“Nash is positively a fine specimen of a man.” Ember’s enchanted laugh of approval coasted along the cool evening air.
Peering off into the distance, her thoughts drifted along the light breeze whipping through the pasture, attempting to dissect what she enjoyed most about Nash.
Everything. I like everything.
“Momma! Momma!” Chloe circled back, exhilaration flowing wildly from her little body, pointing her tiny finger beyond the barn. “It’s a real cowboy!”
Ember recognized Travis’s silhouette approaching on horseback with Jet at his heels. His large, shadowed frame stood out against the radiant hues of reds and oranges of the late day sun.
“Chloe insists that anyone wearing chaps is a real cowboy.”
“She’s not too far off,” Ember agreed.
“Ember, can I go for a ride?” Chloe’s dark mink curls bounced up and down beneath her pink cowgirl hat.
Travis tipped his hat in a cordial manner, a broad smile sneaking its way out from beneath the brim. “Evening y’all.”
“Can I ride the real horsey?” The exuberance filling her brilliant green eyes was undeniable.
“Well, aren’t you a cute little peanut,” Travis chimed sweetly, curling his well-worn gloved fingers to say hi. “Only if it’s okay with your momma.”
“JC this is Travis White. He’s our best hand and specializes in working with the horses.”
“We met briefly at The Garage,” JC reminded, reaching out to shake his now bare hand.
“Nice to see you again, Mrs. Rider.”
“Please, call me JC. Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Not a problem at all,” Travis obliged. “Come on up here, peanut.”
JC hoisted the little girl up to Travis and he rested the child in front of him on the saddle, encouraging her to wave as they headed to the bullpen.
“How’s that going?” JC shifted her chin toward Travis, casually tucking a chunk of light brown hair behind her ear.
“Travis? He’s probably the biggest asset to the ranch other than Mr. Montgomery. Even though I know absolutely nothing, he treats me with respect. I guess you could say he’s kind of like a mentor. He’s taught me quite a bit, or at least attempts to teach me. My riding skills have really improved. He’s been working me up from cantor to gallop.”
“This cowboy terminology is spinning my imagination into all kinds of filthy positions,” JC snickered, theatrically fanning her face. “Can you define that for me?”
Ember nodded in agreement, laughing so hard she hinged at the waist, arms crossing over her midriff to hold it all in. Catching her breath, she wiped the wetness leaking from the corner of her eyes.
“You have no idea! I’ve blushed so many times I’ve lost track. Thankfully, the men seem to be oblivious to the innuendos.” Her palm covered her heart, absorbing the last few chuckles. “Canter is a controlled three-beat gait and galloping is even faster at a four-beat variation. Or as I like to call it, holding on for dear life.”
“So basically, he’s teaching you how to ride faster?”
“I guess their language is growing on me,” Ember snickered, waving back at Chloe as she passed by making another circle. “He thinks he’s going to attempt to teach me how to lasso next week.”
“This ought to be good. Make sure someone takes videos.”
Ember sliced her a look. “Not on your life.”
JC cleared her throat before dropping the bombshell question, “You mentioned earlier that Nash and Travis have a history. How is Nash handling all of this?”
Ember rested her forearms on the top rung of the bullpen dropping her gaze to the ground. Earthy scents of the oncoming dusk blended with the aroma of cattle, infiltrating her nostrils as she inhaled a dose of reassurance through her nose.
“Nash doesn’t get a say in it. Travis works for the ranch. As long as he does his job, that’s all that matters.” Ember hesitated, chewing on her bottom lip as she sifted through her thoughts. “Truthfully, the situation is awkward and tricky, but my father respected Travis’s work ethic and so do I. He’s incredible with the horses and has done nothing but have my back since I arrived. It’s comforting.”
JC turned to face her, nonchalantly taking assessment, reading Ember’s body language. A sisterly habit she’d gotten good at over the years. “That sounds easy enough. It also sounds as if you’ve rehearsed it a hundred times.”
