Pursued by the Rich Rancher. Catherine Mann

The notion of introducing her stirred him. “We all have preferences. Even if you’re not an equestrian fan, I can see you want to know more about your son’s world. So for his sake, give this a try.” He raised his hands and linked fingers with hers, wondering why he wasn’t telling her about who he was. Instead he was touching her, watching the flicker of the sun in her green eyes, and he couldn’t bring himself to change course, not just yet. “We can take it slow?”

      Her throat moved in a gulp. “Meaning what?”

      “Just get to know Amber.” He guided her hand along the mare’s neck, Nina’s soft skin making him ache to touch more of her. “Check out the feel of her. She’s a gentle sweetheart.”

      Gasping, Nina stroked the horse again, reverently almost. “Wow, I didn’t know. I rode a little as a child, but I only remember how scared I was and how bad it hurt to fall off. I thought she would feel bristly, but her coat is like satin.”

      “You’ve truly never been around a horse before?” And yet she’d come here for her son, even though the horse clearly scared her every bit as much as she entranced her.

      “I can feel her heartbeat.” Her awe and laughter stoked him.

      He kept his hand over hers, his eyes locked on her gaze, watching her entranced by the animal. “She can hear yours.”

      Nina turned and met his gaze. She wanted him. He could see that clearly, felt her desire crackling off her skin and into him.

      Unable to resist, he dipped his head and kissed her. Just a simple kiss because they were outside and anyone could walk up to them. But damn it, this was his last chance before he would have to tell her about his grandmother’s plan, and then he didn’t know if he would get another opportunity. The thought of never tasting her, never knowing the feel of her was more than he could wrap his brain around.

      She tasted like fresh spring water and the fruit salad from lunch. Strawberries and grapes. His hands curled around her shoulders. Soft. Warm. Such a perfect fit. Sparks shot through him, damn near knocking him senseless, as if he’d been tossed from a horse onto his head.