His Cowgirl Bride by Debra Clopton

the horse into overdrive. Instantly, the distance between them widened. Rabbit was no slouch, and neither was his rider.
    Brent gave the colt a nudge and the race was on. By the time they made it back to the yard, there was no doubt about it: the girl could ride. He was pretty sure this was exactly what she wanted him to conclude.
    But he wasn’t thinking about that as much as he was thinking about chasing Tacy. Laughing into the wind as they went, it was the first time in two years that he’d felt a sense of joy. She was beautiful and so alive— and driving him crazy!
    In the yard, she hopped from the saddle before Rabbit had fully stopped and stood waiting, hands on her hips, breathing heavily from the exhilaration of the chase.
    He felt it, too, and swung out of the saddle, slapped the reins around the corral post and stomped toward her. She was smiling broadly, eyes sparkling with life. He wasn’t thinking clearly now and he knew it. He’d never wanted to pull a woman into his arms and kiss her as much as he wanted to now—he halted a mere breath away from her, so close she had to tilt her head back to look up at him. She knew exactly what he was thinking.
    â€œYou’re having fun, aren’t you?” he asked, furious with the electricity crackling between them.
    â€œOh, yeah, cowboy,” she said, placing a hand lightly against his jaw. “And I think I can help you if you let me.”
    His focus wavered from what she was saying because he wanted to kiss her so badly. “You can’thelp me—” he said, and before he could stop himself he lowered his head and pressed his lips to hers. His hands wrapped about her arms and he tugged her close. He expected her to pull away—maybe slap him even, but she didn’t. She felt right in his arms, her lips felt right against his as she returned his kiss. Regaining some semblance of sanity, knowing he wasn’t feeling rational, Brent pulled back. He was not the careless idiot he’d been two years before. This was too important—Tacy was too important—for him to go too fast.
    He rested his forehead against hers, his fingers tightening against her back. This was crazy. There were so many reasons he shouldn’t let this happen. But oh how he wanted it, wanted her.
    â€œI really do think I’m here to help you,” she said softly, breathlessly. “I’m not Tina.” Pulling back, she looked up and held his gaze. “Our names both start with T but other than that we are not the same. I’m an expert when it comes to riding and understanding the feel of a horse. All I’m asking you for is professional guidance as I try a breaking technique I’ve been studying for months. I’m going to step into the stirrup of an unbroken horse with or without your help. What I’m asking you for is assurance that I’ve done my homework when I put my boot into that stirrup.”
    He dropped his hands and stepped away.
    â€œI’m not judging Tina, because I don’t know her reasons for wanting to get on that horse—but for methis is no game. I can do this. You have blinders on, and it’s not good. Not good for you or me.”
    â€œNot happening,” he said tersely. What had he been thinking, letting his head get messed around? That kiss wasn’t her caring about him. It was all about her getting her way. About her getting on the back of one of those horses.
    â€œTeaching me could help you get over your phobia. And it could be fun.”
    â€œNo, Tacy.”
    Her expression tensed. “You are so stubborn.”
    â€œYeah, I am. I have good reason to be. We went over this already.”
    She took hold of Rabbit’s reins and stormed inside the barn.
    Birdy lifted her head from where she’d been watching them and thumped her tail. She looked as if she knew he was a mixed-up man. “You’re exactly right. She makes me crazy,” Brent