Ember blew out the huff of air she’d been holding. “For my own sanity, I made a decision early on not to discuss either of them with the other.”
JC nodded. “So, I take it that you and Nash are still avoiding conversations about the ranch?”
“For the most part. It’s kind of crazy. We both act like we’re keeping things on the surface, but our relationship is anything but superficial. We have this…this feeling of connectedness that I’ve never experienced. It’s addictive. The more I see him, the more conversations and interactions I want to have with him. The more physical interactions we have, the more my desire to really know him grows. Even the smallest exchange leaves me salivating for more Nash! I just want more. It’s intense.”
“Umm hmm.”
The knowing hum in JC’s voice sent a flash of warmth straight to her chest. Heat fanned outward to her limbs and the beat of her pulse thumped wildly at the pressure points near her wrist and neck. In the past, navigating the blueprint of a new relationship had always been a daunting task, but with Nash, it felt as if the colors of their connection were in full bloom from the moment they laid eyes on each other.
Daring to meet her best friend’s gaze, sentiments she’d been holding back rose to the surface, painting the bridge of her nose and cheeks a delicate shade of red.
Ember confided in a soft voice, “He’s intense.”
“Hate to break it to you, but so are you. You’re just not admitting it.”
Unable to disagree, Ember shifted from one foot to the other. “Our communication skills are on point, we talk about everything, but we seem to have silently agreed not to discuss business. And we never cross that line. Any discussions involving the topics of selling, staying, purchasing, or even oil for that matter, are all on the back burner.”
“Those topics may be on the back burner, but from what I witnessed at the barbeque, your chemistry is on the front burner. Your connection is off the charts. Tangible.” Kicking a foot up on the lower row of fencing, JC extended her pointer finger lowering her sunglasses to give Ember a look. “The two of you are all sizzle and no fizzle. You’d have to be blind not to see it.”
“There’s a lot more to him than what meets the eye. The man is gorgeous, but he’s also a deep thinker blended with a spoonful of high-octane fun.” Ember turned to face her friend, wiggling her brows. “His subdued personality is merely a shell.”
“The perfect package,” JC snickered. “It sounds like he’s got just enough scoundrel to keep him interesting.”
“Most definitely.” She nodded hotly. “And he’s also very protective. I met his sister today, who was a total bitch by the way, and I thought he was going to come undone.”
Green eyes bulging, JC threw her hands up, palms facing Ember. “I’ve had the distinct unpleasant privilege of meeting their sister once. And once was enough! That woman makes a Hollywood drama queen look like a sparkling unicorn.”
Both women laughed out loud until their giggles faded into the quiet of the night.
Ember’s humor sobered staring out into the distance. Lingering concerns regarding the ranch clashed with questions surrounding their relationship status, drowning out the indistinct chatter in the background.
“You’re going to do it aren’t you?”
“Do what?”
“You’re going to trade your leggings in for chaps, aren’t you?”
An uncomfortable edge clung to Ember’s awkward laughter as it echoed through the air. “I never thought I’d say this, but Walker Ranch might be growing on me. Half the time I feel like I�
�m in over my head, completely disillusioned—”
“And the other half?”
“The other half is filled with a sense of purpose and triumph I’ve never experienced,” she admitted.
“Life is a continuous process of change and growth.” JC glided a hand down Ember’s arm before capturing her shoulder and drawing her in for a reassuring side hug. “What’s that saying your mom always uses?”
“Intuition doesn’t lie?”
“No, not that one. The one about questioning yourself.”
A joyful sigh tipped her tone, repeating her mother’s advice. “The answer to every question is within yourself. That’s where the wisdom manifests. All you have to do is ask?”
“That’s the one.”
Chapter 19
Ember
Setbacks are momentary problems, not proof that you’re inadequate.
Hearing the toggle flip on the electric tea kettle, Ember plodded back into the kitchen. It was only 6pm but exhaustion weighed down her eyelids as if it were midnight. Leaning a hip against the granite counter, she released a lion-sized yawn, repeatedly dunking the chamomile tea bag into the steamy mug of boiling water.
