Page 36 of Wyatt & Weston

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“Don’t you look all country cute, Red.” Weston licks his lips, his eyes trailing over my body and I’m brought back to what we did at the waterfall.

My cheeks heat as I climb into the UTV, Wyatt and Weston sit up front, their matching grins widening when they see me sit down. As soon as the door closes, Wyatt revs the engine, and we take off down the gravel path, the tires kicking up a cloud of dust behind us. The wind whips through my hair, as we speed toward the main barn, the crisp air filling my lungs and making me shiver.

When we get down to the barn, Wyatt parks the UTV and together we head inside where the rest of his family is bustling with chatter and energy.

They’re saddling up the horses, their movements synchronized in a way that only a group that’s done this a millions times before can.

“Morning, Emma!” Hadley calls out, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Ready for your first cattle drive?”

I grin, trying to mask the butterflies in my stomach. “As ready as I’ll ever be. What do I need to do?” I’ve been looking forward to this, but the reality of it is starting to set in. What if I make a fool of myself in front of everyone?

Weston steps up beside me, his smile just as charming as his brother’s. “First, we’ll get you on a horse. At least you’ve ridden before, that will make this a lot easier.”

I shake my head. “Only English though. I might need some help since this is Western.” Memories of my English riding lessons flood back, but I’ve never tackled anything like this.

Wyatt laughs. “No worries, Red. We’ll make sure you’re good to go. It’s all the same just keep your ass in the saddle and none of that fancy postin’ shit.” He motions for me to follow him to a beautiful chestnut mare. “This here’s Daisy. She’s gentle and steady, perfect for a first timer.”

I run my hand along Daisy’s sleek neck, feeling her warmth. Wyatt helps me up into the saddle, his hands firm and reassuring on my waist. Once I’m settled, Weston hands me the reins, his fingers brushing mine.

“Just keep a firm grip and trust Daisy,” he advises, his voice low and soothing. “She knows what she’s doing.”

I nod, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

Wyatt and Weston mount their horses, effortlessly swinging up into the saddles. They look so natural, so at ease, it’s like theywere born to do this. I try to mimic their posture, sitting tall and confident.

“All set?” Wyatt asks, glancing over at me.

“As I’ll ever be,” I reply, trying to sound more confident than I feel.

He directs his black horse next to mine and leans over so only I can hear him. “If you're a good girl, Daisy won’t have to be the only thing you ride on this drive.”

I bite my bottom lip, closing my eyes, and try to dim the fire he just lit inside of me. Both of them are such filthy talkers and it seems anything and everything can be turned into a sexual innuendo. They should be cheesy, but I find myself craving them, wanting them to shower me in their dirty remarks.

As we ride the horses out of the barn, Sophia meets us by the fence with Josie in a carrier on her front, her cheeks flushed and breathless.

"I thought I was gonna miss you guys," she says, sounding out of breath.

"You’re coming?" I ask, shocked that she’s riding a horse with her five-month-old.

"Hell yeah, I am. This is the family event of the season. I wouldn’t miss it." She mounts the spotted horse Marshall was leading and takes the reins. "Let's go!"

We start moving, a slow, steady pace as the herd of cattle begins to stir. The mooing of the cows and the clatter of hooves fill the air. I fall into step between Wyatt and Weston, the twins keeping a watchful eye on me.

“So, Emma,” Weston begins, a teasing lilt in his voice. “You ready to trade your city life for the country one yet?”

I laugh, feeling more at ease. “It’s definitely different from what I’m used to, but I love it. There’s something so… freeing about it.”

The truth is, being here with them feels more like home than anywhere else I've been.

Wyatt nods in agreement. “It’s a hard life, but a good one. Nothing like the open sky and the smell of fresh grass.”

We ride in silence for a while, the rhythmic motion of the horse soothing my nerves. The landscape is breathtaking, rolling hills, covered in a blanket of wildflowers. The sun climbs higher, casting a warm glow over everything.

As we drive the herd farther up, the work becomes more intense. The cattle need to be kept in line, nudged forward, and occasionally wrangled back when they stray. Wyatt, Weston, and the family move with practiced ease, their voices carrying over the herd as they give commands and encouragement.

“Emma, watch that one on the left!” Wyatt calls out, pointing to a wandering calf.

I nudge Daisy forward, trying to guide the calf back to the group. It’s harder than it looks, but with some patience, I manage to get it back in line.