Page 54 of Dirty Cowboy

She glances over her shoulder. "Rounds?"

"Checking in on the horses, locking up for the night. We could see the foal?"

She stacks the dishes in the sink. “Sounds fun, but I have some work first.”

I nod, watching as she heads upstairs to change. Shortly after she returns, she’s deep in Huntz’s file at the kitchen table while I stare at the farm’s dwindling bank account. The sun sinks lower, shadows stretching long over the land. Horses gallop in the distance, their hooves a steady rhythm against the earth.

After rounding up the horses and locking the stalls, we make our way to the river’s edge, checking each fence and gate along the way.

"It must take you forever to do this every day," Emma says, rising onto her toes to scan the never-ending property.

"It’s faster when I ride Dash,” I say. “And it’s not as boring with you around.”

Without thinking, I take her hand, leading her toward the stable.

“I can’t wait until you see the foal. Blake brought him over this morning.”

Her fingers tighten around mine, just slightly.

“Are you saying youwantme here permanently?” she teases.

I smirk. “I’m just playing the part.”

Playing the part.

That’s what I keep telling myself.

But as I walk beside Emma, her hand still in mine, I can’t help but wonder?—

What if I don’twantto pretend anymore? We finally reach the stables, and as soon as I open the door, she rushes toward the stall. She perches on an upturned bucket, balancing on her toes as she peers over the stable door.

"He’s nursing," she whispers, her voice soft with awe. "He’s beautiful. Looks just like Shadow.”

I step beside her, watching the newborn colt nuzzle against his mother.

Emma bounces slightly, excitement vibrating through her. "That’s the kind of baby I picture Shadow having. Copper-colored and healthy. And it doesn’t matter if it’s a boy or a girl."

I chuckle, shaking my head. She has no idea.

"Shadow’s gonna be a virgin forever," I tell her.

Emma turns on the bucket, now eye-level with me, her chest just inches from my face. And just like that, reason evaporates from my brain.

Her voice lowers, her words dripping like honey. "Just because she’s a virgin doesn’t mean she’s not ready for her stallion."

My throat tightens.

"He needs to find her," she murmurs, her breath warm against my skin. "And he needs to be the right one."

Her chest rises and falls, and I swear to God, I groan.

"Shadow’s had plenty of chances," I say, gripping the edge of the stable wall like it might keep me upright. "She kicked every single one away."

Emma laughs, a sultry little sound that makes my blood thick. "How wouldyoulike it if somebody forced themselves on you?"

"We’re talking abouthorses,Emma," I say, trying to play it cool. "They don’t date before mating."

She glances down, her expression shifting, and a flicker of disappointment crosses her face. It twists something deep inside me.

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