Animal Heart(8)

“Is that so? I'd like to try in any case. I've been riding for fifteen years, I think I have a strong enough hand to cope with any horse,” she said, bridling a little at being thought of as incapable in any sense, and staring back equally directly.

“Like I said. He's mine,” he replied coolly, with an unwavering gaze.

“Possessive, aren't you?” she remarked, finally lowering her gaze, more than uncomfortable under his intense scrutiny.

She was pretty damn sure he hadn't blinked once since they started talking.

“As far as the horses are concerned, yes.”

“And who are you, exactly?” she probed, lifting her eyes once more and meeting his hard stare full on with renewed confidence.

“I'm the ranch owner, Aden Carr.” He held out his hand in greeting. “And you?”

“Oh, I'm Madison Jones, call me Maddy. Pleased to meet you.” She said coolly. She placed her small soft hand in his large rough one and he shook it with a painfully hard grip as if to make the point that her hands weren't strong in the slightest. She winced to herself and was forced to agree.

“Pleased to meet you too. Now, if you'd like to follow me, I'll introduce you to Lucas. He does the admissions.” He swiftly turned and without waiting to see if she was following or not, he bounded off with a lengthy stride towards the door to the ranch house where he stood waiting for her to catch up. He opened the door and ushered her inside with his arm. Behind the counter sat another handsome hunk.

What a wonderful place this was!

“Lucas, this is our guest Maddy. I'll leave her with you.” And he left with not a word more, just a barely perceptible nod in her direction.

Her eyes quickly flew over Lucas' muscular form, cropped hair, tattooed arms, and his diamond ear stud. He was mixed race and very good looking indeed. Jade would have snared him by now. She was suddenly more than pleased Jade wasn't here, and then she felt mean thinking it.

“Maddy? Ah yes, Madison Jones. And a Jade Welch?” Lucas asked, looking at his register and then up at her in question.

“She couldn't come. Broke her wrist, I'm afraid.”

“I'm sorry to hear that. But at least you did and we're so pleased to have you here.” His gorgeous brown eyes gazed into hers and her stomach did another of its little flips.

What the hell is the matter with me today?

“I'm really looking forward to it,” she replied a little breathlessly.

“Yeah, my day's just brightened up a helluva lot as well.” He leant forward on the counter and licked his lips subtly as he checked her out, very blatantly, top to toe.

“Finished looking?” she asked, raising her eyebrow at him. He stood up again, having completed his appraisal.

“Mmmm, lovely hair. Unusual color. We don't get too many redheads in these parts. Not ones with your kinda looks anyway.” His eyes bored into hers and suddenly a wide white smile lit up his way too handsome face. “Don't take any notice of me. I'm a born flirt. Can't help it. Sorry.”

She smiled back and relaxed in his openly cheeky company. “No, I'm enjoying it so far. Please carry on.”

He laughed at her for a moment. “Hey, don't encourage me. You're a client and I should behave myself, but believe me, I'm finding it real difficult. Now then, Miss Gorgeous, let's register you... Sign here and fill in this small card.” She dealt with it swiftly and passed it back with a grin. He handed her a key. “I'll show you to your room and explain everything en route.” She followed his broad and very attractive back view through an archway and into a large reception room. A couple in their forties were sitting reading on one of the long, low sofas, and smiled at her as she entered. A log fire burned in the fireplace and a pair of large husky-type furry dogs looked up in interest as she passed them by.

“This is the main reception,” Lucas began. “Use it whenever you want. Computer's there, coffee machine there, juice, milk and water in the fridge, help yourself to whatever... Drying room, for wet gear and boots over there. Kitchen is beyond that hatch, chef's called Shane, have a word if you have any dietary requirements. Meals are served between seven and eight morning and evening, in the dining area in the corner. We provide the food for the trails. They're all escorted, full or half days, take your pick. We can sort that out later. Now your room. This way.” He took a breather and moved off.

“Right... Obviously you've said all this many times before, haven't you?” she muttered, following him, her head reeling while trying to absorb the off-pat rapid information delivery.

“Ha ha... Yeah, you could say that,” he replied with a laugh.

She was led along a corridor and to her room. She opened it with her key and stepped inside looking around appreciatively, as Lucas waited outside. It was beautifully done. White walls, white furniture, white bathroom, two white and blue beds, a good sized TV.