Mug in hand, she made her way to the sofa. Ember untied her damp, dark waves from the messy bun atop her head, before tucking a pillow beneath her ear, readying herself for a mind-numbing movie she hoped would put her to sleep.
A soft rap at the front door prompted an exasperated sigh. “No. Go away, I’m too tired.”
Tugging the pillow from under her head, she held it over her other ear, praying whoever was on the other side of the door would leave.
Knock, knock, knock.
A frown laced across her forehead, and she crinkled her nose in irritation. Blanket in tow, she pushed herself from the sofa and ambled toward the door. Huffily, she peered through the peep hole, but instantly thawed seeing a set of gorgeous blue eyes.
Ember opened the door, propping a shoulder against the jamb. Unable to evade the sultriness from rising in her voice, she simmered, “You’re a little early. It’s only Friday, what are you doing here?”
“I couldn’t wait that long.” Nash hooked an arm around her waist, forcing an arch from the small of her back. Threading his fingers into the hair at her nape, he buried his face in her wild chestnut mane, nipping at her neck and ear. “I want to take you somewhere.”
Though her heart pounded enthusiastically, her shoulders slumped in regret and exhaustion. Straightening her spine, she clasped his jawline in her palms stroking her thumbs over two days worth of stubble.
“As much as I’d like to say yes, I’m not really up for going out tonight. I’ve had a long day and was getting—”
The heat of his sweet breath, coming hard and fast, drifted across her lips right before he took her mouth in a scalding kiss. The heady probing of his tongue sent her heart into an erotic tempo, silencing any excuses swirling through her brain.
Releasing her lips, Nash lowered his nose to hers, engulfing her vision in an ocean of blue heat.
“I promise, it’s beyond casual. You don’t need to change, and you can even go barefoot if you’d like,” he assured, jiggling her fingers. Concern weaved through his features examining the dark circles beneath her eyes. “Long day?”
Hints of compassion riding in his tone gutted her, leaving fatigue behind in a trail of lust.
“Yeah. I think I’d rather sit in the saddle all day or deliver calves than read over files and accounting.”
“I’d be—” Nash hesitated.
“Yes?” Ember questioned, casting him a soft imploring smile. “You’d what?”
Head averted, he seemed to ponder his response. “I was going to say that I’m good with numbers if you ever want some help.”
Taken aback by the offer, she worked to keep the shock out of the sincerity of her words, responding, “Oh. Well, thank you.”
Glimpsing downward, she took a quick scan of her jersey knit t-shirt dress. The well-worn scoop neck could be considered stylish if paired with heels and adornments, but for Ember, it was her favorite jammies.
“Are you sure I can go like this?”
His gaze followed hers, attention lingering at the hem of her gray dress brushing along her upper thighs. The carnal intensity of his blues wrapped in dark inky lashes set fire to the spark already growing in her core.
“Oh, I’m sure.” Coasting his strong hands over her hips, one brow stretched for the ceiling. “No panties?”
A sexy grin hooked the corner of her mouth. The pressure of his fingers, maddeningly delicious, sent a tremor of delight spindling down her spine one vertebrae at a time.
Ember licked her lips to speak but couldn’t manage a syllable.
Staring him in the eye, she cleared her throat and attempted to swallow. “Would you like me to put a pair on?”
Inching down, he leveled her with the fire building in his gorgeous eyes. “Get in the truck, woman.”
After leaving Bee a note, they walked outside. A big, black dually truck dressed with a beefy bumper sat in the drive.
“Did you get a new truck?” she inquired, making her way around the back of the bumper.
“Na, this is my ranch truck.”
“Where are we headed?”
A gasp whooshed from her lungs as his fingertips curled around her hip bones, gently tugging until the length of her back pressed against his solid chest.
“That’s what I’m trying to figure out,” he growled, greedy lips wandering over the sensitive curve of her neck.
Ember’s spirits soared.
