Even though Iwanted to sleep in until at least nine, my body had me awake at sunrise. I could never sleep later than that. I lifted my arms over my head to stretch and rolled out of bed, wondering what today was going to bring.
I threw on a pair of jeans and a Henley. I reached the kitchen first as usual and started the coffee. Ty finally sauntered in as I was piling bacon on our plates. He poured two cups of coffee and met me at the dining room table. Our conversation over breakfast was light since he was still ticked I wasn’t going to town with him. Ty shoved the plates in the dishwasher and met me in the mudroom.
“Don’t forget to add bacon to the list. I just used the last of it,” I said, sliding on my boots.
“Sure,” he said.
We fist bumped, and I headed to the barn and tacked up Jameson before he and I made our way around to the front. Approaching, I could make out Liam, Jessie, Blake, Gavin, and a tiny brunette.
Blake’s big, gray gelding was also with them in a western saddle. I guess he was who the woman was going to ride on the tour. Funny, I would have expected them to have her take Apollo since he was the most laid back of her horses to use.
I made my way over to the group.
Liam spotted me first. “About time you showed up.”
“You said ten. It’s only nine forty-five. I’m early.” I fought to roll my eyes at him.
He grinned as he guided the brunette my way. “Scott, I want you to meet a very special guest here on the ranch. This is Grace.”
When they stopped in front of me, I had to look down since she only came up to my chin. It was hard not to stare at her. She had on a tight pair of jeans and tank top, as well as a pair of well-worn cowboy boots. Nothing about her gave me a western or country vibe. I wondered if she borrowed the boots from Jessie or Blake.
My gaze shifted back up to her face, and my heart skipped a beat. She had the most beautiful hazel eyes. In their depths, she radiated an innate sense of confidence that enhanced her natural beauty. It took me a second to realize she was waiting for me to say something.
“Hi, I’m Scott. Your official tour guide today.” I reached my hand out to shake her delicate hand. Her firm grip surprised me as well as the tingle of awareness that shot up my arm. Our palms rested together, highlighting our differences. Her hand was delicate and soft, while my larger hand dwarfed hers and my rough, calloused skin rubbed against hers. I’d bet other parts of her body were just as soft.
Oh no. Not going there. I can’t be thinking these thoughts. I don’t want to be thinking these thoughts.
But as I looked down at her smiling face and into those cheerful eyes, a warmth filled my chest.
NO.
I released her hand and grunted before turning away from her. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jessie adding something to one of my saddlebags. When she glanced at me, I arched my brow.
She shrugged. “Lunch.”
I didn’t want the tour to take that long, but like it or not, the property was quite large and would take a few hours to show her the main parts. Even longer if we walked it, which I thoroughly anticipated based on Grace not looking like she’d ever ridden a horse before.
I strode over to where Blake was adjusting Storm’s girth. She shook her head at me when I double checked it after she stepped back. I didn’t know who Grace was to Liam, but I wanted to make sure there were no mishaps. This was the first time I’d done a tour, and I wanted to make sure everything was up to my expectations before we left.
When I was satisfied and ready to go, I turned back to where I left Grace and saw her stroking Jameson’s muzzle. My heart thudded in my chest at the sight. She looked perfect standing there with my horse, like everything in me was whole again in that moment. I pushed the feeling way down and put on my poker face.
“Are you ready to go?” I called to Grace. She looked up and smiled as she walked over to me. I could see Jessie, Blake, and Liam watching us.
“Have you ridden before?” I asked Grace as she got ready to put her foot in the stirrup.
“Yes.” Her brows knitted together. It was a simple question, but she looked offended.
“How long has it been since you’ve ridden?” I tried again once she swung herself into the saddle.
Now that she was astride Storm, I had to look up at her. Instinctively my gaze shifted to her chest. Her tank top molded to her ample cleavage. As she adjusted her seat, the soft mounds bounced a little.
I jerked my head up. What was I doing?
“Oh, it’s been too long since I’ve had a good ride.” She looked down at me, directly in the eyes. The corner of her mouth lifted.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Liam and Jessie snicker while Blake’s mouth fell open. Curious. I absentmindedly patted Grace’s thigh and walked back over to Jameson.
“You two have a good ride,” Liam called. I mounted my horse and looked back at the group.
Liam winked at me, making me wonder if there was more to this special favor than I thought.
Storm and Grace walked out in front as I tried to figure out what had just happened. Liam was up to something I just didn’t know what yet. It didn’t help that every time I tried to think it through, Grace’s beautiful heart-shaped face took over my thoughts.