Page 61 of True North

“Hi,” Lou says. A strange look twists her face as her gaze finds me. Horse stops behind her, nudging her shoulder, alongside the gelding. “Ready, Harry?”

“I should get on with it, then,” Ned says, looking between us. Louisa’s attention hasn’t left my face.

“Yeah, thanks, bud.”

The semi growls back to life and pulls from the loading ramp. Louisa’s eyes widen as the end posts sway. “Wow, that needs some love.”

I chuckle. “This whole place does.”

“Luckily, she has the best rancher I know.” She winks at me and pecks a kiss to my cheek. The semi clears the ranch entrance, turning wide onto the dirt road.

“Ma okay?”

“Yep, lyin’ down for a rest. So, the afternoon is ours.” She rests a hand onto my chest but nods behind me. “And theirs.”

It’s the first time on a horse on the ranch. It’s surreal. I worked so long for this. Now, it’s happening, and I feel nervous, sure, and behind already all at the same time.

“Saddle up, cowboy; let’s move some cows.”

She hands me the gelding’s reins and swings onto Horse before lookin’ down at me. Eyes full of excitement and wonder, Louisa trots for the gate. I swing into the saddle and follow. She leans down, opening the gate, and we walk through. Taking the gate from her hand, I throw it shut. The mechanism rattles but takes, holding it closed.

“Where are we takin’ them?” Lou calls out from the other side of the yard.

“South pasture. It’s the only one that’s still fenced.”

Louisa howls a laugh. “Oh, Harry. It’s too much.”

I chuckle as I open the gate leading to the pasture. I take the lead and walk through, hoping the herd remembers their routine, even in a new environment. Sweet little hup-hups sweep over the cattle. I turn in the saddle to find Lou waving and trotting back and forth behind them, moving them out of the yard.

She’s a goddamn natural, this woman.

An hour later, I round the herd and trot to the back. The grass is thick, lush, and evergreen. The mountains are a few miles away, leaving the pasture in its shadow. The perfect spot, accentuated by the odd copse of trees dotted throughout the large holding paddock. A deep stream runs along the perimeter of the pasture as if a border between the flat and the mountain.

Louisa’s skin is flushed with the midday sun. The old hat of mine on her head has my insides doin’ a jive. Her blonde hair sways over her shoulders with every long stride Horse takes.

“Fancy coolin’ off?” I ask, nodding to the stream.

“Shouldn’t we head back?” She lifts the hat, wiping away sweat from her brow.

“Or we could take a swim in the stream? Be a shame to ride all this way out here only to turn around again.”

She trots over to where I sit on the gelding, leaning forward, both hands on the pommel.

“Harry Rawlins, are you trying your luck?”

How does this woman read my damn mind like a book?

“Yes, ma’am.”

She chuckles. “Well, okay, then.” But to my surprise, she bursts Horse into a lope, heading for the stream. I send the gelding after her at a gallop. Her hand holds the hat on her head. I race up beside her. The smile that splits her face will keep my memory happy for the rest of my life.

Lou pulls Horse to a halt and swings out of the saddle before I can pull the gelding up. But she stops at the water’s edge. Breathless, she turns back as I swing out of the saddle. But the mirth in her eyes moments ago now turns into something much, much deeper.

I pad to where she stands and pull my hat from my head, letting it fall onto the grass. I slide hers off, and it joins mine a heartbeat before I crash my mouth to hers. Her hands wind around my neck, traveling up into my hair. Her lips are soft, velvety. Her body molds to me. Her scent winds through my senses, my body ignites, sending my cock rock-hard. I grip her face, tracing the seam of her lips. She opens, and I dive right in.

Her elegant features are incredible under my fingertips. I trace one hand down her neck, eliciting a whimper. I swallow it whole and let my hand wander to her collarbone. Louisa’s hands tighten in my hair.

I come up for air.

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