Page 22 of Sophia & Cameron

“Mateo and Daniel signed off on it. We’re taking a couple dogs with us. Trained ones who haven’t been out in a couple days. Everyone’s a little antsy.” He gave her a pointed look, and her stomach had once again turned into an acrobat. She had definitely grown antsy. Her body practically buzzed to be touched by him.

Sophia put her hands on her hips. His focus dipped to her waist, and he turned toward the two horses that had already been saddled. The light from the sun was only just filling the sky. In about thirty minutes, it would be rising over the mountains toward the east.

He wasn’t trying to take her to see a sunrise, was he? No. He wouldn’t go to the trouble. He’d said himself, this was something Mateo wanted. She frowned as she headed toward the horse and climbed into the saddle.

“They need some exercise, but I also want to see how they handle the terrain. If they have any weak muscles, then I’ll be able to take note and get the vet to come do a physical. We want these girls in top physical condition before we get them ready for breeding.” Cameron said all of this without looking at her directly. He focused on securing his own pack and ensuring that the saddle was how he wanted it to be.

Then in one quick movement, he was situated in the saddle, the Stetson on his head giving him a rugged cowboy look. He led the way out of the barn, and at that moment, Mateo materialized with two of his favorite ranch dogs. He crouched down and scratched each of them with affection, then jerked his chin toward Cameron and Sophia. “Behave.”

Cameron smirked, and Sophia snickered before she whistled for the dogs to follow. They loped beside her as she followed Cameron out to the nearest trail. Her eyes remained locked on the back of Cameron’s head. There was so much that had been left unspoken. Since that night, Cameron hadn’t said a word to her that wasn’t related to the animals. Maybe he was embarrassed. Or he could have regret for how he’d treated her.

Sophia sighed. She didn’t like the person she’d become around him. Under normal circumstances, she didn’t avoid the men in her life. To be fair, those men were all very aware thatshe didn’t do relationships, so there wasn’t the implication that anything would come after their interaction.

She urged her horse forward so she could ride beside him. Cameron glanced at her, his face unreadable. Of course. Cameron was a master at hiding how he felt. The closest he’d gotten to showing her his feelings was at the country club. He’d almost appeared worried for her. She knew better than to believe he was jealous.

Even if things felt weird between them, she wasn’t going to let him see that. Sophia straightened her shoulders and flashed him a smile. “So, do you like it here? In Copper Creek?”

Cameron offered a smile back, and it almost looked genuine. He nodded. “It’s nice. A lot different than Texas.”

She barked out a laugh. “Definitely. Just wait until winter comes.”

He smirked. “Can’t wait.”

Sophia tilted her head, eyeing him for a moment. “Did you grow up in Texas?”

Cameron nodded. “I did.”

“I bet the change in weather up here is a lot different than you’re used to.”

“I’ve been all over. I’m probably more used to this sort of thing than you realize.”

“Really?” Her brows lifted. “Do you really travel that much for work?”

Cameron’s body language relaxed, and he nodded. “I didn’t used to travel, but that changed a couple years ago.”

“What place is your favorite?”

He glanced at her before he rolled his shoulders and opened his mouth. But then he closed his mouth and rubbed a hand down his face. “Tell me something, Red. In Texas?—”

Why did he have to go there? She shook her head. “I don’t live in the past, Cameron. I’ve moved on from Texas.”Lies. “I’drather live my life to the fullest.” She prayed he couldn’t hear the way her voice shook. The last thing she needed was for him to point out that he could tell she was lying through her teeth.

He frowned, and his jaw tightened. Clearly, he didn’t like her response.

The friendly conversation shut down just like that. She didn’t want to talk about Texas, and he did. Well, tough luck for him. She wasn’t going to linger on one of the more depressing moments of her life.

They entered a clearing where a couple cowboys hovered around something on the ground. The dogs at her side bolted, and she shot a concerned look to Cameron before she knocked her boots to her horse’s side.

A calf lay on the ground, apparently mauled by an animal.

Sophia gasped and jumped down from her horse. She moved up to Mark’s side. She grabbed his forearm and said, “What do you think happened?”

“Wolves.” Mark spat. He raked a hand through his hair, then returned his hat there. “We’ll have to tell Mateo about it. Sounds like the ranch on the western side of the property has had a few sightings.”

Sophia frowned. This neighboring pasture was on the outskirts of their property. If they were lucky, they wouldn’t get any unwanted visitors. She stared down at the calf with a heavy heart. “Poor thing.”

Mark nodded. Unfortunately, this was the way of life on a ranch. He glanced at her, and a smile broke across his face. “Hey, on a better note, I’ve been meaning to tell you something.” He leaned in close, his voice dropping to a whisper. His hand reached for her upper arm as he did. “I’m proposing to Tracy this weekend.”

She reared back and grinned at him before she threw her arms around his neck and gave him a tight hug. “I knew it.”When she pulled back, she could feel the hot stare of the man who was still seated in his saddle. It bore into her and nearly set her insides on fire. When she glanced at him, she noted the anger marring the handsome lines of his face. What on earth was wrong with him?

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