Page 39 of A Cowboy Takes A Chance

“I forged it out two years ago right after I built the house. It takes my mind off…things.”

“It’s beautiful and I’m so glad that you’re sharing it with me.”

He smiled at her and nodded then they continued on in silence. Looking behind her, she smiled as Jinks ran past her at full speed.

“He looks like he’s in a hurry,” she said with a laugh.

“He knows where we’re going. I’m going to have us cut through the woods here and head for the pond.”

“The one where the guests fish?” She hoped not since she wanted to be alone with him.

“No. This one is where Dev and I go when we want to do some fishing or just think.”

As they came out of the woods, she gasped at the beauty of the pond. Large boulders sat on the opposite bank with a small hill between them.

“If you ride up that crest, it will lead back to the barns at the ranch.”

“It’s so beautiful here.”

“Yes. Dev and I have come here quite a bit either together or alone. It’s a great thinking spot.”

“I bet it is. It’s just so serene.”

Jaxon nodded and dismounted then turned to look at her.

“We’ll have lunch here and fish if you want.” He frowned at her. “Do you know how to fish?”

“No, and I refuse to put worms on a hook.” She shuddered making him laugh.

“I’ll do it.” He walked to her and held his arms up. “Come on, I’ll help you down.”

“Since when do I need help, Jaxon Callahan?”

“Since I want to hold you in my arms,” he said in a low tone of voice.

“I’d like that too.” She put her hands on his shoulders and he pulled her off the horse and let her body slide down his. When she put her feet on the ground, she gazed up into those gorgeous eyes. He lowered his lips to hers and when she moaned, he deepened the kiss.

He raised his lips slowly from hers then kissed her forehead.

“We didn’t come here for that. Right? Let me get the saddles off the horses and we’ll eat then do some fishing. Sound good?”

“Yep.” She reached up and touched his lightly whiskered cheek and when he took her hand and lifted the palm to his lips, she could have swooned.

****

Later, as Jaxon watched her sitting on the bank with a fishing pole in her hands, he smiled as she reeled the line in…again.

“You’re not very patient, are you?” he asked her.

She looked at him and laughed.

“I could never do this all day. Don’t you get bored just sitting here waiting?”

“That’s what fishing is all about. You have to give them time to nibble.”

“Well, I haven’t had one nibble—” She screamed when her line suddenly bobbed.

Jaxon jumped up and moved to where she sat.

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