Page 96 of That Rush

I take my bag from his shoulder, though I stay close enough that it brushes his arm. “What time?”

“Six.”

“You complained when I made you meet me at five thirty.”

“I’m letting you sleep in.”

“How generous.”

“I can pick you up at the cabin, or you can drive yourself and leave whenever you want.”

He’s offering an exit, a choice, without me having to ask for it.

I slide the strap onto my shoulder. “Pick me up.”

Aiden’s attention sharpens. “Is that a yes?”

“Yes.”

Aiden smiles, warm and unguarded. A sharp, private satisfaction settles in my chest. He'd asked what I wanted and actually listened.

Saturday is four days away, and I resent every one of them.

Chapter 13

Aiden

Paige studies the bay mare tied beside the barn, then looks at me.

“If you tell me she’s gentle because you think I need the horse version of training wheels, I’m taking your truck home.”

“She’s steady.”

“That sounded suspiciously similar.”

“She’s responsive, good on uneven ground, and opinionated about water.” I hold out the reins. “How much have you ridden?”

“Enough that you should have asked before selecting my horse.”

I lower my hand. “What can you handle?”

“Trails. Hills. A horse with a personality.” She steps closer to the mare and runs a palm along her neck. “I can steer, stop, and stay in the saddle without you catching me. If that changes, I’ll tell you.”

“Then she’s a good match.”

Paige takes the reins and checks the cinch. “See? Communication. We’re both improving.”

I’m still picturing her at the cabin door this morning, sun barely over the ridge, coffee already in hand. She wore jeans that made me reconsider the practical benefits of this whole ride. She mounts in one smooth movement, settling into the saddle with an ease that tells me she wasn’t lying.

“Satisfied?” she asks.

My attention moves over her thighs. “Very.”

Her mouth curves. “Try to keep up, rancher.”

I swing onto my gelding and lead us out through the east gate.

At the next gate, I shift my weight to dismount. Paige reaches it first. She guides the mare sideways, works the latch from the saddle, and pushes the gate wide with one boot.