Page 25 of Ranch Rules

“Big step here... yep, good job. Okay, open your eyes.”

When she felt him remove his hand, Natalie waited for a moment, allowing the warm sun to beat down on her as she fully enjoyed the tranquil bliss of the moment. How long had it been since she’d relaxed, even for a moment? Since she’d enjoyed the company of a man, for that matter? When the answer didn’t materialize straight away, Natalie felt sure it was a good indication that it had been too long.

Finally, she opened her eyes and what she saw made her gasp in a mixture of surprise and wonder. They were standing ten feet from the edge of a cliff, and across from that cliff was a wide expanse of sparkling water that seemed too perfect to be real. Right at that moment, a white crane swooped overhead, calling out its own pleasure before skimming across the surface.

She turned to face Thomas, knowing her face was alight with the wonder of the moment and unable to stop it if she wanted to. Not that she did. “Okay, maybe now I get why people come to the ranch.”

Thomas chuckled. “It would be a selling point, I reckon.”

“Would be?”

He shrugged a shoulder. “Not many people know about this place. I only found it a year ago myself. I guess I coulda brought guests out here, but...there’s somethin’ about havin’ your own space to go to that’s kind of...”

“Peaceful.”

“Yeah. Exactly. Even an old cowboy needs a place to rest his hat and sit a spell.” He tipped her a wink.

She giggled at his flirtation, feeling more certain of it now than she had before. Natalie allowed her eyes to flit over his handsome face. His bright blue eyes were downright alluring, especially once she realized that they lightened or darkened with his mood. Just now, they were a robin’s egg shade that, unless she missed her guess, meant he was happy. He had a strong jaw, full lips, and his dusky-blond bangs swept over his forehead with his hat atop his head. Her eyes traveled downward, taking in his broad shoulders, his muscular chest. They dared go lower still, to his flat, toned stomach. Ranch work agreed with him if the abs present even through the flannel shirt he wore were any indication.

Oldwasn’t a word she would use to describe him, but she blushed to even think of mentioning it. Hugging her arms to her chest, Natalie turned her eyes back to the water.

“Are you cold?”

She shook her head, but kept her gaze trained on the water, intending to do so until her blush subsided. But then she felt warmth being draped across her shoulders and turned her head only to see that his flannel shirt was off and he was wearing only a white undershirt, which gave her a much better view of the abs she’d been musing at.

“Are you hungry?”

“Um, sure.” But she couldn’t pull her eyes away from his muscles that rippled underneath the thin undershirt as he moved. She hadn’t realized he’d brought the picnic basket, but he must have carried it in the other hand while he’d led her to the water. Thankfully, his attention was diverted elsewhere as he unfurled a dark blue blanket over the grass and began to unpack the basket, giving her the perfect opportunity to drink in the delicious sight of him.

The only problem was she had a feeling there would never be enough time. She would never tire of admiring him. Natalie hugged his flannel shirt to her, inhaling his beguiling, sexy scent. How was it possible that he even smelled sexy? Maybe it was something in the air out here, or maybe it had just been too long since she’d had the attention of a man, her mind was playing tricks on her.

She took another deep whiff. No, she definitely wasn’t imagining things. Between smelling his flannel shirt and the sight of him on his knees, abs flexing as he unpacked the basket, she couldn’t help but be turned on.

Let’s recap. He’s sexy as all hell, funny, and a gentleman to boot. Now if only it weren’t for the whole spanking thing, maybe she could actually see a future with this guy.

“Well, come on,” he called her over. “I’m starving. Nothing like a long ride to work up an appetite.”

Natalie took her time walking over, savoring the sight of him for as long as she could. “Waking up at five-thirty helps too.”

Thomas chuckled. “You woke up at five-thirty. I was up at four.”

Her mouth dropped open. With the work she did at the law firm, she was not unaccustomed to being an early riser, but even she slept until five most days. “Why on earth would you do that?”

“It sounds corny.” He waved a hand as though to dismiss the question.

Natalie gave a short laugh. “Your uniform consists of a flannel shirt and a cowboy hat and you’re worried about corny now?”

He looked up, his eyes narrowed in mock outrage. “Hey, watch it.”

She couldn’t help but let out a little giggle at the banter. He was fun. She’d add it to the list.

“All right, all right, you twisted my arm. The truth is, weird as it sounds, I like waking up early. I get up before the sun and enjoy my cup of coffee in peace and quiet. Then I’m on my way to the ranch when the world wakes up. It’s quite a show. First, the sun begins to rise. It paints the sky, and it’s never the exact same picture twice no matter how many times I see it. Then the birds start to sing and I usually see a rabbit or squirrels out looking for breakfast. It’s just nice is all.” Thomas looked at her, waiting. “Oh, come on, I can’t be the only guy who likes to wake up with the sun.”

No, but he was probably the only one who could paint such evocative pictures with his words. Natalie was, right this moment, in awe of him, only she couldn’t find the words to tell him that wouldn’t pale in comparison to the way he had just spoken.

“Well, food’s ready. Come on over.”

Obedient to his order, even if it was only to answer her growling stomach, she walked over and took a seat. “This is quite a spread,” she remarked as she took in the sub sandwiches, the bowls of fruit, and the macaroni salad.

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