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That evening, everyone sat around the firepit as one of the men played a guitar and sang. Some of the guests joined in with him.
Ian saw Eden sitting across from him, the firelight played across her face, as she held a marshmallow over the fire on a stick. She really was a beautiful woman, but he also knew she was a city girl, and that was proven when everyone was asked where they were from.
“Chicago. I work as a probate lawyer in a very prestigious firm,” Eden said, and Ian could hear the pride in her voice.
Yep, city girl, and way out of his league. Not that it mattered but he wondered why someone like her would be at a guest ranch. It didn’t seem to fit her at all.
“What brought you to the Bur Oak?” Chip asked her.
Eden smiled. “My friend, Cammie, talked me into this. She said I needed to relax.”
“And do you?”
“I do. There is a lot going on at the office. I’ve been offered a partnership.” Eden shrugged. “I came here to make my decision and relax.”
“I’m sure being here will help.” Chip smiled. “How long will you be with us?”
“A month.”
“Plenty of time to relax.”
Eden nodded as she looked at Ian. He glanced away from her. In all his years working here, no woman caught his attention like she did, but it didn’t matter. She’d be leaving and he’d never seeher again. Even if he could get involved, he wouldn’t for that reason alone.
Later, after everyone ate marshmallows and s’mores, Chip announced that everyone needed to get to bed. Ian watched as Eden crawled into her tent. Everyone was in their tent, except for Bonnie. She smiled at him. What did it take to get her to back off?
“You should get some sleep. We’ll be leaving early,” he said.
She frowned, sighed, then made her way to her tent. Ian looked at Chip to see him grinning.
“She can’t take a hint,” Ian said.
“I noticed. You might have to be cruel to be kind.” Chip smiled.
“Looks like it.” Ian stood. “I’ll see you in the morning.” He walked to his sleeping bag, which was close to the firepit. He never slept in a tent; he liked looking at the stars as he drifted off.
The next day, they headed back to the ranch. The trip went well, and everyone seemed to have fun. He was certain he’d made an enemy of the brunette. She glared at him anytime he looked her way. Well, too damn bad. He’d just have to keep an eye on her. She’s not the first woman to get pissed at him for some reason and he knew she wouldn’t be the last.
As they rode back, Ian kept an eye on the riders. None seemed worse for wear, and he was sure they enjoyed themselves. It was hotter than hell today. He removed a handkerchief from his pocket, lifted his hat, wiped the sweat from his brow, and resettled the hat. He was about to put his sunglasses on when he heard someone’s horse let out a high-pitched squeal, and everyonetried to stay calm.
He saw Eden’s horse rear up as she tried to control the horse as it tried to buck her off. Ian spurred his horse and ran toward her, but her horse panicked and ran off. He could see she was doing her best to rein in the horse, but she wasn’t having any luck. Something spooked the horse since that horse never let anything get to him.
Ian spurred his horse again, and it took off.
“Hold on,” he shouted.
He rode alongside her and could see the fear on her face. He got closer, wrapped his arm around her waist, and pulled her onto his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck tightly and he could feel her shaking.
“Are you okay?” he asked, as he slowed his horse.
She nodded. “Just shaken. Thank you.”
“Yes, ma’am. Let me set you down, and I’ll get your horse.”
“I think a horsefly bit him.”
Ian nodded, as he held her arm, and lowered her to her feet, then he spurred his horse and ran after hers. He caught him and led him back.
“What happened, Joker? Something bite you, boy?” Ian returned to where he’d left Eden, to see everyone surrounding her to make sure she was all right. Everyone except Bonnie. She was too busy glaring at him. Damn, if looks could kill, he’d fall from the saddle.
