Tempting Fate (The Blake Boys Book 9) by Rhonda Laurel

could see how the landscape around them was just as much of a part of him as he was of it. He was the perfect blending of all those contrasts. Handsome, rugged, sophisticated, and witty, and she loved it.
    Cassidy planted a sweet kiss on his lips. “Thank you for a wonderful day.”
    He winked at her. “It’s not over yet. We’re going on an adventure.”
    She knew the layout well enough to know he was headed to the stables. When they arrived, Channing helped her out of the truck. Rowdy came running up to her and wanted to play.
    “Rowdy, give Cassie some space,” Channing drawled and rubbed the pooch on the head.
    “You know they say that dogs can sense cancer in people? I watched a documentary about how canines can detect certain diseases in humans.” She smiled and scratched under Rowdy’s chin.
    “Rowdy has a thing for pretty women.”
    Clyde, the ranch hand, appeared with Channing’s horse and one for Cassidy.
    “Cassie, I’d like to meet my horse Patches.” Channing gave the horse a good, firm rub.
    “Hi, Patches, you are a beautiful horse.” She waved at the stallion but didn’t attempt to touch him.
    “It’s OK. He’s friendly.” Channing took her hand, placed it on the horse, and moved along its side.
    “I like horses, but they look so intimidating. I’m scared I’ll spook him or something.”
    “You’ll be riding his companion, Indigo. She’s a mild horse. We’re teaching the boys how to ride her.”
    “I can’t do it. I’ve ridden a horse twice in my life and humiliated myself both times. I was the only kid who screamed on pony rides.”
    “What is it about horses that makes you so skittish?” He chuckled.
    “They’re so big and imposing. Just like their owner.”
    “Me, big and imposing? I’m a little ol’ cuddly teddy bear.” Channing pulled her closer to him.
    “You play the mild-mannered baby of the family bit pretty well. But I don’t believe it for a second.”
    “Oh, really now? Then who is the real Channing Blake?”
    “Trouble in a nice suit.” She played with the button on his shirt.
    Channing looked at her for what seemed like an eternity. “What do I have to do to get you to ride this horse?”
    “Nothing. I’ll scream so loud I’ll wake up your nephews.” She shook her head.
    “OK, we’ll ride together.”
    Channing asked Clyde to put Indigo back in her stall. He helped her onto Patches then mounted the horse himself. The feel of his strong body behind hers made her feel immediately at ease. He showed her how to control the reins with a few movements, and when she was ready, they began a slow, steady pace down the road.
    He pointed out some of the places he’d had adventures as a child and told stories about growing up on the ranch. She could imagine him frolicking with his brothers, enjoying the slow pace of country life. Soon she felt so relaxed she closed her eyes, enjoying the rhythm of the horse’s stride. She wanted to feel closer to him, to be intimate. She wanted to explore his body.
    “We’re back. See, that wasn’t so bad,” Channing whispered into her ear, and the stubble on his cheek created a sensual friction against her skin.
    “No, it wasn’t.” She turned her head so she could look into his eyes. “Want to go back to your place and make out?”
    “Hell yeah.”
     
    * * *
     
    He didn’t want to seem too enthusiastic, but driving back to the guesthouse at fifty miles an hour wasn’t exactly his smoothest move. He’d read the chapters on sex and intimacy in a few of the books he’d bought, and he listened to the stories of the men in the support group he attended. Cassidy was the driver tonight in their sensual activity; she needed to know she could be comfortable and vulnerable with him.
    When they got in the house he guided her to the living room and sat her down. He turned on the radio and found a station that was playing soft love ballads. He turned to go into the kitchen, but she grabbed his arm.
    “Hey, this