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He picks up my purse and hands it to me, before grabbing my hand and pulling me from the stool.
“What’s the hurry?” I ask, trying to keep up with him as he leads me to the elevator.
“If we don’t get there in time, all the good ones will be gone,” he replies cryptically.
“What will be gone?”
We step inside the elevator and he pushes the button that will lead us to the first floor. He turns to face me and backs me against the wall, caging me in with his arms.
“Stop asking so many questions. You’ll ruin the surprise,” he murmurs against my lips.
I place my hands at his waist and fist his shirt. He kisses down my neck, and I tilt my head back. This man is going to ruin me.
All too soon, the elevator dings and the doors slide open. I shove at Asher’s chest and look over to the opening, thanking God when I don’t see anyone standing there.
Asher just laughs, grabs my hand, and leads me across the floor to the waiting car outside.
An hour later, we pull up to an open pair of metal gates. The sign hanging from above says The Rolling C Ranch. Excitement starts to bubble inside me when I see several horses grazing in a field. In another field, there are a couple more horses, but those have riders on them. There are also four big red barns scattered across the large chunk of land. The car pulls to a stop on a gravel driveway that has two other cars parked. There’s a big white two-story house with the kind of front porch I’ve always dreamed of.
I turn to Asher with a big grin plastered on my face.
“Please, please tell me we’re going horseback riding!” I exclaim, my hands in front of me prayer style.
I’ve never ridden a horse before, but I’ve always wanted to.
“We are,” he says with a smile.
I squeal and lean over to place a kiss on his lips.
Chuckling, he grabs my hand and drags me across the seat when the door opens. Once we’re standing outside, he puts his arm around my waist and walks us over to meet the gentleman that’s heading our way. He has on a blue and black plaid button up shirt, a pair of faded jeans with a big ol’ belt buckle, brown cowboy boots, and a black cowboy hat. He looks like the typical cowboy. I smile big when he stands in front of us. Up close, I can see kind gray eyes. He looks to be in his mid-to-late forties.
“Mr. Knight?” he asks, extending his hand out to Asher, which he takes for a brief shake.
“Yes, but I prefer Asher. I take it you’re Clint?”
“Yep, that’s me.” His eyes to turn to me. “And this here young lady must be Miss Lexington.”
“Yes, sir.” I take his offered hand. It’s callused and rough. “It’s very nice to meet you. And please, call me Poppy.”
“Have you ever ridden before, darlin’?” he asks, his smile still in place.
I smile when he calls me ‘Darlin’. “No, sir, I haven’t, but I’ve always wanted to.”
“Well, you sure are in for a treat then.” His laugh makes him look ten years younger. He turns and lifts his chin to a smaller white building. “If you’ll both follow me, I’ll get you all set up. I have something I need you to read over and sign, and then you’ll be on your way.”
We follow behind Clint. Asher’s arm drops from my waist, but he picks up my hand and brings it to his lips for a kiss. The grin I give him stretches my mouth so wide, I’m surprised my lips aren’t splitting. I’m walking so fast, I’m nearly dragging him behind me.
“Hey,” he says with a laugh, tugging my hand. “Slow down.”
I’m almost bouncing in my boots, wanting to get to the part where we ride a horse.
“You were the one that was rushing me this morning. Now it’s my turn. I can’t believe I get to ride a horse!” I finish with an excited laugh.
Clint looks back at us and shakes his head with twitching lips. I smile back at him unapologetically. I look over at Asher to see him smiling too, but there’s more in his eyes. The look is soft and indulgent, and it melts my insides to mush.
We enter the small building. I look around as Clint walks behind a desk in the center of the room. It’s cozy in here with a few armchairs and a table that has a coffee maker and mugs. The walls are lined with photo after photo, most depicting riders on horses. There’s also a shelf that has trophies. Down a hallway, I spy a counter and sink; probably a kitchen or breakroom.
After Asher and I sign the insurance disclaimer, Clint leads us back outside and over to a huge barn filled with stalls. I stop and inspect each one, disappointed when I find the empty ones and smiling brightly and cooing to the ones that kept horses. Both Asher and Clint sense my excitement and don’t stop me. I know I’m wasting time, but I can’t pass by one without looking inside. We stop at a stall about halfway down, and I peek inside. I gasp when I see a beautiful, solid white horse, it’s head down, munching on hay.
