Chapter 32 #2
I sighed. He was right. One lustful gaze from Wyl’s grey-green eyes, and I was a goner. Holding the saddle horn as Wyl led the horses out of the barn, I admired Wyl’s strong shoulders.
“Do you remember how to steer?” Wyl handed me the reins.
I shrugged. “As I remember, tug right to go right, and tug left to go left?”
“That’s correct. A horse moves away from pressure.
” Wyl pressed against Blanket with his open palm.
Blanket sidestepped away from the pressure.
“When you tug the reins to the right, the left rein pushes against Blanket’s neck, so he moves away from the pressure.
You can also guide a horse with pressure from your knees, but for most people, this is confusing.
Press with your left knee to go right, and press with your right knee to go left.
Remember, the horse moves away from the pressure. ”
Confusion clouded my head. “So which is better? Reins or knees?”
“Our horses respond to the reins, so I recommend the reins. We’ll keep the horses at a walk for the first half hour or so until you adapt to the saddle. We’ll do turns, and we’ll stop.”
“Pull back on the reins to stop, right?” I asked.
“Yes, but pull back gently, cowboy. Never yank the reins.”
“Okay, I think I have it. And you’ll be beside me to help me, so I’m ready to go.”
Wyl gave a squeeze to my knee before climbing onto Sarge. He flashed a broad smile. “Let’s go.”
I led Blanket behind Sarge, down a path, and out onto the ranch. I soon found the rhythm of Blanket’s lope and let my body adapt to the slight side-to-side motion. I enjoyed being on horseback more than I thought.
The beautiful autumn morning was clear, with blue skies and a temperature of 62 degrees. Cool, but perfect for being outdoors. As the horses ambled along, the carpet of autumn wildflowers added sweetness to the gentle breeze.
I relaxed enough to remove my hat and run my fingers through my hair. “My new hat is perfect for sun protection. Thanks.” I put the hat on and tugged it at the brim to adjust the fit.
Wyl guided his horse close to mine. “You look sexy in your hat, cowboy.” Wyl’s soft, deep voice sent shivers through me. He stretched across and tugged at my ear. “Are you enjoying your ride?”
“I understand why you love being on the ranch.” I took in the wide-open spaces framed by mesas.
Combined with the gentle rocking motion of the horse and the reassuring sound of hooves plodding against the earth, it seemed like Wyl and I were the only two people in the world.
“The ranch is beautiful, and I love being on horseback.”
“We’ll ride over to the bluff.” Wyl indicated a point in the distance. “We can see the entire ranch from there.”
“I’ve seen your size, and I’m impressed.”
“I’m talking about the ranch, babe, but we can compare sizes later.” Wyl’s eyes twinkled.
I winked. “I can hardly wait.”
“The ranch has a natural spring, a perfect place to camp for the night. Fresh water for the horses and for us. A grove of mesquites borders the spring, providing privacy.”
We were in the middle of nowhere, but I didn’t have to ask why we needed privacy.
“Tomorrow morning, we’ll ride over to the herd. It's more like what you saw on those television shows you mentioned.”
“Those shows were fake, like you said. Sterling Ranch is beautiful. Lots of room to roam. Calm and peaceful.”
“I’m glad you like our spread, cowboy.”
My insides trembled again. “I like it when you call me cowboy.”
“I told you the title would fit. You’re enjoying the horseback ride and the ranch.
“And the rancher,” I grinned.
On the bluff, we stopped and took in the breathtaking view below and the mesas in the distance. “This is magnificent,” I sighed.
We dismounted, and Wyl grabbed a brown paper bag from one of his saddlebags and a canteen he strapped to the saddle.
“What’s in the bag?”
“It’s our lunch. I brought a couple of sandwiches. The canteen has water. We’ll have a hot supper tonight, but this will hold us until we set up camp.
We sat on a boulder and gazed at the ranch below. It was peaceful. No traffic noise. No broadcast media or computer noise. Only the two of us, the two horses, and nature. I could adapt to this life.
After lunch, we mounted up. I took another lungful of the fresh air and reached for Wyl’s gloved hand.
Despite the gloves, the warm sensation traveled up my arm when we touched.
I could not imagine my life without Wyl.
Being together made time stand still. It was love.
I thought Patrick and I shared love, but never like this.
“I’m glad you’re here, cowboy.” Wyl released my hand and pointed toward an oasis-like area in the distance. “The green spot in the valley below is the spring and our campground.”
I kept my eye on the oasis as we descended the bluff. I hadn’t slept outdoors since I was in Boy Scouts as a teenager. Was I ready for this?
By 5:00, we had arrived at the spring. I dismounted, groaning from my sore thigh muscles.
