• Choose a category
• All
• Classic-Fiction

She smiled sweetly. “I figured as much, especially after last night.”

He smiled. “Come on, let’s feed you. Chester kept your breakfast warm.”

“And yours?”

“I’ve already eaten, but I’ll join you at the table and drink another cup of coffee while you eat.”

“All right,” Alyssa said.

He took her hand and led her to the table thinking that he could definitely get used to her presence in his home.

She melted a little bit inside each and every time Clint glanced her way. A couple of times he had looked at his watch. She knew he had work around the ranch to do, but he was putting his work aside for her. But she didn’t want to keep him from doing his job.

“I got a chance to read all that information about the foundation and the reason for it,” she said, to break the comfortable silence between them.

He took a sip of his coffee as his intense gaze still held hers. “Did you?”

“Yes. And I got some wonderful ideas for the site that I would like to share with you. That is if you were really serious about my doing a web design for it,” she said.

“Yes, I’m serious. I’ve even spoken to Casey about it,” Clint assured her.

She raised a brow. “You have?”

He chuckled. “Yes. I’m president and executive director of the board that consists of my brother and sister. We’ve hired several others to work with us who are just as determined as we are to relocate as many horses as we can. We also want to educate the public to the plight of the wild horses,” Clint said.

She nodded. “I guess all three of you love horses.”

He grinned. “With a passion, and speaking of horses, I want you to have all your work done by three o’clock today.”

She lifted a brow. “Why?”

“Because you and I are going riding,” he said.

She frowned. “If you recall, I told you I’d rather not get on a horse,” Alyssa said.

“I recall, but riding a horse is just like riding a bike. If you take a fall you get back on and try again.”

“Even if you break your arm in the fall?”

“Yes, even if you broke your arm. How old were you when it happened?”

“Ten,” she said.

“Ten? Then it’s definitely about time we do something about conquering your fear about riding. So, do we have a date at three?”

“Yes, we have a date,” she said with a smile.

Twelve

A lyssa took a deep breath as she stepped out on the front porch. Like the day before, Clint was in the yard waiting for her. This time he wasn’t leaning against his truck. Today he was sitting on the back of what Alyssa perceived as the largest horse she’d ever seen. The big black stallion was beautiful, although he looked very mean.

“He won’t bite,” Clint said.

She glanced up at Clint, not at all certain. “Are you sure about that?”

“Positive. I wouldn’t let anything harm a hair on your head. I thought I’d start you off easy. Today you’ll ride with me. Royal can handle the both of us.”

“Royal?”

“Yes. He was the first stallion we brought from Nevada last year. He was very wild and unruly,” he explained.

She grinned. “And of course you tamed him.”

“I did. And he’s been my horse ever since,” Clint added with pride.

She looked at the fierce-looking animal and then back at Clint. “Evidently you’re good at what you do.”

“I’m not perfect. I make my share of mistakes, but thanks,” he said. “Now come closer so I can lift you up.”

Ignoring the way the horse was looking at her, she went closer so that Clint could hoist her up onto the horse’s back. He effortlessly pulled her up to sit behind him. She gripped her arms tightly around his waist.

He glanced over his shoulder at her. “Ready?”

“As much as I’ll ever be. And you promise I won’t fall off?”

He smiled. “I promise,” he said.

Satisfied with his answer, she rested her chest against his back. “Then, yes, I’m ready,” she said, trying to sound brave.

And she held on as Clint trotted for a few moments around the yard. And then when they reached the wide, open plain, he took off and she held on to him for dear life.

Clint liked the feel of Alyssa holding on to him as they continued their ride. He knew where he was taking