She nodded, unable to get a word out. His decisiveness made her insides quiver, yet he had also checked with her before doing anything with Barney. Thoughtful and considerate too. Just like her imaginary dream guy.
But, she thought with a wistful sigh, admiring his firm butt in his faded blue jeans as he led Barney over to the corral, how could he be interested in a curvy girl like her? She wore cargo pants with an elastic waist for goodness’ sake, and tried to hide her rounded tummy with tops that draped or skimmed over her stomach and hips. Right now she wore a turquoise t-shirt tucked into her pants underneath a matching blouse, that was not tucked in, hoping to disguise her plump hips and stomach.
Surely her lack of boyfriends was a clue that she just didn’t have much or any sex appeal? Why would Mikhail be different? He was gorgeous, had a sexy Russian accent, owned his own ranch, and seemed to be skilled with horses. Any girl would be lucky to have him in her life.
It just wouldn’t be her.
She watched Mikhail grab a lunging rope from the barn, then lead Barney into the enclosure. The palomino’s hooves kicked up a little dust as the Russian walked him around the arena, standing in the middle of the enclosure holding the lunging rope. Then he urged Barney into a trot, and eventually a lope.
Amber gripped the wooden railing, watching her horse enjoy the exercise. His blond mane and tail flowed out and his ears were pricked forward as he cantered around the corral.
Guilt jabbed her once more. Now she had a handle on her new responsibilities at the boutique, she was determined to spend just as much time with her horse as she used to.
“He is going well,” Mikhail called out, gesturing to the palomino.
She nodded, a smile on her face, glad that she’d brought Barney here.
After another ten minutes, Mikhail concluded the session. “I think he’s had enough.” He stroked the horse’s nose.
“Thank you.” She reached out to pet Barney over the wooden fence. “He looks a lot happier.”
“If you give him as much attention as you did before, I don’t think you will have any more problems.”
Amber nodded, noticing his attention had drifted to her hand patting her horse. “How much do I owe you?”
“Nothing.” He shook his head. “It was my pleasure to help you. But perhaps he would like it if you took him for a ride. I have a spare saddle in the barn and I would go with you. There are some horse trails nearby.” He gestured to a narrow dirt track leading to the right of the farmhouse.
Amber caught her breath, her hand stilling on the velvet smoothness of Barney’s coat. She opened her mouth to say yes, when she remembered she’d invited her girlfriends for dinner, and hadn’t had time to prepare anything yet.
“I’d like to, but I can’t today.“ Disappointment clouded her features. However much she wanted to accept his invitation, she couldn’t cancel on her friends, especially when meeting up tonight had been her idea. It had been far too long since she’d spent time with them.
He nodded. “What about tomorrow?”
She smiled up at him, her pulse quickening. “Yes. I’d love to.”
“Eleven o’clock?” A smile edged his features, lightening his face.
Amber nodded. “I’ll be here.”
“And I will be waiting.”
Her heart skipped a beat at his deep, accented tone.
He led the palomino out of the corral. “Good boy,” Mikhail praised. He handed her the lead rope. “I’ll walk back with you to the trailer.”
She took the rope from his outstretched hand, careful not to let her fingers brush against his. Just a tiny slip of her thumb would be enough to graze the tanned flesh of his hand. What effect would touching his hand have on her? She suspected it might be like playing with fire. And right now, she definitely didn’t want to get burned.
Conscious of his gaze on her as she led her horse back to the SUV, she straightened her shoulders, surreptitiously sucking in her stomach. Although he’d invited her to go horseback riding with him tomorrow, she must be careful not to read anything else in it. He was taking an interest in Barney because he was a horse trainer. That was all. She’d be setting herself up for disappointment if she read anything more into his invitation.
Mikhail helped her load Barney into the trailer and fasten the ramp behind the horse’s hindquarters.
“I shall see you tomorrow, Amber.” Satisfaction glinted in his dark brown eyes.
“Yes.” She cursed her breathless tone. It was all very well telling herself he wasn’t interested in her, but unfortunately she found it hard to control her attraction to him.
“Until then.” He held open the driver’s door of the SUV, waiting until she buckled her seatbelt before he shut it gently.
She started up the car, her fingers trembling when she turned the key in the ignition. When was the last time a man had opened her car door for her, and waited to make sure she’d buckled up?