From This Moment On - By Debbi Rawlins Page 0,19

what to expect, the better.” He could stare at her sexy pink mouth and almond-shaped eyes all day, so he turned back to Gypsy before he forgot what he was supposed to be doing. “She’s about the best tempered horse I know. Josh and I use her to give riding lessons to the guests. Come closer. She wants to meet you.”

Nikki seemed to favor close-fitting stretchy shirts with necklines that dipped just low enough to make a man itch. He’d seen her wear four different colors. Today’s was yellow. And with the deep breaths she was taking, he’d have to watch himself. It didn’t help that he’d spent too long in the shower wondering how those lips would feel....

“I have to admit, she does have a sweet face.” Nikki stepped closer. “You’re holding on to her, right?”

“I am. Honestly I don’t need to, but we’re gonna take our time, let you two get acquainted for a while.”

She nodded, eyes only for Gypsy. “I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do.”

“As soon as you’re comfortable, you keep moving closer. Remember what I told you yesterday about a horse’s ears?”

“Yes, forward means friendly or curious. And I’m trying to keep my voice quiet and even.”

Trace smiled. “You’re doing fine.”

“Oh, the other thing I read was that quarter horses are good horses to use to teach someone to ride.”

“That’s partly true, I suppose, but more important, the horse should be used to beginners. Also important is that I know the horse well.” He pulled off his right glove. “You can get online and read for hours, but it comes down to whether you trust me or not.”

Her lips parted and she tore her gaze away from the mare to look at him. “I do,” she said softly.

They were only talking about a horse and riding lessons, for Christ’s sake. No reason for his chest to tighten. “Good.” Obviously he’d been looking into those pretty brown eyes too long. He switched his focus to Gypsy. “Makes it easier all the way around.”

“I’m coming closer now.”

He didn’t want to make her more nervous by watching her inch forward, but he’d never met anyone this scared of a horse before. She wasn’t faking like some of the guests had done to get his attention. Her face was pale and if he touched her hand he’d bet it would be ice-cold. She stopped after three steps.

“Nikki?” He moved away from Gypsy to get closer to Nikki, but the mare went with him making her retreat. “Sorry. My fault.” He tethered Gypsy to a shrub, then went to Nikki.

Her eyes locked on the loose tie. “Will that hold her?”

“She’ll stay right where she is. That really was my fault.” He pulled off his other glove before he reached for her. “What are you afraid will happen?”

“I—I’m not sure.” She frowned at his fingers wrapping around her upper arm. His thumb almost touched his middle finger. The sassy mouth and tempting curves made him forget how small she really was.

“I’m not going to force you to do anything, so you can relax.”

She smiled a little. “You’re treating me like Diablo. Letting me get used to your touch.”

“Something like that.”

Her lashes lifted and her eyes looked every bit as enticing as her body. “Why?”

“So we can approach Gypsy together.” He put an arm around her shoulders, and held her against his side. And then ordered himself to calm the hell down. Finding out he was getting hard wouldn’t ease her mind.

“Okay,” she said, her body stiff.

“You’re short. I think you’re afraid the horse might lunge forward and overpower you.”

“Maybe. Yeah.”

“I still have a free hand to block her, but it won’t be necessary. Think this might help?” he asked, feeling her start to relax. “Two to one, plus I’m taller than Gypsy.”

“I was thinking a stool, but yes, this—”

The mare stepped closer. Nikki grabbed his hand and pulled his arm across her middle like a shield. Leaning into his side she tried to move them backward.

“You’re okay,” he said, his arms circling her protectively. Not wanting to lose ground, he slipped behind her, holding her against his chest, ignoring her death grip on his forearm. “Gypsy was probably curious, that’s all.”

She nodded, her gaze trained on the mare, her fingers digging deeper into his muscle. Her hair smelled like a beach drink, something with coconut and vanilla in it. The soft shiny strands caught on his roughened chin, though he’d shaved early this morning. He should’ve been more thoughtful and