“Scoot forward in the saddle a little.”
He did, then stared at her, puzzled. “What are you going to do?”
“This is how I taught Savannah and Miguel.” She climbed the step then mounted Clementine behind him, settling herself in the saddle, her body pressed against his, so close, he could feel the warmth of her through her clothing and his. She wrapped her arms around him then placed her hands over his on the reins gently.
Jake stiffened. The act of reaching around him pushed her body more firmly against his back. He imagined he could even feel the buttons of her blouse pressing into his flesh.
Evie chuckled. “Relax, Jake.”
Now how am I supposed to relax with you pressed up against me like this? Or concentrate on what I’m doing?
“You ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” His voice came out more like a groan, even to his own ears, which embarrassed him a little more.
She squeezed the muscles of her legs while at the same time, pulled the reins gently toward the right. “Can you feel that?” she asked, as the horse started to move.
How could henotfeel that? He stiffened as his body reacted. Blood surged through him, pounding in his ears, rushing to places it should, but not right now, making it almost uncomfortable to sit. “Yes.”
They went around the ring a few times, slowly at first, then a little faster, her thighs and knees communicating her wishes tothe horse and Jake felt every slight squeeze, every release. He’d have dreams of this…even when he was awake.
“I’ll admit, this was much easier with the children. At least, I can see where I’m going over their heads. Are you comfortable taking the reins by yourself?”
No. He wasn’t. He rather liked having her hands over his, but that wouldn’t help him in the long run. “I think so.”
She let go of the reins and just wrapped her arms around his waist, which was somehow worse. Now he could feel her breasts pressed against his back—tight. And if he wasn’t mistaken, she turned her head to the side and rested her cheek against him. He paused for a moment then squeezed Clementine’s sides, and guided her around the ring several times, though it was more difficult than he would have thought possible. Not the riding part.Thathe was beginning to get the hang of. No, it was Evie, and the way the heat of her body seemed to sear him from the outside in.
And suddenly, she moved her head and sat up straight, her grip around his waist lessening. “I think that’s enough for today. Bring Clementine toward the step.”
Was it his imagination or did her voice seem a little strained? And was she a little stiff, too, not so relaxed anymore? Did sitting so close to him, her body pressed against his, make her feel and think things she didn’t think she should? It certainly had for him.
He led the horse to the step. She dismounted, then took the reins from his hands so he could do the same. “You did well, Jake.” Her voice was still tight, and if he wasn’t mistaken, her cheeks seemed a little redder than usual. It was her eyes though that told the whole story. No longer more blue, now they were the color of storm-filled clouds, and in their depths, he saw…what did he see? Longing? Desire?
He forced his attention away from the silent message in her eyes—mostly so he wouldn’t pull her into his arms and kiss her until she couldn’t breathe…until they both couldn’t breathe. It’s what he wanted to do. He smoothed his hand over Clementine’s shoulder instead, oddly pleased by her compliment.
“We’ll do it again tomorrow. And the day after that. Before long, you’ll ride as well as I do…and every other person on this ranch.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Now, brush her down and give her some extra oats. She worked hard today.” With those instructions given, she left the riding ring.
He watched her walk away, admiring the graceful way she moved. His focus shifted to her legs. The split skirt she wore didn’t show a hint of muscle, but he’d certainly felt them when she squeezed Clementine’s sides, and he couldn’t help wondering what that would feel like wrapped around his hips.
He shook himself from his thoughts, improper as they were, and turned his attention to the horse. He rubbed her nose, then reached up and scratched between her ears. “You’re a smart horse.”
She showed her teeth and flapped her lips, as if agreeing with him.
Evie let out a sigh as she crossed the lawn. She could feel his eyes on her and turned her head toward the riding ring. Jake hadn’t moved. Not one inch. He still stood by the fence, Clementine’s reins in his hands, the directness of his stare making her feel a little warm…no, not a little, but a lot.
Sitting behind him, pressed against him as she’d been, she’d felt every muscle, every sinew of his body.
When Antonio reminded her earlier this morning of the promise she’d made to teach Jake how to ride, she knew it was a mistake. How could she do that when all she wanted was to be in his arms?
Now, she wouldn’t be able to forget how it felt to be sitting so close to him, her body pressed against his. It left her wanting more—so much more. She took a deep breath to still her rampaging thoughts, and let it out in a huff when another idea popped in her head. Had Antonio tricked her into working closely with Jake?
Jenny sat at the small table on the patio, gathering up the materials Savannah and Miguel had used while she taught them their lessons. She looked up at Evie and simply grinned—a big, Cheshire-cat grin. She didn’t say a word though, as Evie passed her and entered the kitchen.
And there they were—Antonio, Hilde, Charley, and Felicity. Lucy’s conspirators. It was obvious to her that they’d been watching from the window and had only just scrambled to their seats. Bright spots of color painted Hilde’s cheeks, and the playing cards in Felicity’s hand were backward, the colorful face cards in clear view. Evie saw the queen of hearts and the ace of spades. So could everyone else around the table.
