“Is she, er, dating anyone?” I ask as I scoop up Jacob, my eyes still fixed on her retreating back.
“No, she’s very much single,” Libby replies. I nod as I follow Mason and Libby out of the stables. Maybe coming to the ranch is going to be one of the best decisions I’ve made.
Aria
“Holy fuck,” I mutter as I walk away. I want to turn around and steal another glance at Jack, but I know he’s watching me. I can feel his eyes on my back. His beautiful, chocolate brown eyes. I’ve never been someone who believed in love at first sight, but I definitely believed in lust at first sight, especially after meeting Jack.
I’d heard Libby talk about her brother and Jacob on more than one occasion, and I could tell by the way she spoke of them she loved them both. I could see why. Jacob was adorable and the double of his dad. Libby had been so upset when she’d found out Jacob’s mom had walked out. How anyone could do that to that gorgeous little boy was beyond me. My dad had walked out on me and my mom, and to this day I can’t forgive him for it.
Standing in front of the ranch’s newest horse, I stroke her nose as she nuzzles against my hand. “Hey, Marble. Wanna take a ride?”
She doesn’t answer, of course, but I could do with clearing my head, and a ride always does that for me. I’ve been the horse trainer at the ranch for almost twelve months. I was only ever supposed to stay a few weeks to break in a particularly difficult horse Savannah had brought. A few weeks turned into twelve months, and they are still finding work for me. I love my job though, and I’ve fallen in love with the ranch too.
I saddle up Marble and lead her from the stables into the blazing July sun. I love summers in Texas, the heat of the sun on my skin never getting old. Summers as a kid were always cold. I’d grown up in Vermont, my mom choosing to leave there after my dad walked out on us. At twelve, I hadn’t wanted to leave my friends and my life behind. My mom needed a fresh start though, and she had friends in Marble Falls, so it made sense. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with Texas and its unending summer sun.
Mounting Marble, I glance over to the ranch house. I can’t help but wonder if Jack and Jacob will be staying there while they’re visiting. Claire, Libby’s aunt, had offered me a room in the ranch house when Savannah had first asked me to help with one of her horses. My mom was moving to Austin, and I’d been looking for somewhere to rent. At the time, I only thought I’d stay for a couple of weeks. As the weeks turned into months, I’d offered on numerous occasions to find something more permanent, but Claire wouldn’t hear of it. She said she missed having someone other than her and her husband, Ryan, in the house. I’d stayed, and I’m still there.
I’m just about to head off on Marble when I see Jack descending the porch steps. I feel my cheeks flush as he glances at me, a smile erupting on his face.
“Aria,” he calls as he jogs toward me. “You off for a ride?” I can’t help but notice how gorgeous he is. His dark hair looks like he’s run his hand through it about a million times, and his chocolate brown eyes almost sparkle as he looks up at me, waiting for me to answer.
“Yep. Marble is one of the ranch’s newest horses. I’m just making sure she’s ready for guests.” He nods and offers his hand to Marble. She sniffs him and he strokes her nose.
“She’s beautiful.” He’s talking about the horse, but his eyes are fixed on mine. “I’d love to get out on one of the horses while I’m here. See some of the ranch.”
“I can take you out sometime…” I trail off, wondering if he meant a ride with one of his cousins. He’s here to see his family, after all. “Unless you want to go with Savannah or Brody, of course?”
“No! I’d love for you to take me out. I’d just need to organize for Lib or Claire to look after Jacob.”
“Sure. I’m here most days. Just come find me when you’re ready.” He nods and pats Marble on the neck.
“I’d better get back. I only came out to get our bags from Mason’s truck. We’re staying at the house with Claire and Ryan.” He glances back toward the house, but makes no attempt to move away. I guess that answers my earlier question of where they’ll be staying.
“Has Jacob ever been on a horse?” I ask as he continues to pat Marble’s neck. He shakes his head. “I have the perfect horse for his first time, if he wants to try it?”
“You don’t think he’s too young?” he asks, a frown appearing on his flawless face.
“Not at all. I’d walk with him, make sure he didn’t fall.”
He nods, and a smile pulls on his lips. “He really will think he’s a cowboy once he gets on a horse.”
Before I can respond, we’re interrupted by a voice calling him from the porch.
“Daddy! Daddy!”
“I’m coming, buddy,” Jack shouts to Jacob as he takes a step back from Marble.
“I’ve got to go. I’ll see you later, at Libby’s?” I nod and smile as he walks backwards toward the house. “Enjoy your ride.” He raises his hand in a wave before turning and jogging toward where Libby is standing on the porch with Jacob. When he reaches them, he picks up Jacob, showering his face with kisses. Even from here, I can hear Jacob’s laughter. My stomach somersaults as I watch Jack’s outpouring of love for his son. There’s nothing sexier than a guy who isn’t afraid to show his feelings.
Tearing my gaze away from them, I guide Marble through the guest accommodations. Once we’ve passed the beautiful wooden cabins, the land opens up, and I kick my legs against Marble, encouraging her into a gallop. As my body rises and falls with her movement, I throw my head back, loving the feel of the warm breeze rushing across my face. I didn’t start riding until we moved to Texas, and then only occasionally. Riding is expensive, and I knew my mom couldn’t afford lessons. It was only in high school when I got a job helping out at a riding school I was able to ride more often. The owner of the stables was kind, letting me ride once my jobs were done. I used to go there all the time, even when I wasn’t scheduled to work. I spent hours observing the staff as they broke in new horses. I knew then I wanted to make working with horses my career.
Guiding Marble to a stop, I dismount and let her graze. As I sit in the shade of a tree, my mind wanders back to Jack. I’ve never been so affected by someone I barely know and who I’ve only spoken to for five minutes. I have to admit, I’m a little uncomfortable with my instant attraction to him. It’s not like we can really start anything, he’s only visiting, but I’m looking forward to dinner at Libby and Mason’s tonight. I can’t wait to spend some more time with Jack and his adorable little boy.
A couple of hours later and I’m in my room, getting ready for dinner. When I’d gotten back to the stables an hour or so ago, everyone had disappeared. I’d finished what I needed to do with the horses and came back to the ranch house to shower. There is a bathroom off my bedroom, and I stand under the hot spray of the water, nervous excitement swirling in my stomach at the thought of getting to see Jack again. Outfit choices swirl through my mind as I dry my hair, and now as I look through my closet, I know exactly what to wear.
Reaching for my black skinny jeans, I pull them on before grabbing my sky blue cami. The cami is silk, and I love how it feels against my skin. Thin spaghetti straps sit on my shoulders and I gently tuck the material into my jeans. Slipping on some heeled pumps, I take one last look at my reflection in the mirror before picking up my purse and heading downstairs and out of the house.
Jack