Page 71 of Thaw My Heart

Sadie wasn’t happy to find the horses tacked up when she walked out in that short black dress, but after spending the last twenty-four hours consumed by thoughts of this date, this is the best idea I could come up with.

I wasn’t about to take a stroll in the small town of Aspen Hollow and broadcast our first date. I wanted something private, without prying eyes or the risk of gossip floating around like a virus. I shouldn’t have let her talk me into this date in the first place, but with her body pressed against me in the barn, I had a hard time saying no. She could’ve asked for anything at that point, and I would’ve agreed to it—begged for it.

Besides, what’s the worst that can happen?

It’s one date.

If she can still stand me after this date, that is. Considering Sadie’s been glowering at me since we left home, muttering foul curses under her breath. I didn’t know such a pretty mouth could say such vile things.

“What’s that, Tequila?” I ask, quite amused by her shit attitude in making her go riding with me.

“I said, it’s fucking freezing,” she snaps. “And I hate that nickname.”

Does she? Or is she just being difficult? “Well, the minute you stop calling me Cowboy, I’ll stop calling you Tequila.” A fair trade, and one that would make me happy.

“You’d miss it too much, Cowboy,” she smirks at me.

I roll my eyes.

“Are we going much farther?” she groans.

I hold in a laugh. “I thought you liked horses.”

“I love horses. But did you not see the dress I was wearing?” She gestures to the hoodie tucked under her coat. “You can’t see shit in this many layers.”

“More to the imagination, then,” I muse.

She frowns at me, saying her words with distaste. “And I bet your imagination is very limited, Cowboy.”

I smile, unable to hold it in. I’ve got to admit, her spicy attitude is quite cute when she’s frustrated. “I’ve got a pretty good imagination.” She snorts, not believing a single word. “Besides, I prefer you this way.”

“Covered in six layers?” she quips.

I’ve been pining for her for so long… doesn’t she realize she looks perfect just the way she is? She doesn’t need the short dresses and high heels. She looks good without all the frills. Natural. Just her, riding next to me in the snow while the warm evening light reflects off her creamy skin. But I’m not going to tell her that.

“We’re almost there,” I say.

“Good. My ass is sore,” she groans.

A soft smile forms at the corner of my mouth, trying not to let my mind wander to thinking about her ass… but I wouldn’t be opposed to massaging it later. To pulling down her pants and running my hands all over her supple curves while she moans my name.

So much for not thinking about it.

Ten minutes later, enough time for my erection to finally go down, we reach the overlook. It’s the best place for panoramic views of the city and the Rocky Mountain Range covered in snow. A secret place I’ve visited many times in my childhood.

“Damn,” Sadie exclaims, stopping her horse next to mine with eyes full of wonder. “Is that Aspen Hollow?” she points to the bright city lights, glimmering in the distance. “It’s so beautiful.”

I nod and hop off my horse, untying the canvas bag from his back. Throwing a flannel blanket on the snow. She sits across from me with an amused smile, fiddling with a strand of her hair as she watches me set up the scene. I pull out a stainless-steel mug, pouring whiskey over ice. Adding a lime on the rim before handing it to her, but she doesn’t take it.

She stares at it for what feels like minutes. I wonder if she thinks I poisoned it. “It’s for you.” I push it towards her.

“How do you know my favorite drink?”

“You know mine, so I know yours.”

“How?” she demands.

“I pay attention.” And watching her on her porch every night, pouring the same drink over ice, it didn’t take long to figure out it was her favorite. Also, I might have asked a few people around the ranch to confirm it.