“I’m off all day tomorrow,” Jace spoke, his voice soft and husky. “How about we work in the back corral again?”
“I can’t take up your day off.” Angie’s eyes flew open, and she gaped at him. “Surely you have things you need to do. People, you need to see.”
Jace shook his head. “Nope, no one’s waiting to see me,” he grinned. “I’ll call the folks at some point, but other than that I’m all yours.” He hoped his bright smile would convince her that he was truly all hers, but couldn’t think of anything else to say.
“Are you sure?”
“Yep.”
“All right.” Angie studied the cowboy beside her as the sun slipped lower on the horizon. He was leaning on his saddle horn his eyes fixed on the glory of the sunset, and she thrilled to the idea of spending the day with him. She wondered if it would be possible for them to have a picnic made up then blushed at the notion. She had no hold on this man. He was simply being kind.
“Will we be okay riding back to the ranch in the dark?” Angie finally asked breaking the silence.
“We’ll be fine.” Jace turned, studying her. “Unless you aren’t comfortable with the idea. We can head back now if you want to.”
“No, I think I’d like to stay. It’s so peaceful here, and the sunset is stunning.”
Jace turned back to the crimson line along the darkening horizon. High above the brightest stars were twinkling to life in an azure sky. Night was falling, but the day wasn’t done yet. He had always liked riding at night. You had to trust your horse’s instincts and keep your wits about you, but the silence of the night was soothing.
Old Ben shifted closer to Jace’s mount and he heard Angie’s sharp intake of breath as the horse moved unbidden.
“It’s all right,” he said reaching out and touching her arm. “He’s just getting comfortable.”
Angie shook her head in disgust. “I should have been paying attention,” she grumbled. “I was so taken with the sunset that I almost forgot.”
“That means you’re getting comfortable,” Jace smiled, his hand rubbing her arm above the elbow. “You’ll be a horsewoman in no time.”
Angie didn’t speak afraid that if she moved, he would pull his hand back, and she would feel alone once more. She had to admit that the feelings that were starting to grow in her heart were more than appreciation for the cowboy’s help. Given the chance, she was pretty sure she could fall in love with Jace Anson. It was foolish, but a tiny part of her longed for the opportunity. The romantic girl that still lived way down inside whispered for a chance at love. A spring fling that she could hold dear for years to come. April in Wyoming could be a month she would always cherish.
The ride home was one that Angie knew she would never forget. As the bright stars began to twinkle above, Jace slid his hand down her arm taking her hand. “So you won’t be scared,” he drawled, his voice a soft timber in the warm night.
Angie wrapped her fingers in his and nodded afraid to speak and ruin the moment as they let their horses pick the way back to the big barn.
Chapter 12
Jace raked himself over the coals the whole way back to the bunkhouse after stabling the horses. He should never have given in to his feelings and held Angie’s hand, but somewhere between the easy conversation, beautiful sunset, and burgeoning night sky, he’d become a fool.
It had taken even more will power not to kiss the girl as he lowered her into her wheelchair, but at least he hadn’t lost his head completely.
“Where you been Jace,” one of the wranglers called as he headed toward his rack along the wall. “I thought you had tonight and tomorrow off.”
“I was out for a ride,” Jace answered evasively. “I’m going to catch up on messages then hit the hay.”
Another puncher raised a brow but didn’t say anything. Jace was usually a cheerful talker after a day of work.
Jace flopped down on his bed and pulled out his tablet. He hadn’t written to his folks in a while, and he thought he’d better catch up. He didn’t feel like talking, so a message would just have to do. Even now, he was distracted by a set of sparkling dark eyes and a sweet smile. He had agreed to meet Angie the next day at eleven, and they would go for a ride. He hoped he could help her learn to mount a horse on her own, but part of him wished she hadn’t asked. He was happy to help her gain more independence, but he knew he would miss those brief moments when she rested in his arms, her hands linked behind his neck as he lifted her into the saddle.
Rolling over he faced the wall of the ancient bunkhouse. A lot of cowhands had made their way through this place, and he wondered if any before him had lost their heart to a pretty smile and a kind heart. He would have to ask Phil one of these days since she had old letters and photos from the founders of the ranch and knew all of their stories.
Zipping off a message to his folks Jace slipped his tablet back into his storage locker, grabbed new clothes, and headed to the back of the building where modern showers
