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too.
    “I’m sorry.” Laney put her hand on his.
    “Don’t be.” He met her saddened gaze. “I have more of a family at the Double C than I ever had growing up. If I’ve learned anything since working here it’s that sharing blood doesn’t make people give a shit about you. It sure as hell doesn’t make them support you when you need it.”
    She nodded. “I can definitely relate.”
    He didn’t push her for an explanation. He sure didn’t want to give one for his declaration.
    “I want to introduce you to someone.”
    He stood and held his hand to her, helped her to her feet, then kept her hand in his as he lead her to the far side of the property, the only place that felt like a home to him. The stables.
    “This is my family,” he said as he led her inside. “This right here is Randall. He’s the grumpy grandpa type that yells at you to get off his straw. Bobby here is the annoying little brother. Susie Q is the cute baby cousin who has a crush on you.” The white horse peeked over the wooden wall and nuzzled his hand. They passed a few more stalls and he introduced Laney to the other horses. More of the beings that made up his life. “And lastly, this is Cooper. He’s like the brother I never had. A huge pain in the ass at first, it took a long time before we got along. He did not like me for a while.”
    Sawyer opened the stall door and stepped in. “Hey, Coop. How’s it goin’?” He stroked the horse’s forehead and he blew out a little snort. “This is Laney.” He motioned her forward.
    She hesitantly stepped toward the creature. “That’s gotta be one of the biggest horses I’ve ever seen.”
    “He’s a big boy, but very gentle.”
    Laney reached and stroked his neck. “He’s gorgeous.”
    Cooper seemed to understand and nuzzled her arm.
    “He likes you.” Sawyer turned to the horse. “Don’t be trying to steal my girl.”
    They petted him and brushed him, gave him some carrots and apples. “Ready to go for a ride?” Sawyer asked.
    “Now?”
    “Yeah. Sunset is the best time.”
    “But I’m not a good rider.”
    “That’s fine. We can ride him together.”
    Sawyer saddled Cooper and helped Laney up on him. He adjusted the stirrups to fit then climbed up behind her. Reigns in one hand, he led Cooper out of the stable. They walked the trail along the ranch’s property line, a soft breeze blowing around them. Her hair tickled his skin. He moved it to the side, unable to resist her exposed neck, and leaned to place a kiss there. She turned to him, her gaze locked on his, full of desire.
    He let Cooper nibble on some tall grass and dropped the reigns. He cupped Laney’s cheek and leaned into her kiss. If he’d thought the kiss last night was soul-shattering, that had been nothing. Out here, this was his world, where he belonged. And he was so glad he could share it with her.
     
    *   *   *
     
    If Laney had ever thought to make a kissing bucket list, on a horse would be number one and it was now officially checked off. With a huge star next to it. And maybe a few doodled hearts. That had been one of the most romantic moments of her life. The setting sun, the warm breeze. The perfect guy who could kiss like nobody’s business.
    They headed back toward the stable, the sun setting lower with each passing minute. Sawyer continued to nibble at her neck in between laughter and conversation. She wished she could turn to him, pull him into her embrace, feel more of his skin than just his hand on her waist.
    Laney had enjoyed the ride, but had never been more grateful to see the stable. Sawyer dismounted then helped her down. He removed the saddle and made sure his “brother” had water.
    Sawyer stepped toward her and took both of her hands in his. “Did you have fun?”
    “I did.” She stood tall, pecked his lips, and asked, “Is that a clean pile of straw over there?”
    He eyed her quizzically. “Yes.”
    “Good.” She yanked him toward it and pulled him down with