud and pulsing with desire for her, fueled her need. An image of him like this, except wearing his cowboy hat, flashed in her mind. He looked so damned sexy in that hat. She’d have to ask him to pose like that for her. More thunder rattled around them. Or was that her heart?

  * * *

  COLT THOUGHT HE’D come right then and there when Stacy told him to strip. As he kicked off his jeans, she licked her lips, and he closed his eyes, trying to harness his control before he embarrassed himself. Warms hands clasped his heated flesh as her lips moved over his chest.

  For a moment he lost himself to his emotions, his desire. The fever built inside him, threatening to burn him to cinders. He needed her in his arms. He yanked back the blankets and practically pounced on her.

  It had been so long, and making love had never been like this. Frenzied. Consuming. Real. He had to slow down, but he couldn’t.

  He suckled her breast while his hands found her heated core. Her moans echoed through him, fueling his ardor, driving him to heights he never knew existed. As he caressed her, her hands clutched his shoulders. Her teeth nipped at his neck.

  “You’re so beautiful, and not just on the outside.” He kissed her, his tongue mating with hers.