Page 9 of The Rancher’s Ecstasy

The land dipped down into a deep valley. In the distance, there were small mountains that met the few clouds in the sky, and in front of them, at the bottom of the valley, was a bubbling brook that snaked its way across the field and into the forest. The trees and flowers grew in so many different colors and sizes and all in abundance. She thought it was as close to heaven as she’d ever been.

Other horses moved around them, following the group up ahead. It took a minute for Emily to realize she’d been staring silently and that everyone but Cole had moved forward until they were out of sight.

Emily shook herself and shot a quick glance at him. “I’m sorry.”

Cole reached over and placed a large hand on Emily’s knee.

“Don’t be sorry. It pleases me very much that you find one of my favorite places on earth beautiful.”

A sizzle of energy raced through her. She pulled her eyes from Cole’s face. “It’s more than beautiful.”

His hand squeezed her knee before he moved away and sat back into his saddle.

She nudged her horse forward, reluctant to move away from the view. After a second, she heard his saddle creak as he moved in behind her, and a shiver ran down her spine.

“So where did you come from today?”

“I was on the north side checking on a small herd of cattle we put in that pasture, and then I heard you decided to take the trail ride, and I didn’t want to let this opportunity go.”

Emily looked over her shoulder. “What opportunity?”

“To talk to you. Get to know you.”

Her shoulders tensed, and she turned her face away from his. “Now why would you want to do that?” she asked, trying to make her voice sound mocking.

There was a slight pause.

“Because I’m very attracted to you, and I want to get to know you.”

She shook her head. “I think you’re a nice man...”

“Ah, oh,” he said.

Emily coughed out a chuckle. “No, really, I do. But I’m only here for a short time, and I don’t think it’s wise to ... to become friends.”

“Oh, I want to be more than friends,” his voice was gentle but had an edge to it to show how serious he really was.

She pulled up on the reins to stop the horse and then turned.

“Why? There is no way you could possibly be attracted to me. Jesus, Cole, you are so out of my league it’s not even fun—”

Cole moved his horse up beside her, turned in his saddle, and looked at her, incredulous. “What the hell, Em. How can you say there is no attraction between us? The very first time I saw you, my heart felt like it would explode, and I know you felt something, too.”

Emily sighed and turned away from him. “I admit I am very attracted to you, but I know nothing can come of it, so I suggest we not try for anything that will just hurt me in the end.”

Cole’s eyebrows rose. “Why do you think I’ll hurt you?”

Her gaze swung back to him. “Because I’m leaving in three months.” She didn’t say the rest of what she was thinking. He’ll get bored with me, or he’s just doing this because I am the only single woman around.

“How about we become friends?” Cole suggested. He watched her struggle with an answer before she nodded. “You can never have enough friends, right?” he asked.

Emily didn’t comment as they caught up with the group that stood in a small field. The people moved around while the horses chomped on grass and rested. She swung her leg over the back of the horse and dismounted, making sure she kept a grip on the reins of her horse. She gasped when a pair of hands gripped her waist.

“Are you steady?” Cole asked.

Emily locked her knees and nodded. Her one hand went to the horse’s neck, and the other still clutched the saddle horn. Her legs were a little shaky, but otherwise, she felt great.

“Yes. I’m good. Thank you,” she murmured without turning.