“Fixed and I checked into the hotel earlier, but they only had one room left.”
“I was actually thinking I better stay with the horses tonight, just in case.I didn’t like the way that Mr.Bixley seemed so adamant about Beast being stolen.”
“But you have the cocktail party, and I don’t like the idea of you sleeping in an arena with a bunch of ranch hands.I’ll stay with the horses.You stay at the hotel.”
“I can’t believe I thought I could do this on my own.Thank you for coming with me.”She stopped in her tracks and looked over Thor’s back at Renn, who was helping her cool him off.
“Thank you for inviting me.”
“You knew I was going to need a second hand here, so why’d you let me think it was my own decision.”
“It was.You’re a smart, independent, strong woman, you don’t need me here.But it sure as heck makes things a bit easier and less stressful, doesn’t it?”he said, smiling as he lifted off Thor’s saddle like it was light as a feather.His bicep muscles bulged.“Being back in this world is like going back in time when I would help my mama out.So maybe I should be thanking you.”
“We’re just two people helping each other?”
“Exactly.”
Standing in the dimly lit stall with just the sound of the horses stomping on crisp hay, Miranda wondered why she was fighting this feeling so much.Nothing about Renn was wrong.He wasn’t trying to use her, and he’d been nothing but a helpful gentleman since she met him.On instinct she took a step closer.“I could get really used to having you around.”
Renn reached out to grip her hip and pull her closer before he leaned down and pressed his lips against hers.He even kissed her like he knew exactly what she needed, and as his tongue swiped against her bottom lip she opened her mouth to his.He tasted sweet and took control, holding her face in his hands as his tongue delved into her mouth with enough passion she wondered if he was going to devour her or how she’d resist.But then he was smiling with his lips pressed against hers.
“I could get more than used to everything about you, which honestly scares me.”
She pressed up to kiss him one more time, but they were interrupted by a woman with the event staff and a clipboard.
“Excuse me, Ms.Sutton, may I see your paperwork again on both the studs you’ve brought today?”
“Sure thing.”She eyed Renn who just turned his handsome smile on the serious woman.
If Miranda had to bet—it was having the same effect on the event staff as it was having on her.And neither of them stood a chance of not falling for it.
*
By the timeMiranda made it to the cocktail hour, the entire event was buzzing with a rumor that Beast was stolen.And yet she had several well-known ranches say they were interested in seeing more from her and they planned to bid on Thor at the auction if he were for sale.She’d only planned on trying to sell breeder services, but if Thor could pull in a good price, it would prove BB produced top-rate horses.Then maybe she should include him in the auction?
She’d left Renn at the arena with the horses but desperately wanted to talk to him now.Standing alone at the cocktail party as rumors and questions swirled had her wishing she asked Renn to come with her, or just stayed with him.
“Ms.Sutton, isn’t it?”A thin lanky older man with a black Stetson and black boots approached.
“Yes, sir.”She was pretty sure she knew who he was but waited to see what he wanted to say.
“I saw you dance your horses today.I plan to be there tomorrow for the auction, but wanted to make sure no one has made you an offer proactively that you plan to take.”
“No offer yet, sir, but several ranches have expressed interest in buying Thor or breeding services.”
“And you don’t plan on selling Beast?”
“No, sir, I honestly hadn’t planned on selling either, but as a newer business if the price is right on Thor, I’d be crazy not to take it.”
The man rocked on his heels.“Smart woman, I’d like to see them in person up close if I may?Before I consider making any offers.”
“I’d be happy to show you both in a private showcase if you’d like to meet me for their morning stretch, that might be the best time before the auction.”
“I would indeed,” said the man she was now sure was Mr.Dixon.
“Great, I’ll see you at eight in the morning?”
“I’ll be there.”The man tilted his hat to her before walking away.
