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Eden told Cammie as she caught up to her, “I don’t have the right shoes for the ride. I’ll have to buy a pair.”
“I don’t want to go without you,” Cammie responded.
“No, please go ahead. I’ll drive to town and get some boots while you enjoy the ride. Actually, with how hot it’s supposed to be today, I might just head to the pool instead. We don’t have to do everything together,” Eden reassured her.
“Okay, but we’ll still do some things together, right?” Cammie asked.
“Of course. Have fun.”
Cammie joined the rest of the group, waiting for the ride while Eden leaned against the barn wall. She was disappointed that she couldn’t join in on the fun, as she loved riding, but safety came first. Her attention drifted to Ian Brennan standing beside a stunning dappled gray quarter horse. The horse was massive and could easily support Brennan’s six-foot-five frame. As her eyes scanned down his body, Eden couldn’t help but admire his toned physique displayed by his tight-fitting T-shirt. But her gaze was drawn even lower to his belt buckle, and then... well, let’s just say those chaps left little to the imagination. Damn, he was attractive but not very kind toward her. He seemed perfectly content with the brunette who couldn’t keep her hands off him.
She observed him climb onto the saddle, resting his forearms on the horn as he watched the others mounting their horses. She couldn't help but smile at Cammie getting into her saddle effortlessly while some struggled. The ranch hands were there to assist those having difficulty. Eden chuckled at the sound of laughter as people did their best to get onto their horses; it was not as easy as they thought, and the first time could be intimidating. She had fallen off a horse many times and knew it was never a pleasant experience.
With a sigh, she straightened up and watched as the riders formed a line and rode out of the barn doors. Ian glanced back at her but then turned around with a frown. She shrugged it off; it was clear that she and Ian Brennan would ignore each other.
As she made her way out of the barn, she noticed people everywhere. She decided to head toward the lodge; she hadn't eaten anything yet and was starting to feel hungry. Cammie had already grabbed some toast and coffee, but she had rushed out of her cabin so quickly that she didn't have time to grab anything.
She ascended the steps to the lodge and walked into a bustling lobby, where guests were lining up at a large counter. She paused for a moment to take in her surroundings before making her way toward the dining area. The tantalizing smells emanating from the buffet almost made her groan with hunger.
After filling her plate with a variety of dishes, she turned around to find a place to sit. A woman with striking strawberry blonde hair approachedher.
“Good morning, I’m Willa Callahan. Welcome to the Bur Oak,” the woman greeted her warmly.
“Good morning, I’m Eden Fairchild. It’s nice to meet you.”
“You too. I hope you enjoy your stay with us.”
“I’m sure I will. It’s a beautiful place. I need to buy some boots; I left mine at home and can’t ride without them. Do you know where I can find a good pair?”
“Yes, there’s a Western Wear store in Clifton. I need to run some errands there in about an hour. Would you like to come with me?”
“I’d love that. I’m afraid I might get lost if I go alone,” Eden chuckled.
“Not a problem at all. Presley was supposed to join me, but she got busy.”
“Presley?”
“Oh, my apologies. You wouldn’t know who she is. She’s married to Jaxon Callahan, and I’m married to Devin.”
“I met Devin earlier. He’s the one who told me I couldn’t go riding.”
Willa furrowed her brow in confusion. “Devin said that? He hardly ever comes down to the barn.”
“I must have looked like a total fool when Mr. Brennan told me I couldn’t ride in my sneakers, and I demanded to speak with the owner,” Eden admitted, feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment.
Willa chuckled. “I bet Ian got a good laugh out of that.”
Eden grinned and shook her head. “I think it’s best if Mr. Brennan and I steer clear of eachother.”
“He’s a good man. Fair, but he can be tough on the trail rides and camping trips.”
“I actually signed up for the overnight trip tomorrow. I haven’t been camping in ages.”
“That’ll be a fun one. You’ll sleep in tents and come back to the ranch on Wednesday.”
“I’m excited to try new things.”