Hearing the words of disclosure triggered a rush of adrenaline slamming through her blood. Her eyes drifted shut, closing out everything around them, relishing in the sweet burn of his mouth feasting on her neck.
A quiet moan hung on her breath. Every worry, every obstacle, every fear faded away leaving nothing but the gravity of the moment between them.
Spinning her to face him, his chest inflated with each frenzied breath, keeping rhythm with hers. His fingers tangled in her hair, clasping the sides of her face.
Unsure of how to reply, she beamed up at him, bottom lip tucking its way between her teeth.
Appearing to be just as tongue-tied by his own admission, Nash dropped his view to meet hers. Tiny lines pleated near his temples, flashing her the sexiest demure grin she’d ever experienced as he opened her door.
“I think you put some sort of spell on me. Now get in the truck, my little gypsy woman.”
Cocooned in the quiet confines of the vehicle, Ember sank into a relaxed, sedated state of mind. Neither acted on the need to speak out loud. Simply holding hands or the occasional sultry glance seemed to say enough for each of them.
Nash turned onto a narrow, gravel road running along the fringes of the Harris Ranch. Staring out the window, she took in the beauty of the native grassland dotted with scrub trees. She swayed to the music as she sang along to “Make it a Good One” by Brothers Osborne. The meaningful words came as a sweet, sorrowful reminder to make the most of every day.
They’d been driving for over thirty minutes when she noticed an enormous tree in the distance spiking her curiosity. She glanced at Nash and he tossed her an easy wink.
“Is that where we’re heading?”
“Umm hmm,” he replied, jiggling her fingers.
He parked the vehicle beside the ancient oak tree spanning nearly half the size of a football field. Eyes wide, Ember stepped out of the truck and meandered beneath the impressive array of vast branches.
Making her way to the trunk, which looked more like a trio of trees rather than one, she pressed her fingers into the deep creases of the thick, dark bark, studying its enormous size and beauty. Even if she and Nash held hands, it would be impossible to encircle half of the tree.
“What is this place?” Fascination clung to her tone.
“When I was young, I called it my hideout. I suppose now I’d consider it more of a sanctuary.”
“
Wow. Nash, this is breathtaking. How old do you think this tree is?”
He leaned against the tailgate appearing more relaxed than normal, taking her in. “Not sure, but I’d guess at least two hundred years.”
Hulky limbs reached out from the tree, some soaring toward the sky while others practically swept along the ground below, it’s awe-inspiring beauty nothing short of majestic.
Ember stepped onto a thick branch hovering a foot above the dirt and grass. Hands stretched out to the sides for balance, she placed one foot in front of the other, as if tiptoeing along a balance beam. She hopped off the log pushing out her chest and throwing her arms into the air mimicking a gymnast dismount, prompting a snicker from the back of the truck.
The sound of rushing water captured her attention. Flashing him a soft, curious smile, she pointed to the tall blades of lush green grass in the distance. “Is that a creek I hear?”
Refusing to unlock her from his gaze, Nash moved toward her in stealth like precision, nailing her with a sense of allure so intense heat flushed over her flesh from head to toe. Her feet remained locked in place as he reached for her hands, tucking his fingers into her palms.
Ember glanced down at their joined hands.
The beating of her heart turned thunderous as the energy passing between them gathered force.
“It’s the river that runs between your ranch and ours.”
She was unsure if it was the rawness in his voice or surety in his eyes, but something about the man standing before her had changed. Softened. It suddenly felt like she was seeing him for the first time.
“Is that significant?”
“Just a fact.” Contentment molded to his frame like a pair of well-worn Wranglers. Nash flashed her a rogue smile, boosting his gaze toward the top of the tree. “We can walk down to the river, or I can offer you a better view.”
“You expect me to climb this behemoth of a tree?”
“There might be a ladder.”
Nash led her around to the other side of the tree. She stared up at a makeshift ladder of sorts made of small, cut branches screwed into the trunk and limbs, climbing high into the canopy.
Catching Ember (Buckle Up Series Book 1) Page 20