Page 17 of The Maverick

Bailey shook her head, her dark brown braids flying with the movement. “You won’t be learning on her. Daddy has special horses for learning to ride. They’re all good, though, so you don’t have to worry.”

Jake ran up to Rachel. “Did you hear that, Mom. Nick has horses to teach people how to ride.” Then he turned toward Nick. “When can I learn? Will it take long? Will I get as good as Bailey? Can we start tomorrow?”

“Whoa, there partner.” Because Nick was so tall, he kneeled in front of Jake to be more on his level. “You can start the lessons tomorrow.” He turned toward his daughter. “And Bailey will help, won’t you, Pooh Bear?”

Bailey nodded quickly. “Yup. I’ll help cause I’m the bestest.”

“That’s right, you are.” Nick stood and turned toward Rachel. “I’ve had her on a horse since before she could walk. I never wanted her to be afraid of the animals, even though they’re so big.”

Rachel laughed. “Well, I’d say it worked, because there is no way that girl is afraid of the horse. I think she’d be one with the animal if she could. Do you have a mounting block for them to use?”

“Of course. Bailey likes to mount by herself. She lets me swing her out of the saddle, though, if I’m around.”

She walked back toward the arena’s gate with Nick. “I imagine it’s quite exciting to be swung out of the saddle by you.”

Nick’s lips quirked up. “Exciting, huh? Is that something you would like, Rach? I’m sure I can arrange it.”

Rachel’s cheeks heated, and she was sure she looked like a tomato. “I, uh, I...”

Nick roared with laughter. “You’re still so easy, Rach. You blush easier than anyone I’ve ever met.”

She swatted his chest. “I do not. Only you can make me blush all the time. You always have been able to.”

He laughed again. “That’s my superpower. I’m the Blush Man.”

Now she laughed. He’d always made her laugh. “Let’s get Jake and me settled. I could use a cup of hot chocolate before I put Jake to bed. And I bet the kids want to play some video games.”

Nick hooked his thumbs in his front pockets. “Bailey, let’s go inside and let Smitty take care of putting Buttercup to bed for the night.”

“Ah, Daddy, I want to show Jake how to ride.”

Nick shook his head. “Not tonight. You can show him tomorrow before he starts his lessons.” He windmilled one arm. “Come on now, let’s go.”

Both kids came running. They stopped in front of Nick and Rachel.

“Daddy, can we play Roblox? Jake said he knows how to play. Please, Daddy. Please.” Bailey looked up and put her lower lip out.

Nick chuckled. “Okay, but only for an hour and then you have to go to bed. It’s been a rough day for Jake and Rachel.”

“Yay,” shouted Bailey.

“Yay,” shouted Jake.

“Follow me.” Bailey waved an arm and started running toward the house.

“Remember, no running in the house,” Nick called after them.

Rachel watched the kids, smiling as she shook her head. “Jake’s so excited he can barely contain himself. This is like a dream come true. He’s always wanted to be a cowboy.”

She and Nick walked at a more sedate pace toward the house.

As she followed Nick into the kitchen, he pointed at the breakfast bar. “Have a seat, and I’ll make us all some hot chocolate. I’m sure the kids will like some, too.”

“Are you kidding? Jake would eat grasshoppers as long as they are covered in chocolate.”

The smile that spread across his face made her remember just how handsome he was. If he wasn’t her best friend, then she’d definitely ask him out.Oh, who am I kidding? I wouldn’t ask him out. I’ve never asked a man out in my life, but if I were to start, my choice would be Nick.

“You’ll have to get the kids. I have no idea where they went. You need to give me the tour, too. Did I see a helicopter out behind the arena?”