Yup. That was what everyone thought. Because of his looks, his life had to be wonderful. If only they knew the truth. What would they, what would McKenna, think then?
*
Watching Zane demonstratehow to saddle a horse hadn’t gone the way McKenna thought. In fact, as they moved to Misty’s stall, she still hadn’t regained her control. The minute Zane started brushing Chance, she’d lost the ability to remember anything but her name. And all she could attest to was her first name. How could a woman be mesmerized by a man’s hands doing something as simple as brushing a horse? How silly was that?
Staring at Zane’s tanned hands, all she could think was how those same hands had felt on her hips as he pulled her closer. Of how they’d caressed her when they’d kissed. She remembered how desire had exploded inside her as she imagined what else his hands could do to her body.
Thank goodness she’d thought of taking notes to help her focus. Otherwise she’d be more than a little embarrassed when it came time to saddle Misty.
With something to occupy her nervous hands, she relaxed a bit. At least until Zane’s ruining the curve joke. His comment plunged her back into school, bringing with it all her pain and embarrassment. Classmates had griped and taunted her because she’d blown the curve meaning everyone else received a lower grade. In high school, guys wouldn’t date her because she made them feel dumb. In college, those one or two who asked her out wanted help with homework and prepping for tests.
Forget the past. Enjoy today when there’s no risk of getting trampled by women vying for Zane’s attention.
When they reached Misty’s stall, and McKenna had given her the carrot, Zane said, “I hadn’t finished getting the gear when you returned. Stay here while I get her saddle.”
After he left, she scratched the horse’s nose. “I want you to know I’ve never saddled a horse before. They say the first is special.” She laughed at her joke and realized how she’d laughed more the last few days than in the year prior. “But I’ll try to do it right.”
Boots clicked on the cement floor. McKenna turned as Zane strode toward her. Reins tossed over his shoulder, a saddle in his arms pressed against his hip, his biceps bulged from exertion. His faded jeans hugged his thighs. His Texas A&M T-shirt stretched across his broad shoulders. Add a Stetson, and he’d appear the quintessential Texas cowboy. Watching him strut toward her, strong, confident, and beyond sexy, McKenna finally understood what could make a bride choose a western wedding—marrying a Texas cowboy.
He walked past her mentioning something about taking the gear to the breezeway and he’d be back. As he did, McKenna concentrated on her breathing, hoping to level it. Where had her self-control gone?
When Zane returned, he handed her the halter. After reviewing her notes, she slipped it on Misty. Then as she’d seen him do with Chance, she led Misty to the breezeway in the center of the barn and tied her. Next, she brushed the horse, checked the blanket for anything irritating, and placed it on Misty.
Those tasks done, she turned her attention to the saddle. After reviewing her notes and video, she hooked one stirrup over the saddle horn, folded the girth over the seat, and lifted. “Ugh. This is heavier than a bucket of ice.” She wobbled under the unexpected weight. Footsteps echoed behind her. “I got it. Don’t help me.”
The last thing she wanted was Zane touching her. She’d probably burst into flames and burn down the barn.
After righting herself and regaining control of her ridiculous feminine hormones, she propped the saddle on her hip as Zane had. Steadier, she moved toward Misty. Now she had to raise the saddle high enough to clear the horse and blanket, while avoiding clunking Misty. She also needed to gently place the saddle. If she let it fall too hard, Misty could get spooked. So much to consider and do all at once.
Wanting to make sure, she lifted the saddle as high as possible. The awkward movement threw off her balance. She tumbled backward. Strong hands wrapped around her waist, steadying her.
“I said to lift it high, but how tall do you think Misty is?”
A nervous chuckle erupted from McKenna. She cringed at the horridly feminine flirty sound. “I was worried I wouldn’t make it, and I overcompensated.” She stepped away from him and her breathing eased. “I’ll try again.”
When she stepped forward, Zane followed. Why wouldn’t he stay put? When she lifted the saddle again, his arms reached around her. Steadying and sturdy. His body pressed against her. Oh, Lord, from shoulders to thighs. Shivers of anticipation rippled through her. His strength surrounded her. The smell of soap mixed with a decidedly male scent tickled her senses.
Together they deposited the saddle gently on Misty. Instead of moving, they stood frozen. She should tell him she could take it from here, but she couldn’t speak. She couldn’t look at him for fear her eyes would reveal how much she wanted this man. Instead, she leaned back against his broad chest, reveling in the feel of him, the comfort, the excitement.
His hands tightened around her waist, and the evidence of his desire pressed strong and insistent against her. How could he desire her?
This was such a horrible idea.
Say something. Say this is a bad idea.
Instead, she turned in his arms. The desire flaring in his gaze shook her. Hunger pulsed through her veins. His lips covered hers, seeking and tantalizing. She clutched his shirt in her sweaty hands as she molded herself against his hard, lean body. Her mind spun, as desire more intense than she imagine possible from a kiss captured her.
His hips ground against her and she groaned. She wanted more. Needed to be closer.
Chapter Twelve
Misty whinnied behindMcKenna, bursting the sensual haze around her. She jumped out of Zane’s arms. What had she done? Completely lost control again. That was what she’d done.
“I think with my notes and the pictures, I’ve got this saddling thing down.” Hands shaking, she pulled out her phone pretending to check the time. “It’s getting late. I need to set up for the rehearsal dinner tonight.”
“Sure. I’ll see to the horses,” Zane said without looking at her.
Good. If she saw desire lingering in his eyes, she never be able to leave.
