“Shut up.” She sidestepped him and made for Pearl’s stall, her own grin betraying her when he chuckled.
When Seth entered the barn, Ryan climbed into the saddle and followed behind him, as they set off across the dew-damp pasture. The morning breeze teased loose strands of hair around her face. Watching him guide his horse with easy confidence, she couldn’t help but think; that man is no slacker in bed either, just thinking about it made her shiver all over.
“Are you cold?” he asked, shifting in the saddle so the worn leather saddle creaked as he turned to look at her. The sunlight cut across the valley, and her breath formed little clouds in the crisp air.
“It is a little chilly,” she admitted, pulling her jacket tighter around her. She could taste the tang of morning dew. “What is with this weather?”
He shrugged, the muscles in his shoulders flexing under his flannel shirt. “You’re in Montana, close to the mountains. It could snow anytime.”
She laughed, the sound echoing, then fell silent when she realized he was serious. Frost clung to the fence wires like tiny crystals. “Are you serious?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Unreal. I was surprised it was still cold some mornings.”
“When you grow up here, nothing surprises you when it comes to the weather.” He guided Zephyr to a halt, the horse’s hoof sinking lightly into the soft earth. Then Seth swung his leg over the horse’s head, kicked off the stirrup, and dropped lightly to the ground. He released the reins with a flick of his wrist and turned back to her. “Need help?”
“I can get down, just not like that.” She shook her head, eyes wide. “I’ve seen Cull do it too. How in the world do you manage that?”
He grinned, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “We’ve been riding since we were toddlers. I’ll bet Cull’s father had him on a horse when he was in diapers, just like mine did.”
She gazed across the fence to see another rider paused in the rows of plants. “Who is that?”
“That’s my brother, Cole.” Seth raised one hand in greeting. The other man raised his hand. A cowboy hat sat low, shading his face. “His ranch butts up to mine. He’s probably checking the crops too.”
Ryan watched as Cole dropped his reins, strode under the fence, and headed toward them. Even from a distance, she recognized the same lean build and that easy cowboy swagger.
“Come with me,” Seth said, leading her between the neat rows of oats. Each stalk glistened with dew. He avoided stepping on a single plant as he navigated the furrows.
Ryan slid from her horse, its coat still warm under her fingers, dropped the reins, and fell in step beside him. When the man reached them, she saw his eyes were the same deep green as Seth’s.
“Checking the oats?” Cole asked.
“Yeah. How’s your barley looking?” Seth nodded toward the adjacent field.
“Good,” Cole replied. Then he turned to her, touching his hat in a polite nod. “Ma’am.”
“Cole, this is Ryan Carroll with Western Living magazine. Ryan, my oldest brother, Cole Harrison.”
Ryan smiled and extended her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Harrison.”
After removing his glove, Cole offered her a firm handshake. She placed her hand in his.
“You too, but please, call me Cole.”
“Thanks. I will. Call me Ryan.”
Cole nodded once, then glanced at Seth. “I need to head over to the peas.”
“All right. I’ll see you soon.”
“Yep.” He turned, wove under the fence again, swung into his saddle, and rode off, the sound of spurs soft against the horse’s sides.
“Get some photos while you’re here,” Seth teased as they watched Cole disappear into the rows. “None of my brother.”
“Anyone seeing you together would guess you’re siblings.” She watched the wind ruffle Seth’s dark hair on the nape of his neck.
“Ethan too. Come on.” They walked back to the horses.
