Innocence Lost (Lone Mountain Ranch Book 1)

Chapter 18

Kylie arrived at the barn and saw Jax before he noticed her. Stopping at the gate, she watched him work with the horses and help the other guests going on the group ride. Kylie was glad to have Jax all to herself again today. He acted like such a gentleman last night at the hoedown, and she was interested to learn more about this mysterious cowboy. She knew there was a lot percolating under his tough and sexy demeanor.

Jax looked even more handsome than he did that morning at the jingling. He was wearing the same outfit but added his red fringed chaps. The hand tooled, black leather was wrapped tightly around his muscular legs and the silver hardware glinted in the sun as he moved. The sides were lined with red and black leather fringe that swayed to and fro when he walked. They were worn in but looked well taken care of. She thought they must have been his favorite pair. He looked scorching hot in them. Kylie swooned.

Under his black cowboy hat, his jawline was covered in scruff that only highlighted his chiseled face. He looked devilishly handsome as always. The image of his naked body and his scruff covered face brushing across her body from her fantasy the previous night flashed through her mind, and her body warmed.

At that moment, Jax looked over and saw her. He motioned for her to enter the gate. She walked over to him and smiled nicely at the other guests sitting on their horses. As soon as they departed, Jax gave her this signature crooked smile and greeting.

"Howdy, Kylie. Are you ready to go for a ride?" He said as he tipped his hat towards her and gave her a sly wink under the brim.

A shiver fluctuated through her body and ended between her legs. He must do that to everyone, she thought to herself. She wished it was a gesture only used on her. It did not matter. He still took her breath away.

"Yes, I'm ready!"

"Great! It's a beautiful day for a ride."

She looked deep into his liquid chocolate eyes, and she felt the pull of his magnetism. She lingered a little too long on his face. She imagined what it would feel like if he kissed her right then. She wanted to feel his facial hair bristle against her soft skin as their lips touched. Her mind glazed over at the thought, and she did not realize he motioned for her to follow him through the gate to the corral.

"Kylie?" Jax called, trying to get her attention.

The sound of her name made her snap out of her daydream, and she responded, "Yes, Jax?"

"You can enter now. I thought we'd take a different trail today. It's on the other side of the property and leads to Gonzo's Point. It is a scenic spot which overlooks a valley. The wildflowers have started sprouting already, and they go as far as they eye can see. We can stop there for lunch."

"It sounds lovely."

"I have you on Andorra. You two did so well together; I thought you would be comfortable riding her again."

"Great! We enjoyed a good rapport yesterday. It will be nice to continue. She is such a well-trained horse and very easy to ride."

"Great, I have her all set up over here," Jax said and led her over to where Andorra and Rusty were tied up. "Let's get you up in the saddle."

"Hi, Andorra. How are you this morning?"

Kylie looked into Andorra's eyes. She offered her a hand to sniff, so she could recognize her. Andorra rubbed her head against it as a sign of affection. Kylie patted her neck with her other hand and told her she was a "good girl". Jax untied Andorra and led her over to the mounting block.

Kylie put her foot in the stirrup and swung the other leg over. It was harder getting her leg up and over due to her tight muscles. She hoped she would not be as sore today as she was yesterday after the ride. She did not have time for Jose and his magic fingers this afternoon. Her other foot found its way into the stirrup, and Jax handed her the reins. Her body electrified when their hands touched. Jax stilled for a moment. Did he feel it too, she wondered?