Page 40 of The Tryst

“What are you doing here?” I ask, a grin spreading across my face.

She holds out her arms, showcasing her attire. “I thought I’d ride, if that’s okay.”

“Of course it’s okay,” I reply, trying to keep my tone casual as she comes right to the fence and leans an arm on it. “Need a lesson?”

Her smile turns mischievous, her voice dropping to a husky whisper, “Only if you’re giving it.”

My heart skips a beat and it’s a marvel how deeply this creature affects me, but I maintain my composure. “Go get Sampson ready. He’s in stall eight. I’ll be in shortly.”

Holland winks and heads off to the barn. I watch her go, my eyes pinned to her ass.

“Got your eye on someone special?” one of my riders asks as he trots by.

“Mind your own business,” I mutter, but I can’t help but smile.

I finish the lesson by calling everyone into a line-up. I hand out final tips before they dismount and lead their horses back to the barn. I follow along, heading toward Sampson’s stall, which is on the back side.

As I come around the corner, I hear Wade and Holland talking. Wade’s voice is light and playful, and Holland’s laughter rings out in response. I slow my steps, curiosity getting the better of me.

“So, what’s a girl like you doing in a place like this?” Wade teases, leaning against the stall door as Holland adjusts the saddle on her horse.

She chuckles, rolling her eyes. “What, this old place? Just slumming it, you know.”

Wade grins. “No girl as pretty as you could be slumming it.”

Holland laughs again, shaking her head. “You’re quite the charmer, Wade Blackburn.”

“Oh, you have no idea,” he says in a deepened voice, eyebrows waggling.

“I call bullshit,” Holland says, and I make myself known.

“That’s because Wade’s the king of bullshit,” I quip, giving him a light punch on the arm.

“How’d your lesson go?” he asks, both of us stepping back as Holland leads a fully tacked Sampson from his stall.

“No one fell off,” I deadpan.

“That’s a win.” Wade laughs, then nods to Holland. “You going to give this one some pointers?”

“Well, you know,” I say, shooting Holland a wink. “She’s probably a little rusty.”

“I mean… those shiny new boots she has on,” Wade plays along, glancing down at her feet. “Total novice.”

“Har har har,” Holland says dryly.

“Okay, let’s get this done.” I clap my hands and rub them together with a mock evil laugh.

“I’m getting ready to head out,” Wade says, throwing his thumb over his shoulder. “Got a minute, Trey?”

“Yeah, sure,” I say, looking back to Holland. “Go ahead into the arena and walk a few turns. Be right out.”

When Holland is gone, I turn to Wade and ask, “You all hitched up?”

Wade’s heading to West Virginia to pick up a new stud horse Ethan purchased. “Yeah… all good.”

“What did you want to talk about?” I ask, feeling a little anxious to get out there with Holland because well, all I want is to be in her presence.

Wade takes his hat off his head, scrubs his fingers through his black hair. “I need to talk to you about Holland.”

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