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“Uh huh,” I nod knowingly.
“Oh and Livie, be sure to ask for Archer. He’s the ranch manager. Rhett said he especially liked them.” I can’t quite place the look she gives me as she says it. Oh well.
Forgetting my coat, I hurry out the door and climb in my car. After placing the box carefully in my passenger seat, I put the address for the ranch in my GPS and head out of town.
The snow that fell yesterday has been cleared from the roads, making my drive to the ranch in a car that was not made for winters in Montana easier than I had expected. I don’t love making deliveries. I prefer to stay at the bakery and decorate, but I knew this one was important to Elise so I agreed without hesitation.
When I spot the turn for the ranch, my eyes go wide at the sight of it. Her rancher’s got quite the place. It’s huge. Elise mentioned something about it being big, but I had no idea.
I pass the large main house and park near the barn. There’s another slightly smaller house that’s just as nice as the main one off to the side, and a few small cabins of similar size tucked along the treeline beyond that. And in the distance there’s a gorgeous view of the mountains.
I always thought the view from my grandparents’ place was amazing. But this is something else. I grab the bakery box and get out of the car, wondering where to find this guy Archer. I hear commotion from behind thebarn, so I guess I’ll head that way.
The sun is warm against my back as I walk around the corner, spotting a large pen in the shape of a ring, with several cowboys standing against it. They are whistling and laughing and calling out encouragement to the rider on the scariest-looking horse I’ve ever seen.
I’ve never been to a rodeo, but I can tell this cowboy knows what he’s doing. He looks tall, with muscles that flex through his tight shirt as he grips the reins of the bucking horse.
His hat flies off, and it’s as if time slows down when I catch his silhouette. His dark hair whips back and forth across his handsome face. His gaze is focused on the horse, his chiseled chin set in determination.
The serious expression on his face falters as he briefly looks up and locks eyes with me. In that instant the horse spins and kicks its hind legs up, throwing the cowboy to the ground where he lands flat on his back.
Chapter 2
Archer
I know I’m not dead. I know it because my chest hurts like a son of a bitch. I don’t think anything is broken, but I know what getting the wind knocked out of me feels like. Fuck.
I hear my name as the boys run over to check on me. But even as I lie here unable to breathe, all I can think about is the vision I just saw. Was she an angel? I glanced up, which I know not to do, and then I couldn’t look away.
The sun silhouetted her figure in a mesmerizing image I’ll never forget: Jeans that hugged her curves in all the right places. Hair that was shining like gold in the morning light. A smile on her face that was brighter than the sun. Was she a vision? A figment of my imagination?
Remembering that I need oxygen, I try to sit up, coughing and gasping as my lungs fight for air. The boys help me to my feet as I finally suck in a few much-needed breaths. "You okay, Boss?" one of them asks, slapping me hard on the back.
"Yeah, just winded," I manage to grind out between coughs. I glance at the horse that bucked me off and laugh. That damn mare is stubborn, but she's a beast in the ring, and I wouldn't have her any other way. Still, she could have killed me today.
Just then I notice movement near the barn. The girl I thought was a vision earlier walks toward us, carrying a white familiar-looking box. The bakery. Elise must have sent her with something. She looks around like she’s unsure of where she’s going.
But fuck if she doesn't look good doing it; those tight jeans hug her hips perfectly while she balances the box carefully in her arms. Her footsteps crunch softly against the snow as she approaches us, grinning shyly.
"Hey guys," she greets us warmly as her eyes land on mine. “I’m looking for Archer. Elise sent these over for y’all."
All eyes land on me. “I’m Archer.” Taking the box, I open it and whistle. The guys grab it from me and pass around the contents like they haven’t eaten in days and she laughs at the feeding frenzy.
The guys thank her profusely, but my eyes never leave hers. They're bright blue like a Montana lake on a summer day. I want to dive into eyes that color.
She looks around, taking in the view of the mountains and the horses, her eyes wide with wonder. "This place is beautiful," she comments softly, a slight shiver passing through her body. I can't help but notice how her nipples pebble through her thin sweater, and my heart races as I swallow thickly.
"Agreed," I manage to reply, still trying to catch my breath. My boys chuckle at my expense and I roll my eyes at them before turning to her fully. She looks even prettier up close; those cheeks flushed red from either the cold or embarrassment for me, it's hard to tell which one.
"Is there anything I can help you with?" I ask, trying not to stare at her lips - they look so inviting, so full and pink like strawberries begging for my kiss. I don’t want her to go. I want…I don’t know what I want. I just know my heart skips a beat every time she smiles at me.
"No, that's all," she replies, glancing around nervously again. "I have to get back to the bakery." She turns, but hesitates before stepping away from us. "Are you ok? You got thrown pretty hard there." Her voice is sweet with concern as she looks up at me still catching my breath.
“Who, Archer?” Will, the ranch hand that’s been around almost as long as I have laughs as he slaps my shoulder. “I’ve seen him get kicked in the ribs and still get up and work a full day. Nothing can slow this guy down. Don’t you worry about him.”
She smiles at Will, and I find I want that smile for myself. Nudging him away with my elbow, I start toward her. “Let me walk you back to your car.”
She nods, then looks over to the guys who are stuffing their grinning faces with cinnamon rolls and gives them a wave. Each and every one of them waves back. Fuckers.
