Page 5 of Bookworm
Holt’s giant body leans against the open barn door. He waves when he sees me.
Thank God!My shoulders relax. He does want to see me. He’s been waiting in the doorway the whole time.
“I’m hurrying,” a female voice says from behind me.
My head snaps back and my stomach falls to the ground.
Oh God.Holt wasn’t waving at me. He wasn’t waiting forme. He was waiting for the gorgeous girl making her way toward him.
In fact, from this angle, I bet he hadn’t even seen me coming.
“Hey.” The woman’s voice is soft and sweet. “You must be Ann. Earl has told me all about you.”
My brows wrinkle unintentionally as I try to gather what’s happening. I want to hit her with a‘really, cause I’ve heard nothing about you,’but I choose the high road, and reach out my hand. “Great to meet you! I love caring for Earl. I was just heading down to see if Holt needed anything for lunch.”
“Oh, I didn’t realize a caregiver took care of everyone in the house.” She flips her long hair back and smiles sweetly. I hate her.
“It’s not a requirement. I’m just being polite.” My words are curt and probably too short. I should think of something else to say. What if she’s Holt’s girlfriend? I don’t want to make any more of an ass of myself than I already have.
Of course, he has a girlfriend. He’s a massive, handsome rancher. Men like that don’t last long around here.
“Dakota, this is Ann.” Holt clears his throat. “Have you two had a chance to meet?”
I nod, and Dakota hands a folder of paperwork to Holt. “I won’t keep you long. I just wanted to hand this off to you. My uncle says he needs the final papers signed by the end of the week, if you’re interested.”
“I just got off the phone with him. He’s going for a hard sell.”
The pretty blonde nods and winks. “He knows how good you are. I’ll be back to pick up the paperwork on Friday. That is unless you don’t sign. But… we both know you’re going to sign.” She grins wide, showing off perfectly white teeth before heading back down the driveway.
It doesn’t seem like they’re dating. I guess that’s a relief. Though, if Holt is hanging around women this beautiful and not dating them, what are his standards like? I’m overthinking this.
“You ready for that tour?” His thumb is hooked into his belt loop, and he nods toward the interior of the barn as a horse whinnies. “They’ve been waiting all day to meet you.”
I step into the barn, my heart sandwiched somewhere between my throat and my stomach as Holt opens a stall and lets a black and white beauty out. I have no idea what kind of horse she is, but she’s gorgeous. She’s already wearing a saddle.
I look her up and down for any imperfections. She seems sturdy enough. Maybe this won’t be so bad. That is… until I see the ominous name above her stall.
“I’m not riding a horse named Lady Lightning.” I wave my hands back and forth dramatically, biting back the nervous grin that’s formed.
Holt laughs.
“You know, if I get thrown off, you’re going to be the one taking care of your dad.”
“Ah.” He grins. “Old Earl will have to take care of himself, or we’d end up duking it out like a couple a country boys fighting over a property line. Come on now. I’ll boost ya up.”
As much as my body wants to repel the gorgeous animal clomping and hawing in front of me, my heart wants Holt to boost me up even more.
I reach toward the horse and hold firm on the nose of the saddle like I’ve seen cowboys do on TV.
“Shit! You’re a professional.” He grips my waist as I hook my toe into the stirrup. My entire body vibrates with excitement. His hands are big and warm, and I’m desperate for more.
God, I’m pathetic.
“Good girl,” he says, running his hand down over Lady Lightning. At first, I think he’s talking to the horse. She’s stayed still long enough to allow me to climb on. But when I see Holt’s eyes on mine, I can’t help but wonder if the praise was meant for me.
Chapter Four
Holt