definitely needed her head cleared because for the past two days she hadn’t been able to focus on anything other than Gabe Walsh. The stubborn man wouldn’t leave her mind. He took up entirely too much real estate in her thoughts. She’d tried throwing herself further into the wedding planning. She’d tried reading books. She’d even resorted to her old hacking skills and messed with her brother’s social media accounts for fun. But nothing had taken away the memory of the dressing room.
The Dressing Room.
It was like the title of an epic romance she couldn’t put down. For one, she’d never had a public make-out session. Two, she hadn’t allowed any man to wrap her up so tight she feared she’d spring any minute. And for another, damn it...she just wanted to hate the man. Was that too much to ask? He was egotistical, arrogant...and too damn sexy for his own good.
But she couldn’t bring herself to hate the way he kissed, the way he’d touched her. How was it even possible that he had this hold on her? How could one man invoke so many emotions?
Chelsea headed toward the stables. The fresh winter air filled her lungs. She couldn’t wait to spend the next few hours just relaxing and enjoying her ride.
When her cell vibrated in her pocket, she ignored it. Nothing was going to get in the way of this much needed alone time. Whoever wanted her could leave a message. If it was Daniel again, she’d get back to him. Any Hunt business could wait since it was after hours. And there was nothing pressing for the wedding at the moment.
In no time, Chelsea had chosen a gorgeous chestnut mare and was on her way. Getting back in the saddle felt so good. It had been too long since she’d taken advantage of the amenities TCC had to offer. Maybe she should schedule a massage and some sauna time after the wedding and holidays were over. She could use a good day of pampering.
Chelsea was just thankful they’d started allowing women to join a few years ago. There was a time when only men were members, but everything had changed when they’d opened the doors and their minds to the ladies.
Chelsea had jumped at the chance to join such an elite club. Who wouldn’t want to be part of all of this? The clubhouse sat on gorgeous acreage, the amenities were absolutely perfect and everyone worth anything in this town was a member. Perhaps that’s why Dusty was never admitted. Chelsea didn’t know him personally, but his actions before his death had proved the guy to be a grade-A bastard.
Settling into an easy rhythm with her horse, Chelsea found a trail and rode off, thankful that with evening falling, there were no other riders. The stables closed at nine, so she had a couple hours to enjoy the open air, the peaceful evening, and to start figuring out her Christmas shopping list because she still had a few people she hadn’t bought for. Online shopping was going to be her best friend in these last days leading up to Christmas.
With all the wedding planning, she’d dropped the ball on—
“And here I thought I’d be all alone.”
Chelsea cringed at the familiar voice, her grip tightening on the reins. “Then take another path.”
Gabe’s laughter floated around her as he came up beside her horse. “Now, what fun would that be?”
His thigh brushed hers as he kept a steady gait. Chelsea didn’t want any part of his body touching hers. Okay, that was a lie, but if she kept repeating it over and over, maybe the words would penetrate her stubborn heart.
“I came out here to think and be alone,” she told him, refusing to look his way. She knew what he looked like—all brooding and sexy—without tormenting herself any further.
“Then by all means, think,” he stated. “You won’t even know I’m here.”
“Are you kidding me?”
She pulled her horse to a stop, not at all surprised when he did the same. Now, she did glance his way. Yup. Just as sexy as two days ago when he’d been wrapped all around her, driving her out of her mind. His black hat shielded his eyes, but not enough that she didn’t see that sexy gleam.
“You think I can have a peaceful moment when you’re right next to me?”
“Well, darlin’, I’ll take that as a compliment.”
Chelsea narrowed her eyes. “Why won’t you go away?”
He rested his forearm on the saddle horn and shrugged. “I haven’t seen you for two days. I went by Hope Springs and worked more on the arch, thinking you’d show up and lend a hand, but you never did. I’d say you’ve had plenty of space.”
“Not enough,” she muttered.
“You can’t hide from me forever, Chelsea. We’ve got work to do and this tension between us isn’t going anywhere.”
Why did he have to be so blunt and just lay their attraction right on the table like that? It wasn’t often she was speechless, but the man was bound and determined to throw her off her game, and damn it, it was working.
“You seem angry.” He offered her a killer smile. “I’d say this fresh air will do you some good. Come on. Ride with me and we’ll talk. Not about the dressing room or the fact you want me, and don’t deny it. We’ll do small talk. We can do that, right? The weather is always a good topic, but so predictable. Maybe we could discuss if you’ve put your Christmas tree up yet. I haven’t.”
Was he seriously turning into some chatterbox? She wasn’t going to ride along beside him and talk like he was some girlfriend she was comfortable with. Gabe Walsh made her anything but comfortable.
“I don’t want to engage in small talk with you.” Chelsea pulled the reins and turned her horse back toward the trail. “I can’t stop you from riding, but shut up.”
Again, his laughter swept over her as he came to an easy trot next to her. Chelsea concentrated on the rocking of the horse, the smell of the fresh air, and not the man a mere foot from her.
“There’s something I’ve been curious about.”
She never knew where his thoughts were headed, but it was obvious he was going to keep going no matter what she said, so she just remained quiet.
“Why computers?”
Chelsea turned toward him. “Excuse me?”
“Just wondering why you got into computers.”
She should’ve known he wouldn’t honor her wish for silence. But work she could discuss. That was one topic where he wouldn’t make her a stuttering, turned-on mess of emotions.
“I’ve always been interested in how things work,” she told him. “When I was little, I tried picking locks. I actually got quite good at it by the time I was seven, but then I grew bored. Dad was always talking business, so I knew we were being raised to take over. When I wasn’t learning fast enough, I tried getting into his computer when he was asleep one night. By the time I figured out his password, I’d gotten a little thrill and decided to see what else I could do.”
“How old were you then?”
“Ten.”
Gabe swore under his breath. “And here I’ve pissed you off. Are my bank accounts safe?”
Chelsea couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across her lips. “For now.”
“Did your father know you’d gotten into his system?”
“Of course. I was sloppy, as all beginner hackers are.” Chelsea brushed her hair back from her face, wishing she’d thought to put on a headband. “You know, I really don’t like that term. It makes me feel... I don’t know...illegal.”
Gabe tossed her a look with one arched brow. “It pretty much is illegal.”
With a shrug, Chelsea forced her attention to the smooth path in front of her. “Maybe, but I’ve never done anything terrible with my knowledge. I more do things to see how far I can get and