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Her gaze slid away and he remembered what she’d said before. An accident. His chest tensed. Did that have anything to do with the scar on her neck?
His mind spun with a dozen possibilities of what could’ve caused such a thing. Surgery gone wrong? Maybe she’d run into a wire. He studied her as she looked away, wishing he could peer beneath the wispy gauzy fabric of her scarf and see what she was trying to hide.
As if sensing his interest, she put her hands on her hips and slowly pivoted away from him, taking in the long views over the range. “It’s beautiful here.”
His heart softened at her praise. “We’re fans.”
“Do you ever take in guests?”
Guests? “We don’t really do sleepovers.”
“I meant paying guests.” She pointed to the bunkhouse next to the barn. “Is that accommodation?”
“For the workers.” Although it had been built when they could afford more hands. Two thirds of the bunkhouse sat empty for most of the year. But tourists? Staying here? Greenhorns getting where they shouldn’t? No thanks. Reilly’s was a working ranch, not a dude ranch. The thought of strangers poking around drew a shudder.
“Are you two done yet?”
Jackson turned to see Ellie approach. She tilted her head to Lexi and raised her brows, then threw a smile on her dial as Lexi moved to face her too.
“How are you doing, Lexi? Has he taken you inside the barn yet?”
“Not yet.”
“Then it must be my turn to show you around.”
Ellie drew them closer to the barn. Jose and Felipe weren’t around—their horses were missing, so they were probably riding the boundary again. Denny was likely having a smoke behind the bunkhouse, which was about as private as their workers could get. With Sunday being a go-slow day on the ranch—as much as any ranch could have a day of rest—it wasn’t surprising to find the place quieter than during the week.
“Lexi, do you know how to ride?” Ellie asked.
“No.”
“Really?” Ellie’s glance flicked back to Jackson, and there was no mistaking the intention in those baby blues. “Jackson might have to show you. I remembered something I need to do.”
“Ellie,” he warned.
“Sure you do.” Lexi’s crossed arms said she was buying none of it. “You just said it was your turn to show me around.”
His spirits dipped. Didn’t Lexi want to hang with him? He scuffed his boot in the dirt. See? This was a dumb idea. Anyway, she was returning home, and probably wouldn’t want to spend a second longer—
“I don’t mind being taught to ride.” Lexi turned towards Jackson. “But only if someone doesn’t feel pressured into doing so.”
“Hear that, Jackson?” Ellie said. “I think Lexi is saying she’s happy for you to teach her to ride.”
“Got it loud and clear, sister dear.” He lifted his gaze to fuse with Lexi’s. Her lips were curved in a half smile, and the camaraderie he saw in her expression brought ease to his soul. “I’d be real happy to teach Ms. Franklin to ride, but a dress and sandals won’t cut it.”
“In other words, you’ll need to come back one day soon,” Ellie said with a bright smile.
“If I’m to learn to ride, yes.” Lexi’s smile lifted to catch him around the heart.
Oh, he’d be willing to teach her. Especially if it meant he could learn more about this intriguing woman.
“Or you could come and hang out.” Ellie was obviously determined to get her poor brother a date. “You know, like, eat a meal together, watch the stars, maybe—”
“Thanks, Ellie. I don’t think we need any more of your suggestions,” Jackson said.
“You’re sure? Because I have plenty.”
“I bet you do.” Lexi met his gaze with a hint of conspiracy. “So do I get to see inside the barn, or is someone going to take me home?”
