Page 30 of Live, Ranch, Love

Especially Aurora Jones.

“That’s it, Princess,” I say, returning my hand to where hers are on the reins. Even from behind, I can sense her smile widening, already brightening the world around us. I don’t know why she’d ever doubt herself. She’s stronger than she thinks.

I run her through how to steer Scout and slow him down, then get us trotting around the corral. Eventually, Aurora agrees to give it a go on her own, and before I know it, we’re side by side on Dusty and Scout, heading up the dirt road, lush pastures and shadowy mountains surrounding us. Every now and again, I notice Aurora tense up or wobble, but then she mutters something to herself—no doubt another little pep talk—and eases back into riding, looking like the natural I knew she could be.

Like maybe she could belong here.

Whistles grab our attention when we pass one of the cattle fields where the guys are working and waving at us. They’re still on a high from hearing that they’ll get to stay on at Sunset Ranch, so didn’t tease me too much when I explained I had to leave at lunch to teach Aurora to ride. Usually, I’d be concerned about the work I’ll have to catch up on, but I can’t remember the last time I rode with someone else just for fun.

Just two people, two horses, and a whole lot of beauty surrounding us. Not the worst way to spend a Wednesday.

***

“God, it’s just so beautiful, isn’t it?” Aurora gazes at the lake ahead. The hot sun leaves a haze in the air above where its golden light glistens along the lake’s surface.

I’ve just finished tying up the horses to the fence, giving them both a snack I packed in one of the saddle bags to keep them happy while we take a break.

When I reach Aurora’s side, she suddenly starts taking off her crop top, revealing a purple strappy bikini beneath. Her sternum tattoo is on full display, immediately grabbing my attention, and I can’t help but notice that her breasts are barely covered by the thin fabric. I just know they’d fit perfectly in my hands.

“What are you doing?” I ask, shaking my head to snap out it.

“Going for a swim.” Aurora plops her top on the ground and starts working her shorts over her hips, while I just stand there frozen.

The word grateful is written in cursive writing along her hipbone, just above where her bikini bottoms sit. Every one of her tattoos dares me to appreciate more of her body. And I’m a weak man who is easily convinced.

Aurora ties her waves up with a scrunchie then steps towards the water, giving me a shot of that great ass I admitted to thinking about the other night. But I’m not wrong. It is fucking great.

And I shouldn’t be staring.

She looks over her shoulder, hazel eyes glistening with pure innocence, like she hasn’t just undressed in front of me. “Want to join?”

“Uh, I have work to do,” I respond, pulling my dropped jaw up.

Aurora waves a hand at me. “Well, as your boss, I say you can take the rest of the day off.”

I cross my arms, raising a brow. “I thought we were business partners.”

“Fine, yes.” She rolls her eyes, tiptoeing closer to the lake’s edge. “Then as your business partner, I say you can take the rest of the day off.”

“I don’t have my swimsuit,” is my next attempt to avoid getting in the lake with her. I’m not even sure why. Sawyer and Wolfman would be screaming at me right now to get in the water with this goddamn beautiful woman.

But something is holding me back, like the lake is a line that shouldn’t be crossed. I’m certain Aurora doesn’t see me as any more than a business partner and neither do I with her, but I don’t want to risk changing that dynamic by giving the wrong impression. We’re going to have to work together to make this retreat happen, and I need it to if I’m going to get to keep my piece of happiness here at Sunset Ranch.

That’s what’s important to me right now.

I can’t jeopardise that.

“Just swim in your underwear,” Aurora suggests with a shrug. She dips her toes in the lake, shivering in response. Then, with a perked brow, she smirks at me, lacing her words with a terrible attempt at a country drawl. “Come on, let yourself relax. I’m right here, so I ain’t gonna let you drown.”

With that she winks and dashes into the lake, squealing before diving fully in. Her head pops back out of the water with a loud gasp, ginger ponytail flicking up behind her. A huge, liberated grin fills her face as she hovers in the water, waiting for me.

I push my tongue into my cheek, scowling at her. It’s funny, I can’t remember the last time I went for a swim in the lake. Things have been so hectic and busy, especially since Grace got ill, that the only times I let myself have fun these days is my Friday nights at Duke’s. Then it’s back out in the fields straight away the next morning.

That’s just a rancher’s life.

I sometimes wonder if that was also why Holly couldn’t stand to stay with me. She had to share me with the ranch, when other guys could give her all of them.

The thought riles me up.

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