Page 4 of One Reckless Moment

“A girl has to have a little fun somehow. It isn’t like you’re offering your hat.” My voice was low and sultry.

Cash’s expression hardened. “It’ll never be my hat, Paige.”

He draped one hand above my head and leaned in, until I felt his lips ghost over my ear as he whispered, “You can’t handle me.”

Goose bumps erupted down my neck, and I hated that he had that effect on me. I chuckled and turned my head so we were face to face. Our lips were so close that I could feel his breath mingle with mine. His eyes flicked to my lips as they filled with heat.

“You have absolutely no idea what I can handle, Leonard.”

I pushed past him, checking his shoulder, and started up the stairs. I heard the gravel crunch under his boots as he stalked away and started his truck.

Once he finally drove off, I let out the breath I’d been holding.

This game with Cash was exhausting and I was done playing. If he wanted a say in how I spent my time, then he was going to have to earn it.

1

NOTHING EVER CHANGES

PAIGE

Shadow tilted her head to the camera as the sun hit her mane, making it glisten. I swore this horse was born to be a model. When I opened her stall gate this morning, she whinnied and nodded in excitement, as if she knew exactly why I was taking her out. She was my best client—but I was also a little biased.

Shadow had been gifted to me by my dad when I was twelve. The moment I saw her sleek black coat and big brown eyes I instantly fell in love. When I had bad days, you could usually find me in her stall, laying in the hay, venting to her about my problems. She was the best listener.

The only being I knew wouldn’t judge my inner monologue.

I took one more snap before looping my camera strap around my neck and hopping onto Shadow’s back. We took off into the open field, heading for the stables. The wind whipped through my hair as I took in the sights around me. Montana in the spring was my favorite place on earth. The fresh blooming trees blanketed the mountains and the crisp morning air was starting to warm in the middle of the day. I’d spent my entire life here and it never got old.

Shadow slowed to a trot as the stables came into view. When we got to the gate, I swung my leg to dismount and walked her back to her stall. I handed her reins to the ranch hand who was waiting with a smile. I would’ve loved to groom and dote on the sweet girl, but I had a job to do. I gave Shadow a quick kiss on her nose with mumbled promises of snacks later tonight.

She huffed in approval.

Brooks Valley Ranch had been founded by my father’s family five generations ago. It stood on ten thousand acres of land, bordering Ashton Creek. The business started as a cattle ranch originally, but shifted a few generations back to focus more on breeding and training thoroughbred horses that more often than not end up being champions. Michael Brooks had some of the most sought after generational lines of race horses in the country.

I was practically pushed out of the womb on a saddle.

Since I was a kid, I understood that I would work for the ranch in some capacity. My father never demanded that of me and my siblings, but it was just what the Brooks family did.

I pushed through the french doors of the barn structure that was known as the Administration Building, and propped them open to let the sweet spring smells fill the space. My father had this building constructed a year ago when my mother finally put her foot down about the main house being more of an office building than a home.

It was a large black metal barn that was insulated and finished inside like a house. The center had a large sitting area, similar to a family room, and a full kitchen for staff to use as we pleased. Offices bordered the walls and off the back was a large patio with grills and fire pits that staff used to kick back after a long day.

I walked into my office and sank into my chair before inserting my memory card into the computer. I scrolled through the photos of Shadow and uploaded them into the editing software to polish them for commercial use.

That was my role on the ranch. I curated marketing campaigns in print and social media to help promote sales and local events. I helped advertise auctions and charity events we hosted, and managed all our social media accounts. I was in charge of all branded materials and had a say in any cowboys we represented on the local rodeo circuit. It was a dream job, but sometimes it felt a little stagnant.

After high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with my life. My father encouraged me to go to college, so I did. Four years spent away from home to find myself. I explored different majors until I finally found where my heart belonged—in photography and marketing. When I graduated, my father was more than happy to bring me on as the marketing director at the ranch. It seemed like the safest option—the option that came with no rejection.

I spent every day on this ranch. I lived here. I worked here. I partied here. Sometimes it felt so small that it was suffocating, but I also knew I didn’t want to leave.

I just wanted more.

I wasn’t sure what that more was yet.

I was putting the final touches on the photos when a buzzing sounded on my desk. I smiled when my sister’s face lit up my phone screen. I swiped to answer the video call and propped her against my monitor.

“Hey, Lo,” I said, glancing down at my sister’s sweet face.