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Alexa nodded, impressed that he knew the goings-on of the B and B—but even more impressed at how her entire body responded to a handshake and a heavy-lidded stare. “I arrived this morning and thought I’d venture out before the storm.”
And because she missed Mason. Alexa had already texted Sadie three times and requested a picture of him.
“My sister-in-law has the best B and B in Texas.”
The low tone combined with a dimple that appeared when he spoke drew her attention to his mouth…a place she should not be looking. Granted, the rest of him was just as impressive. So where was a girl supposed to look when presented with such an intriguing man? Even his dusty boots were intriguing. They instantly sparked fantasies of him doing manual labor around the ranch…shirtless, to show off those sweaty, tanned muscles.
“The stable hands are all gone for the day. How long will you be staying next door?”
Well, that pulled her right from her glorious daydream.
“I’m here through the weekend,” she replied, nerves swirling through her belly. “I, um… I didn’t know they were gone, and I wanted to check things out before the weather turned. Sorry if I disturbed you.”
The horse behind her stomped its foot as if protesting. She sort of felt like doing the same. She’d talked herself into taking a ride even though she wasn’t completely comfortable, because she wanted to do something for herself and she didn’t want to feel guilty about her friend paying for this getaway.
When Hayes continued to stare at her without a word, she got the impression he didn’t want to be having this conversation any more than she did at this point. He obviously hadn’t expected to find someone in his stable, especially when he thought his workers were gone.
The awkward silence had her offering a feeble smile before she turned. No need to stay where she obviously wasn’t wanted.
“Wait.” Hayes muttered a curse beneath his breath that had her cringing. “I’ll take you out if you really want to go.”
Alexa fisted her hands at her sides and pulled in a deep breath. Hayes’s boots shuffled behind her as the horses shifted in their stalls. It was almost as if they were waiting for her answer.
“Listen.” She turned, but stopped short when she realized he’d moved in closer than she expected. “I don’t want to put you out.”
There went that stare again, the one that held her in place and made her wonder what he was thinking…because the way he looked at her seemed an awful lot like—No, it couldn’t be.
Why would someone like Hayes Elliott look at her with desire? He was a sexy cowboy, a war hero, a wealthy rancher and she was, well…just a single mom and schoolteacher.
“I came to take a ride now that everyone is gone,” he explained. “Might as well take you.”
Didn’t that sound like a lovely invitation? All warm and sincere and wrapped in Southern hospitality.
“That’s okay,” she replied. “It’s obvious you want to be alone.”
She turned to go again, more than ready to get out of here. So far her vacation consisted of irritating a grouchy cowboy. The weekend could only get better from here…right?
“Damn it. Don’t go.”
Alexa laughed and spun back around. “It’s fine. Really.”
“No. I’m just not used to dealing with guests. It’s supposed to rain later and over the next two days.” He shrugged and shoved his hands in his pockets. “You’re here now. Let’s do this.”
Let’s get this over with.
The unspoken words hovered in the air between them. Fine. She wanted to ride and he was here. It wasn’t her fault he was the only one left or that he was angry.
The sulking, sultry cowboy continued to stare at her from beneath that Stetson and another jolt of lust shot through her.
Who knew a cranky rancher would be the one to get her heart beating again? She’d been pretty emotionally stagnant since becoming a widow two years ago, just before discovering she was pregnant. Grief and motherhood could do that.
“You’ll ride Jumper.”
Hayes’s words pulled her to the present before she could dive too far into the dark time of her life. Alexa took a step back and held up her hands.
“Maybe you missed the part where I hadn’t ridden since I was five. I think I’d rather have a horse with a name like Buttercup or Princess.”
Hayes reached just past her, causing Alexa to freeze in place. His arm brushed against her shoulder and Alexa attempted to act calm. But that smell, that purely masculine aftershave, enveloped her. For a half second she breathed in deep and cursed herself for the instant carnal thoughts that flooded her mind.
“Jumper is our newest mare and she’s a sweetheart,” Hayes explained, oblivious to Alexa’s inner turmoil. “We’re getting her used to riding long distances and she’ll be perfect for you. Don’t be fooled by her name.”
Alexa took a step to the side to get away from his casual touch. When she focused on the horse instead of the man, Alexa noticed a gorgeous chestnut mare with a white star on her nose.
