Page 75 of Saddle Storm

I push my hands into my pockets. “No. Unless I get behind you.”

She sighs. “Cute, but there’s nothing sexual about this. I’m no good against your front.”

“That’s debatable, but I’m not being quirky either. Tucker can shift or jump, or the weight might be too much—if that happens, you’ll slide right off on a bare back.” I don’t think I’ve ever taken a more serious tone with her before.

And judging by her grin, she doesn’t mind it. “Impressive, hotshot.”

I shrug. “Like I said, when it comes to you, I don’t take risks.”

Her eyes lower and she nods. “All right then, I’ll teach you to saddle Tuck correctly, test your balance, your arm strength and . . . walk beside you. But that might cramp your style.”

“I’m not worried about it,” I assure her. “Although your back pressed against me did sound fun.” I perk a brow. “And your front.”

She rolls her eyes. “Maybe another time.”

I step back into her space, pressing her against Tucker gently—of course this he doesn’t seem to mind one bit, the traitor. I cup her cheek. “Most definitely another time.” I kiss her lips softly, quickly, then step back. “And for the love of God, stop making the first move, that’s cramping my style.”

25

I watch him from the fence, arms folded loosely, weight tipped onto my hip. Tucker moves easy beneath him. I didn’t do much after starting them off on a steady walk. One that Silas quickly turned into a careful jog around the ring. I can usually tell which one initiated the faster pace. This time I can’t. It’s almost like they both fell into their rhythm.

My eyes go back to his bicep. It doesn’t look weak, but I’m all too aware of it. Scared for it.

Silas keeps his elbow close to his side, hand lighter on the rein, shoulder set, instead of loose. Protective, not hesitant.

Something familiar pulses in my stomach and I’m twelve again, Silas trailing after me on Tucker, while I rode whoever was available. Dust in my hair, legs aching from the race. I only made it look easy. The way his mother always did. He never resented me for being better. Teased me plenty about it though.

He’d been good, solid, capable. But he never loved it the way his mother did, or the way his brothers breathed horses like air. Riding was something he did because . . . they were there. And it mattered to the people he loved.

Watching him now makes me realize that part of him hasn’t changed at all.

Silas grins at me like he caught me swooning. The bastard. I need to neutralize this quickly.

“You know I’m going to have to tell your brothers about your lesson today.”

His grin doesn’t fade. “Now why would you do a thing like that?”

“Got to put you on the schedule to account for my last hour today.”

“So not only are they going to have a field day about it, they’re billing me for it too? If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re still holding a grudge.”

I laugh.

He dismounts like a pro and grabs hold of the reins, leading Tucker back to where I’m standing.

“How’d I do, Coach?”

“That was pathetic. Drop and give me ten.”

He steps close, somehow still smelling so damn clean. “Sure thing. We talkin’ pushups, orgasms?”

I lift my head to his, noticing the dark clouds. “Looks like I’ll need a rain check on both.”

He’s intrigued, stepping close until a drop of rain lands on my nose. “Oh.”

I lower my head to his chest, laughing. “Come on, Romeo, you worked that arm enough today. I’ve got to put the horses up, check water, and close the barn up, then pick up Max.”

Silas checks his watch. “It’s four thirty. He’s probably at the lookout.”