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“Yeah, that’s something else, isn’t it? These cousins’ll be almost exactly the same age.” She sat down in the waiting area. “I’ve got two more appointments today. I wish I could just go on home.”
“Can I get you something? I can run over to Rena’s for an iced herbal tea.”
“You’re a sweetheart, but no, I’m fine. I’m sure you have things to do.”
“I’ve got a few more errands here in town, and then some projects back at the ranch I need to get moving on today. My time is limited now that I’m doing freelance work.”
“Freelance work?”
“I’m teaching Angelina Bay”—why did his groin pulse at the mention of her name?—“how to ride.”
“Angie? No kidding?”
Angie? Didn’t seem to suit her. She was an “Angelina” all the way. Condescending and a genuine pain in the ass.
Angelina.
Angelina naked. In the shower. Shiny rivers of water meandering over her curvy body.
He shook his head slightly to clear the unwanted image. “Yeah. Can you believe I only just met her?”
Annie chuckled. “Yeah, I can believe it. She’s not the type to mingle with the ranch hands.”
“That’s the truth. What is with her, anyway?”
“She’s all right, just spoiled as all get out. She used to be friends with Dallas’s bitch of an ex-wife, and a more spoiled brat doesn’t exist on this planet than Chelsea. Since Chelsea’s been gone, Angie’s been a little better. I get along with her fine, though I can tell my Jersey accent grates on her.” Annie smiled and lifted one black eyebrow. “So I make sure to really emphasize it when I’m around her.”
Rafe laughed. “I found out today she’s a lot older than Catie. I wouldn’t have guessed.”
“The years have definitely been kind to her. How are your lessons going?”
“We’ve only had one so far. Okay, I guess.”
“Well, don’t let her get to you. She’s a good person inside. Sometimes it’s just hard to see under all the fluff.”
Underneath that fluff was one sexy woman.
If only he could stop picturing her naked.
Chapter Three
“Daddy, all we did was groom the horse today. He didn’t teach me anything.”
Wayne Bay sat behind the desk in his home office and regarded his daughter. She’d been his little princess for so long. Catie hadn’t come along until eleven years later, and she’d been more of a tomboy who preferred to hang out with the horses in the barn, so Angie had still been the jewel of his eye.
He’d been scared to death when she was born a month early, but she’d come out over seven pounds and strong as an ox, screaming bloody murder. He promised her the world that day, and he’d done everything within his power to deliver. Every day she’d grown more beautiful, more intelligent, more strong-willed, and every day she wormed her way further into his heart. His little princess.
Yes, he’d spoiled her. He’d enjoyed every minute of it. But he’d done her a disservice. Here she was, thirty-two years old, single, without any marketable skills, and about to inherit half a ranch.
“Grooming is a must before riding, princess.”
“But we didn’t ride at all!”
“Grayhawk knows what he’s doing.”
“I hope you’re right, Daddy. I hate getting up so early.”
“Getting up early is part of running a ranch.”
