Page 22 of Declan
“Yes, sir,” Elise responded with a teasing smile, clicking the seatbelt into place. She couldn’t help the grin that spread across her face as he drove them toward his home, the anticipation of the day ahead filling the air between them.
Chapter Four
Declan maneuvered the pickup along the narrow two-lane blacktop, the early afternoon sun glinting off the worn asphalt. Elise’s light perfume lingered in the cab, intoxicating him with every breath. He tightened his hands around the steering wheel until the leather bit into his skin and his knuckles whitened. He wouldn’t dare make a move on her until he knew whether she was still seeing Johnston.
“Are you all right?” Elise asked, tugging her baseball cap lower and pulling her dark ponytail through the opening at the back. A stray wisp of hair framed her cheek, and sunlight caught the raven highlights in her hair.
Declan forced a smile. “Yes, of course. It’s a beautiful day for a ride.”
She turned to study him, her eyes bright. “Where will we ride?”
“There are several trails across the property. I have three hundred acres of wooded land surrounding most of the property. The house and barn sit on ten open acres, but there are trails through the woods and it’s all fenced. We won’t be bothered.”
“That sounds perfect. What breed of horses do you have?”
“I own ten. Six American Quarter Horses, two American Paints, one Appaloosa, and one Morgan. How experienced are you?”
“I rode often when I was younger, but school and ballet kept me busy. Ballet is ruthless, by the time I graduated, I barely had time for anything else. It’s been a while, but I’m sure it’ll come back to me.”
Declan nodded. “I’ll saddle the Morgan for you. They’re a gentle breed.”
She smiled. “That sounds wonderful. Which do you ride?”
“I ride them all,” he admitted, “but my go-to is Scout, the Appaloosa stallion. He’s seven, smart as hell, and knows every trick in the book.”
“Aren’t stallions difficult?”
He shrugged; his gaze fixed on a stand of oaks at the roadside. “Yes, stallions can be more challenging to ride and handle than mares or geldings. It’s due to their hormonal and instinctual behaviors.They’re often more reactive, have higher energy levels, and can be prone to aggression if not properly trained and managed. Scout is very well trained. Stallions aren’t for beginners.”
“Does he have a lot of spots?”
“He’s a chestnut blanket,” Declan explained. “Deep chestnut base with a white ‘blanket’ over his hips sprinkled with dark spots. The white can extend further, but on him it’s just across his hips.”
“He must be breathtaking.”
Declan chuckled softly. “He is, and he knows it.”
Elise laughed. “You don’t tell him that, do you?”
“Never.” He glanced at her and their eyes met for a heartbeat before he turned back to the road.
When he eased through the wrought-iron gate at the end of the drive, she gasped.
“What a gate,” she exclaimed.
“I rarely close it, unless I want to be left alone,” he said, guiding the truck up the paved drive that wound past pine trees and maples. Soon they reached the log home, the windows glinting in the sun.
“Oh, my. This is so beautiful, Declan.” She sat up straighter, eyes wide.
He cut the engine, the cab falling silent. He unbuckled his seat belt and stepped out. Elise was already out of the truck,stretching her legs.
“Can I see the house?” she asked.
“How about after our ride? We could go to the diner after that, unless you want to head home.”
She shook her head, tucking her hair behind an ear. “Nope. I have all day, and I love the diner.”
Declan grinned. “Good. Come with me to the barn.” He reached for her hand; she placed hers in his. Together they walked down the lane toward the red-painted barn.
