“You and I can double up,” Max suggested. “That will free up an ATV.”
JoJo smiled. She liked that idea. Any time she could be close to Max was fine with her. “That works for me.”
Once they were inside the barn, he pulled her into his arms. “I have to admit you’re the best job I’ve ever had.”
She laughed. “So, now I’m a job, huh?”
He grinned. “The best.” And he kissed her.
JoJo was happier and more secure in his arms than she’d felt in a long time. And she didn’t feel trapped. She knew that if she wanted out, all she had to do was say let go, and he’d immediately release her. Her sleep had been better the last two nights in his arms than she’d slept since the attack.
How would she sleep again when he went on to a real assignment? All of that kind of thinking would have to wait until after the ATV tour.
JoJo and Max doublechecked all of the vehicles, cranking them up and shutting them down. JoJo even checked for any oil leaks. The last thing she wanted was for one of the vehicles to die out on the trail.
When they were certain the four-wheelers were in good working order, they took care of the animals that needed morning care.
The campaign staff had the option to do one or all of the teambuilding activities. Each member had stated a preference to do all of the slated events to include the rope bridge, zipline and the ATV tour. The rope bridge would be first, followed by the zipline and, finally, the four-wheelers. Riding the trails was the last event before the group left for their dinner reservation in Fool’s Gold that evening.
“You know, it’s going to seem kind of quiet around here, after this group leaves,” Max said.
JoJo nodded. “We’re getting close to the end of the season. There will be a bit of a transition between summer and winter activities where there’s a lull between them. It gives us time to get everything cleaned up, stored and pulled from storage for when it snows.” Her lips twisted. “Then, I’ll be working on snowmobiles instead of four-wheelers. Have to keep them running through the winter months for the tours RJ and I will lead through the forest and hills. Those tours don’t usually start until late December or early January when there’s plenty of snow on the trails.”
When all the animals were taken care of and JoJo was satisfied the vehicles were in satisfactory condition, they joined the other ranch hands working the rope bridge and the zipline.
While some of the guests waited their turn on the ground, Gunny showed them how to rope a wooden steer.
Max and JoJo manned the rope bridge on either end.
Stover was the first to cross, followed by his aide, Curry. Both men had been in the Army and were familiar with rope bridges. They made it across with no problem. Others were a little less steady.
One woman got halfway across and froze. JoJo walked out on the bridge and helped her to the other side.
When everyone had their chance to cross the bridge, they moved on to the zipline. Several of the campaign staff members opted out.
“No way.” One woman shook her head and planted her feet firmly on the ground. “I’ll stay here and wait for you guys to be done.”
Again, Stover was first, followed by his aide. Then, one by one, the others slid down the zipline.
Emily stayed with the woman who’d opted out of the event.
The team adjourned for snacks in the lodge, while Max, RJ, JoJo and Jake pulled the ATVs out of the barn and lined them up.
The woman who’d refused to go on the zipline hurried up to Max where he stood beside JoJo. “I’ve never ridden a four-wheeler before. Will you be the one to show me how?” She batted her eyelashes.
JoJo fought to keep from rolling her eyes. Yes, Max knew how to drive a four-wheeler, but JoJo and RJ were the ones leading the tour. The woman was slender, with long blond hair and pretty blue eyes. Everything JoJo wasn’t.
The woman turned to the closest vehicle. “Do you give individual lessons on how to drive these things?”
Max glanced toward JoJo.
JoJo shrugged. “I’m sure Max would be glad to help you.”
Max gave her the briefest of frowns before turning a smile to the young woman. “I’m Max, by the way.”
The blonde held out her hand. “Brianna.” And they shook.
JoJo had the urge to slap the woman’s hand away when she held onto Max’s for a bit too long. Was this what jealousy felt like? Wow. She’d never felt like that before.
“I’d be happy to show you how to work the machine,” Max said. And he led her over to the nearby four-wheeler and had her straddle the seat.
JoJo watched as he explained where the brakes and the throttle were and how to use them.
Meanwhile, JoJo, RJ, Jake, Cage and Gunny helped the others. After they’d given a brief round of instructions, they had each of the individuals drive around the barnyard to test their skills.
The four-wheelers were simple to operate, and everyone seemed to have it down by the time they left the barnyard and passed through the gate into the pasture. RJ led the group, and JoJo brought up the rear, with Max sitting behind her, his arms around her waist. She liked how thickly muscled his arms were and how secure she felt in them.
Brianna might have gotten instructions from Max, but JoJo had Max on the back of her ATV. She enjoyed a great amount of excitement and satisfaction in that fact. RJ led them up the path JoJo had explored a few days before, moving slowly in order to keep the guests together. They’d agreed to take them up to the bluff where the view of the Colorado Rockies was the most stunning of
