Page 14 of Riding Into Love
“You did such a good job today, buddy.”
His ears perk up, and he huffs.
“Yeah, I mean it. I’m proud of you. Tomorrow, maybe when I hop up on your back you won’t try to throw me off, huh?”
He tosses his head as though in agreement, and I laugh as I rub his neck and shoulder. He’s come so far, and we still have a ways to go, but this is a good start.
Once Linux is settled in his stall with fresh hay and a scoop of grain, I clean up the area and make my way back to the main house. Before I make it inside, Colby stops me.
“River. Wait up.”
I freeze in place, not daring to look back. My heart is hammering, and every cell in my body is screaming for me to keep walking. To skitter away like a frightened animal. But, somehow, I manage to stand my ground and wait.
When he’s a few feet away, I turn and make eye contact.
“You did great out there today,” he says, tipping his chin toward the field where I was working with Linux. “Hope you don’t mind I was watching.”
“Nope. Don’t mind at all.” It’s a damn lie. If I’d have known he was watching, I might’ve given some thought about the fact that I’m wearing a pair of old denim shorts that have seen better days and a dirty flannel shirt. Not that it matters.
“Glad to hear it.” He’s got his hands shoved into his pockets, and there’s a faint smile on his lips. “Anyway, I came to ask if you’d be interested in some private lessons.”
“Private lessons?”
“Yep. You and me. One-on-one.”
“With what, exactly?”
“Breaking.”
“Breaking?” I can’t help myself. I know I shouldn’t say it, but damn it, this is too easy. And Colby, well, he looks like he just swallowed a mouthful of nails. “Are you saying you want to break me, Mr. Burke? Or are you offering?”
A flash of something dark and dangerous glints in his eyes. “You’ve got a smart mouth, River Thurston. You know that?”
I smirk and cock my hip. “So I’ve been told.”
Colby takes a step closer. Close enough for me to smell the clean, crisp scent of his cologne. Close enough for me to see the hint of stubble lining his jaw. Close enough for me to count the flecks of gold in his hazel eyes.
“I like that,” he says.
“Like what?”
“Your mouth. Smart or not.”
My cheeks warm, and my tongue darts out to wet my suddenly dry lips. Colby’s gaze drops, and he leans in closer, bringing his face just inches from mine. My heart is thudding wildly, and I’m half-afraid he can hear it.
“And you’ve got no idea what else I’d like to do with it.”
His voice is like liquid velvet, and I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from gasping.
“I-I think I can guess.” Oh, my God. Am I stuttering?
His lips curve in a slow, seductive smile. “Can you now?”
Colby moves closer, backing me up until my ass touches the wall of the barn. He braces a hand beside my head and dips his own until his lips are almost touching mine. My brain short circuits. I’m paralyzed. Frozen in place by his dark, smoldering gaze.
Holy hell. My panties are soaked, and I’m practically panting. How does he do this to me? How does he turn me into a blubbering idiot with nothing but a look?
“What are you doing, Colby?” My voice is barely a whisper.
