Chapter 7 Diamond #2
“Diamond.” His voice is that soft one I like, and my mind spins with how we went from an almost kiss to him practically begging me to ask him on a date.
“I don’t like movies, but I like food. I love conversation.
Things that allow us to talk.” Rhett swallows, and I think this is as hard for him as it is for me.
“Yes, I’ll be busy soon, but I’d like very much to know you more. ”
I manifested him.
I resent the memo that I’m fabulous. Although I think it might be stuck in the universe somewhere. Or maybe he just doesn’t want to get naked on the first date. Which…isn’t a bad thing, I think. When’s the last time I went on a real date?
My lungs can’t take oxygen in fast enough, and I wobble on my feet.
“Are you okay?” Rhett steps closer, his brow furrowed with concern, and I manage to shake my head.
“I’m fine. Uh, I promise I’m not flirting, but…would you like to ride horses with me?”
The brightest smile fills his face. “You ride?”
“Yes.” I smirk. “I can do a lot of things that might surprise you, cowboy.”
Rhett quietly studies me, and I wish I could read that look.
“I bet you could. Do you have a place in mind?”
“Hunter has some great trails on his ranch. It should be dry enough out there that we could get to the foothills easily enough.”
“That sounds amazing. I have some things to take care of tomorrow. Would you be free the next day?”
Jesus Christ, my hands shake as I check my phone. Monday is my busiest day, but I can go into the shop on Sunday, prepare as much as possible and call in my first staff member early. They’d love the extra few hours.
“That seems doable for me.”
“Great. I look forward to it.”
The dogs race back, and I glance over my shoulder towards the crowd of guests, reminding me why I’m here. I need to speak with my friends. As much as I want to stay and get to know the newest member of the Kissing Ridge crew, that will have to wait.
“I should talk to the guys. It’s a tradition.”
“I know, and they look forward to it. I’ll join you later once Tater tires herself out.”
We stare at each other for a moment, my body more aware of a man’s closeness than it’s been in years. This isn’t how I envisioned the conversation to go, especially after he pinned me to the greenhouse wall and I finally have his scent in my nose.
Rhett smiles again. His lips tilt with just enough promise to make my heart pound. “See you soon, Diamond.”
“You’re sure you’re okay with everything?”
Morgan nods their head and shoves me toward the door. “I got it, boss. Get out of here and enjoy the weather. I promise things will be fine.”
“I know. I just feel a little bad leaving.”
“You own the place and literally pay me to fill in for you. Go.”
While that’s true, it doesn’t make it easier to leave my baby.
“Okay, okay. Call me if you need anything.”
“I won’t.” Another push to my shoulder, and I laugh.
“I’m going!”
There’s still a chill in the air, but it’s a warm spring day, and the sun feels good on my face. It’s been a long time since I’ve been on my horse, Cherry, and she might give me the stink eye for it.
After a stop at home to change, I head to the boarding facility where Cherry spends her days.
Hunter has offered more than once to allow me to keep her at his place, but I’ve never accepted.
Partly because I didn’t want to take advantage of our friendship, but mostly because part of me still thinks I have no business being with rodeo cowboys and involved with rodeo life. Even if my part is only as an observer.
After loading up Cherry and my tack, I hitch up the horse hauler to my Jeep and drive to Hunter’s ranch. I might be the bubbly blond who owns the town’s most popular coffee joint, but I’m also a horse lover and a onetime barrel racer. That part of my life is long gone, but my horse isn’t.
Pulling into Hunter’s ranch, I park close to the barn and check the time.
It’s only 11:30 A.M., but I’m not about to sit and wait.
Sliding out of my Jeep, I walk up to the ranch house and knock before popping my head inside.
I know Gabe is at work and Hunter’s truck isn’t here, so if Rhett is home, he’s here alone.
“Rhett?”
The clicking of dog nails sounds from upstairs as Tater barrels down the stairs to greet me.
“Hi, sweet girl. Where’s your dad? He didn’t just leave you inside all by yourself, did he?” She rolls onto her back, and I drop to my knees while I scratch her belly and ears. Her tongue lolls out of her mouth, and she’s the cutest thing I’ve ever seen.
“No, she’s not alone. She’s rarely by herself.
” Rhett stands in the hallway with a small smile as he watches his dog beg for more attention.
I stand corrected. Tater’s dad takes first place, trumping her cuteness with his otherworldly sexiness.
Fuck me sideways, I’ve never wanted a man more than him.
“You look….” Rhett trails off, and I suppose my attire might shock him.
“I don’t always dress in Daisy Dukes and tight shirts. I’m no cowboy, but I know you need to outfit yourself properly for a trail ride.”
“You’ve achieved that.” His gaze is still heavy as it caresses my body. “And then some.”
My jeans are snug, but stretchy. I’ll be able to ride just fine. I still have a tight T-shirt on, but it’s underneath an ocean-blue button-up that makes my eyes look amazing. It’s the most flattering colour I can wear. But Rhett’s eyes are stuck on my belt buckle, and he steps closer.
“Careful. If you keep staring below the belt, I might think you’re interested in more than a trail ride.”
Rhett’s gaze meets mine, and he licks his lips. “What other secrets do you have, Diamond? I know a rodeo buckle when I see one.”
“Ah, but if I tell you all my secrets now, I’ll have nothing to talk about later.”
“I doubt that.” He huffs and clicks his tongue for Tater. She sits at his side, gazing up at him like he hung the moon, and he smiles at her with such fondness it melts my fillings. “Tater will join us if that’s okay.”
“Won’t she get tired? It’s a long day and ride.”
Rhett’s cheeks flush as he grabs his hat off the hook on the wall. “She has a carrier. No need to worry.”
Oh, my heart. Sexy, thoughtful, and competent. I might need a moment to myself so I don’t physically throw myself at him.
He holds the door open, and Tater tears out, so I follow along and stop at my horse trailer. Rhett’s grin is much bigger now as he watches me unload my horse. Cherry steps out, and Rhett offers his hand, allowing her to sniff him before petting her neck.
“What a gorgeous horse, Diamond.”
Cherry nods her head in agreement, and I can’t help but laugh. “Thank you. She’s a bit of a diva like me. This is Cherry.”
Cherry is gorgeous. I’ll agree with that. But not just in her beautiful dapple-grey pattern and ebony mane and tail. She reads me better than my closest friends sometimes, even when I no longer ride her regularly.
“Do you need help getting her ready?”
“I’m good. You can get your horse, and I’ll meet you in the pasture. I’ll go in this gate, and you can just go out the back of the stable.”
“I’ll see you out there.”
Rhett leaves me with Cherry as I brush her coat before draping the ocean-blue saddle blanket on her, followed by the custom black saddle.
Once she’s ready, I grab the small cooler bags with our snacks and secure them in the saddlebags. The sun is high now, shining down, and I’m grateful for choosing a white cowboy hat.
After walking Cherry into the pasture and securing the gate, I swing up into the saddle.
Tater races by, and a moment later, Rhett appears on the back of his black horse.
He’s all sexy, rugged cowboy with his worn boots, cowboy hat, and red flannel jacket.
Some men are just born to look like they belong in a magazine spread for competent cowboy kink.
Rhett is centrefold material, and maybe this whole date idea isn’t such a bad idea after all.
“Lead the way, Diamond.”
“You just want me in front to stare at my ass.” I wink as I urge Cherry to the right.
Rhett raises an eyebrow. “You’re on a horse. The only ass I can see is Cherry’s.”
“I’ll be sure to stand up a few times for you then.”
He smiles, with a shake of his head.
“You do that.”
Oh, I will, Rhett. Might even shake it for you, too.