Come To Me (Dare With Me #3) - J.H. Croix Page 0,1

up to my naughty horse. I’d only had Charlie for a few months. He was a beauty, with a dappled gray coat and an elegant build. I planned to pull his mane soon, but I loved the way it flowed in the wind, as it did now.

His bridle jingled from the reins flapping, and the stirrups slapped against his sides. He glanced sideways and let out a little snort. I felt Diego’s chuckle reverberate through his body.

“He thinks this is funny,” I offered over Diego’s shoulder.

Charlie dodged and picked up his pace when I reached for the reins. Further demonstrating just how funny he thought he was, he glanced back at Diego’s motorcycle, letting out another little snort when Diego caught up to his side again.

This time, Diego was lightning fast and grabbed the reins, slowing his bike smoothly while keeping a firm hold of Charlie. He eased to the side of the road, and Charlie had enough sense to follow. We stopped on the shoulder, and I carefully climbed off the motorcycle. I took the reins from Diego.

“Thank you, I don’t think I would’ve gotten him soon without your help.”

Diego lifted his visor again, removing his helmet and running a hand through his dark curls. His hair was ruffled, and his green eyes scanned from Charlie to me while my pulse took off like a rocket. My hormones did a little happy dance.

The gods and goddesses of beauty had been generous with Diego. His eyes were like a forest filled with secrets, mossy green and intense. They stood out in a face that was already too much with a jaw that could cut glass, a sensual mouth, and cheekbones that could make a sculptor weep. Also, he was strong, like ridiculously muscular.

I was usually in a pretty good mental space when I taught yoga, but whenever he showed up, my hormones went wild in my body. He wore these fitted T-shirts and gym shorts that did nothing to disguise his great ass, his honed shoulders, arms, thighs and calves. His everything. I was pretty sure even his toes could rev my hormones.

Diego’s gaze bounced back to Charlie. “He’s a beauty.”

I nodded, glancing back to my horse. “A beauty and a handful.” Charlie nuzzled his head into my shoulder, and I scrubbed behind his ears.

“How far do you need to go to get him home?”

I gestured over my shoulder. “A few miles back that way. I don’t live on this road, but on a side road. Thank you again. He was getting too close to town for my comfort.”

“Did he throw you off?”

I sighed. “Yes. He’s a little rambunctious. I don’t think I can ride him outside of the pasture again. Not yet.”

Diego chuckled, and butterflies twirled in my belly. Sweet hell. This man just did it for me, and it was all rather unsettling.

“So, you’re a yoga teacher and a horse rider. What else don’t I know about you?” he asked, his mouth kicking up at the corners in a smile that sent liquid fire spinning through my veins.

I felt a little breathless. “That’s pretty much it.”

“Why don’t I follow you home, in case he’s feeling rambunctious again?”

I was about to say no when I realized that wasn’t the best choice. By the time Charlie had unseated me, he had shied twice. The last thing I wanted was to dismiss Diego’s offer and find myself chasing my horse again.

“You don’t mind?”

“If I minded, I wouldn’t have offered.

“All right, then.”

I mounted Charlie. After checking to see Diego had already pulled his visor down and was waiting, I gave Charlie a light squeeze with my calves, and he shifted into a trot. Conveniently, Charlie didn’t seem bothered by the sound of a motorcycle rumbling behind us, but then Diego kept the engine low and rode at a comfortable distance.

Not much later, I slowed to a walk and brought Charlie into the small barn. I waved over my shoulder, calling, “Thank you,” to Diego.

I quickly took off Charlie’s saddle and bridle, slipping on his halter. After brushing him, I put him in his stall with some fresh hay and water. All in all, that took maybe five minutes.

I didn’t expect to find Diego waiting, but his motorcycle was still there when I walked back out. He had removed his helmet and appeared to be on the phone.

With my pulse thrumming along and those butterflies spinning madly in my belly again, I approached him because it seemed rude to ignore him. Without his