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12
Needless to say, aftermy ‘moment’, the ride back was not so full of flowing conversation. Most of it was spent in silence, stealing looks at one another when we thought it was safe. I chewed my lip most of the way back, anxious thoughts taking over me.
When we arrived back at the ranch, I dismounted outside the barn, fiddling with the reins as Brady jumped down from his mare.
“I’ll take him if you like,” he said, holding his hand out for the reins
I looked up, slightly taken aback. Why wasn’t he allowing me to untack him like before? Before I could even formulate words in my mind, his expression changed. His impassive look turned into a deep frown, concern trickling through his eyes.
He covered the few metre distance between us in a handful of long strides. Stopping as we met toe to toe, he raised a hand. I held my breath, watching his hand like a mouse observes a cat from the shadows. He settled his thumb on my bottom lip and brushed across it with a gentle sweep.
It was so sudden and unexpected, my sharp intake of breath as I gasped was loud enough for him to hear. The actual touch itself was what whipped the air from my lungs. So feather light, yet heavy with tenderness and care.
“You’re bleeding,” he said.
He finally lifted his eyes to meet mine. When our gazes locked, that was me done. Still stroking across my damaged skin with his thumb, I melted away into oblivion.
He lowered his voice to a spine-tingling whisper. “Why is your lip bleeding?”
Fizzy bubbles of heat filled me from head to toe. “I think I chewed on it too much.”
“Don’t chew it, Sophie. I lo—”
“Brady, you’re back!”
John’s booming voice from the back of the barn sliced through our moment like a laser beam cutting through ice. All the emotion thawed out in an instant, putting distance between us once more.
He stepped back from me, turning to greet John’s beaming smile as he strode towards us.
“Sophie,” John said. “Did you get yourself sorted with some clothes?”
I nodded. “I did, thank you.”
“Excellent stuff. Well, you’ve just missed lunch but there are some leftovers. Go and help yourself whilst Brady and I take care of the horses.”
I smiled and headed towards the house, not daring to spare a final glance at Brady for fear of spontaneously combusting on the spot. I needed to sort my head out—and quick.
***
THE BARN DANCE WASscheduled to start at six that evening. I’d already been told by John that he would pick me up at five-thirty sharp from my cabin, along with some of the other guests.
I took my time getting ready, taking extra care to add a few more curls to my hair and apply natural looking make-up. By the time I settled the black Stetson on my head, I was delighted with my look.
Hearing tyres crunching on gravel, I looked out of the window to see John pulling up. Fighting back a squeal of excitement, I rushed outside and jumped in the front passenger seat. Needless to say, I was the first guest to reach the truck.
“Hi, Sophie,” John said, smiling. “You look great. Good job.”
I blushed and gave my thanks as I fastened my seatbelt.
“I’m glad we have a few minutes alone,” he said. He coughed and wiped his hands on his jeans. “I’m not one to have talks of any sort, but I do feel this one may well be needed.”
My beaming grin faded away like the hope of sunshine in a storm. “Ok. May I ask what it’s about?”
He smiled, but it was more a sympathy smile than a gesture of warmth or happiness. “Brady.” He paused and licked his lips. “I don’t take kindly to my staff fraternising with any guests. They all know the rules, and they all stick by them. However, where it concerns you, it would seem that Brady has taken rather a liking to you.”
I held my breath. My heart was beating at an insane speed. Where was this going?
“I know what you’ve been through, and I appreciate it’s a tough time. All I’m asking is that you don’t involve Brady in all of your problems. He’s a good man, Sophie.”
