“Perhaps we should ride a little further before going back.”
She nodded, not sure what to say. No other man had affected her like that, just by touching her hair. After today, she didn’t think she would ever consider the shade boring brown. Maybe it was for the best that he hadn’t kissed her. She might have melted into a puddle of goo, just from the touch of his lips on hers.
Amber helped him gather up the remains of their lunch. He placed the leftovers back in the leather pouches, then affixed them to his western saddle.
They mounted their horses, and she followed him further into the woodland for a few minutes, until they came to a larger clearing. Although not quite so picturesque, it was a flat piece of ground covered with green grass.
“Want to canter?” He tilted his head in invitation.
Her eyes lit up. Although she doubted she could beat him on Barney, it would be fun to try.
“You’re on.” Urging her horse to a trot, and then a canter, she looked over to her left. Mikhail and his mount kept pace with her. In a flat out gallop, she was sure he and Hugo could beat her by a mile, and she half expected him to surge ahead of her at any moment. To her surprise, they pulled up their horses at the edge of the clearing, neck to neck.
“That was great!” Her eyes sparkled with fun.
“Yes. It was.” His face lit up with pleasure.
Mikhail’s horse snorted, as if protesting at being made to halt.
Amber laughed. “It looks like Hugo wanted to go faster.”
“But then it would not be so much fun if I left you behind.”
Her heart melted at his words, and his tone. As if nothing had pleased him more than riding side by side with her.
Barney pulled at the reins, attempting to eat some of the grass in front of him, interrupting the small moment. Amber controlled him, aware that Mikhail watched her with approval.
“I suppose we should go back to the ranch.” He sounded as if he didn’t relish that idea.
“I suppose so,” she echoed, sad that their brief interlude was coming to an end.
They walked the horses back to the ranch. Amber had been taught a long time ago to never race her horse back to the stable, and she was glad that Mikhail also heeded this advice.
When they arrived at the barn, they both dismounted. She gripped the reins in one hand, the smooth leather rubbing against her palm.
“Thank you,” she said breathlessly, “for a lovely picnic.”
“Thank you, Amber.” He looked deep into her eyes.
She quivered at the way he said her name. He made it sound so exotic, as if she were a beautiful woman he wanted. Needed. But she knew that she was just plain old Amber Dawson, still single at twenty-seven. With a generous bust, rounded tummy and hips. No wonder she was a spinster.
“What’s wrong?” His dark brown eyes narrowed in concern. “Tell me.”
“Nothing.” She shook her head, mortified that her feelings had shown on her face. Trying to tamp down the blush she felt rising, she took a deep breath. “I’m fine.”
“You did not enjoy today?” His thumb brushed her cheek.
She found it hard to think straight. The pad of his thumb blazed a path down her cheek.
“Of course I did,” she protested. “It was very kind of you.”
“I did not do it to be kind.” His voice lowered, deepened even more. His thumb still traced her cheek. “I invited you because you are a beautiful woman.”
He’d called her beautiful! That was her last thought before his lips descended. His mouth claimed hers, seeking, tasting, teasing. With a small sigh, she gave herself up to the wonder of his kiss.
Minutes later she was wrapped in his arms, her small hands clutching his wide, broad shoulders. Clinging. Breathless.
When he finally lifted his mouth, she slowly fluttered her eyes open.
Best kiss ever.
“And one I would like to know better,” he continued, as if he hadn’t just given her a mind blowing kiss. “Much better.” He stroked the small of her back, the heat of his touch scorching her flesh through her turquoise cotton shirt and matching t-shirt.
She gave him a wobbly smile, hardly daring to believe that this was happening to her.
“I’d like that,” she whispered.
“I will be in town on Tuesday. We can have lunch together.”
“Okay. My lunch break is noon,” she said, amazed her brain was functioning so well.
“Perfect.” His smile lit up his face. “I will pick you up.” His lips snared hers for another wonderful moment. “Until Tuesday.”
***