Wyl glanced over as he dismounted Sarge. “You okay, babe?”
“I’m fine.” I rubbed my butt. “Being in the saddle all day does a number on the inner thighs.”
“Told you,” Wyl held out his hand for Blanket’s reins. “You’ll live. Tomorrow will be worse, but your body will adapt.”
When I walked, my sore thigh muscles complained.
When I stood still, the same muscles throbbed.
Thinking a stretch might help, I bent over, only to be rewarded by more pain.
But I wouldn’t let a minor discomfort interfere with whatever Wyl planned for us later.
I hobbled behind Wyl as he led the horses to the water and let them drink their fill.
Standing by the gurgling spring, Wyl stood behind me and surrounded me with his arms. “This is my favorite spot on the ranch.”
I took off my hat and leaned my head against Wyl. His closeness made me forget my sore muscles. “I like the sound of the water almost as much as I enjoy your arms around me.”
Wyl nuzzled my ear and nibbled the lobe. “I enjoy my arms around you, too.”
My entire body started to tremble. “If you don’t stop, we’ll never finish setting up the camp.” Almost overcome with desire, I turned my head to sneak a quick kiss.
Wyl’s deep, sexy voice rumbled from his chest. “We’ll continue this later.” He unwrapped his arms and turned to the horses.
I watched as Wyl unsaddled and unbridled Sarge.
“If I’m your cowboy, I need to learn cowboy things like saddling and unsaddling horses.”
“Yes, you do, and I intend to make a horseman out of you.” Wyl grabbed a halter from one of Sarge’s saddlebags.
I eyed the rope Wyl held. “What did you grab?”
“A halter.”
“What’s a halter?”
“We use a halter to tether the horse for the night.”
“Can’t you use the reins?”
Wyl grinned at me. “You said reins like a real cowboy.”
“Hey…we talked about reins earlier. I’m a notch above rank amateur.”
Wyl shook his head. “Okay, cowboy, a lesson to remember.” He held up the bridle he had removed from Sarge. “A bridle has a bit and reins.” He pointed to each object as he talked. “This metal bit goes in the horse’s mouth. The reins are the leather straps we use to guide the horse.”
“Okay. So doesn’t the halter do the same thing?”
“We use the halter when we’re not riding because the halter places nothing in the horse’s mouth. The horse is more comfortable, and the lead keeps the horse from wandering off.” Wyl tied Sarge’s long lead to a tree near the spring.
I helped Wyl unsaddle and unbridle Blanket, groaning with every stretch and bend. Soon, both horses were set for the night.
Wyl grabbed the tent. “I’ll set this up if you’ll gather rocks.”
“How many?”
“Find twelve to fifteen medium-sized rocks. Enough to surround a fire pit about three feet in diameter.”
“What’s medium-sized?”
“About the size of a softball.”
“You’re talking to a non-sportsman, babe. Give me an idea of the size.”
Tossing the folded tent to the ground, Wyl strolled over and took my hand. “Come on, little boy. Daddy will help you find the rocks.”
I groaned and let Wyl tug me along.
Twenty feet away, on a slight rise, we found rocks stacked in a mound. “Someone must have gathered these to keep cattle and horses from stepping on them.” Wyl pointed to the pile. “About this size.” He strode back to set up the tent.
Carrying two rocks, I came up near where Wyl worked. “Where is the fire pit?”
“Did you dig it yet?” Wyl paused from setting up the tent and focused on me with a surprised expression. “Cowboys are excellent fire-pit diggers.”
Two stones thunked to the ground where I stood. “How many fire pits do you think a college professor needs?”
“About the same as the number of lesson plans a cowboy needs.” Wyl’s voice wavered as he tugged to stretch the tent base.
I thought for a moment. “Okay…good analogy. So how do I make a fire pit?”
Wyl stood, removed his hat, and wiped his brow with his sleeve.
“First, grab a camp shovel out of your saddlebags.” He motioned with his hat toward where the saddlebags lay on the ground.
“Dig a pit about thirty-six inches in diameter and six inches deep, slanted up at the sides like a shallow bowl.” He put his hat back on and used his hands to mimic a bowl shape.
“Place the rocks around the outer rim of the pit. When I finish setting up our love chamber, I’ll gather brush for kindling and wood for a fire. ” Wyl winked at me.
“Love chamber, huh? Why didn’t you say so…” I rushed to find the camp shovel. After digging the pit, I lined up rocks around the rim and stood back admiring my work.
“You’re doing good, cowboy. I’ll gather wood, and we’ll make a fire.”
“What should I do?”
“Why don’t you come here and kiss me?”
Hands on my hips, I grinned. “You’re getting kinda bossy, aren’t you?”
Wyl stuck out his lower lip. “What…no kiss?”