Page 50 of Head Over Spurs

Jules writhed under the pressure of his hips, a greedy moan escaping her. “Not yet. You’ll have to persuade me, cowboy.”

She nipped playfully at his bottom lip as he moved to catch her mouth with his once again. She didn’t need to tempt him. He’d persuade her all night long.

His hands dragged down her frame, coming around to cup her ass and lift her. She responded in stride, wrapping her legs around his waist as he held her against the wall.

“Oh fuck.”

Riley’s mouth froze at the sound of Cooper’s voice. Still holding Jules up, he turned to see his friend standing in the stall doorway.

“I have that bedroll,” Coop offered apologetically. “I’ll just leave it right here.”

Turning his attention back to the woman in his arms, Riley took in her wide-eyed expression. Whatever progress he was just making, this interruption just set him two steps back. “You’re freaked that he knows,” he guessed.

“I just…” She bit her lip and unwrapped her legs from his waist.

“Check on our boy, I’ll be right back.” Riley motioned to the sleeping foal behind him before dropping a quick peck to the tipof her nose. Then he moved to chase after Cooper who had retreated in haste.

Reaching the barn door, he spotted his fellow ranch hand at the base of the hill leading back to his cottage. “Coop!” Riley called after him.

“Don’t let me interrupt,” Cooper replied, turning back towards him.

They each took a couple more steps to meet in the middle of the dirt drive around the barns. “Do me a favor,” Riley started, his eyes scanning for any other onlookers. “Keep this between us? Not even Maddie knows, at least as far as Jules has let on. She doesn’t want anyone knowing.”

His friend ran a hand through his mullet and let out a low whistle. “Rough spot to be in, man. But ‘course I’ll keep it to myself.”

Nodding, Riley clapped him on the shoulder in appreciation. The guy had quickly become his closest friend, and while most people didn’t take Coop seriously, Riley could see the truth in him. He was certain he could trust Cooper.

With the problem fixed, he said goodbye and headed back to the stables. Hopefully, she would be comforted by Coop’s agreement, and they wouldn’t back track once again. There were still too many things ahead to figure out—her situation with her family, the temporary nature of her time here, and the urge to run that always sat at the surface for her. But when the ride got rough, that was when he found his flow.

22

JULES

There was nothing cuter than her new foal finally relaxed enough to get some sleep. Her and Riley’s foal, actually. She was still trying to settle the flutter in her stomach at that development. In fact, the rush of emotion she was feeling for this horse and the steady reassurance Riley provided had led to her kissing him. That’s all it was, she reasoned.

Grabbing the bedroll Cooper left behind, she positioned it in the corner and unlatched the hooks. This was a set up for long nights in the mountains—canvas construction, flannel lined, and a foam pad inside. She stretched it out and took a seat atop it. With her knees drawn up to her chest, she folded her arms around them and dropped her chin down.

She trailed her eyes over the sweet little animal. Based on his appearance, the way he was still clinging to that fuzz of his baby coat, she guessed he was only around four months old. He was right in that exciting stage where he would grow and change rapidly from cute and gangly to strong and majestic. And she would miss most of it when she left for Argentina, then whatever job was scheduled after that—she couldn’t remember at the moment.

A disheartened sigh escaped her. Of course, she would be back in town from time to time. Her best friend lived here. But would that be enough now? In her heart, she knew the answer was no. She just couldn’t tell which guy was responsible for that feeling—Riley or their young mustang.

Maybe if she accepted more local jobs back in Colorado, then she could spend her weekends here. It was a reasonable drive. It could work. So why was the thought making her feel sick?

Footsteps echoed on the brick aisle, alerting her to Riley’s return. From her seat on the freshly unrolled bed, she turned her attention to the open doorway just as he appeared. His shirt was crumpled from the way she had clawed at him, his eyes still dark with desire.

Crossing his arms, he leaned against the vertical support beam and allowed his gaze to sweep over her. “Coop won’t say anything. So, if I didn’t persuade you enough, we can still just hit the brakes. No one will ever know.”

“I don’t want to hit the brakes. But,” she paused, turning back to the sleeping animal. “Maybe no more accelerating tonight.”

He dropped onto the bed beside her and his posture relaxed. She could tell just by looking in his eyes that he had been worried about what her response would be.

“Cute, ain’t he?”

“Yeah,” she smiled. “You’re just a big softie, huh?”

He squeezed her knee, the corner of his lip slipping up into his mustache. “Yeah, I mean, look at that little face.”

The foal’s head was tucked into his front legs, his breathing was steady, and she swore that she spied a smile.

---