Protector: Doms of Mountain Bend Book 1 by BJ Wane (good books to read for 12 year olds .txt) 📕

several other, equally large, similar buildings. “You were a shy book geek, weren’t you?”

Returning his smile, she opened her door. “Yes, but I don’t regret skipping the wild parties I was never invited to anyway. My studying got me a scholarship, which I needed since my foster family’s obligation ended when I turned eighteen.” A look of compassion crossed his face, and to defuse the awkward moment, she nodded toward the tall man with American Indian features standing by a corral. “Is that Dakota? I think I saw him at Spurs.”

“That’s him. Don’t let his size and scowl bother you. He doesn’t like to let people know he’s really a pussycat,” he replied with an undertone of amusement as he alit from the truck.

Lisa was more interested in the brown-and-white dappled mare tethered to the fence rail, her large doe eyes reflecting a sweet disposition. Shawn snatched her hand again, his touch a quick reminder of the heat his kiss had generated.

It was going to be a long day.

“Dakota, this is Lisa. Angel is a good pick for her. Thanks.”

Craning her neck to look up at the man whose face was sun-kissed darker than Shawn’s, she guessed his intimidating height reached at least six foot four. “It’s nice to meet you,” she said when he didn’t respond.

“Welcome to the Rolling Hills Ranch. Like Shawn said, Angel here won’t give you any trouble.” He turned his midnight eyes toward Shawn. “I need to go over a few things with you.”

“No problem.” Shawn flagged down a young cowhand working just inside the open stable doors before telling Lisa, “I’ll help you mount, and Scotty will lead you around for a few minutes.”

Lisa nodded, smiling at the hired hand as Shawn introduced them and asked for his assistance.

“Glad to,” Scotty replied, tipping his hat to her. “Miss.”

“They’re bigger up close.” She caressed the silky nose as Angel leaned her head over the rail, unable to resist the mare’s friendly nudge against her shoulder.

Shawn took her elbow. “And she’s one of our smaller horses. Come inside so I can boost you up. Scotty, walk her around and stay close. This is her first time.”

“Yes, sir. I won’t let you fall, miss.”

He was so polite and earnest, Lisa couldn’t help but like him. “I’m not worried, Scotty.”

At least, not about getting on the horse. She was concerned about her growing need for Shawn as he led her into the corral and stood behind her to place her hands on the saddle pommel then press his big body against her back. His warm breath tickled her neck as he leaned close to say, “Put your foot in the stirrup and I’ll give you a boost.”

His warm breath tickled her neck as he leaned close to say, “Put your foot in the stirrup and I’ll give you a boost.”

Since her brain didn’t seem to be functioning on all cylinders and his nearness snagged her breath, Lisa didn’t try modifying her voice to sound unaffected. “Okay.” Her breath released on a gasp as he lifted her at the waist and she swung her leg over the saddle, the sudden height offering an expanded view across the pastureland for as far as she could see.

“Oh, it’s breathtaking,” she said in awe.

“Wait until we start riding. I’ll be right back. Hold on tight,” he replied, handing Scotty the reins.

Lisa’s focus switched from Shawn to enjoying the slow rocking atop the mare as Scotty strolled around the corral, leading the mare. Loving everything about the new venture, she soon found her rhythm and grew at ease riding the gentle horse. Scotty gave her pointers and a mini-lesson on how to steer, start, and stop, and by the time Shawn returned, she was more than ready to leave the enclosure and try a faster gait.

****

Shawn’s plans for the afternoon hadn’t included kissing Lisa so soon after she arrived or pushing her buttons by keeping close and constantly touching her. But she was too damn irresistible, especially when she didn’t think he noticed the flashes of lust crossing her face or the vulnerable need reflected in her eyes. He imagined sexual attraction was as easy for her to identify and admit to as it was for him, yet she seemed less inclined to embrace exploring the deeper relationship he found himself leaning toward.

The key to opening her mind to that possibility lay in finding out what had driven her here in the first place, and why she didn’t want him to know. While he did enjoy a puzzle and a challenge, he was conscious of his growing desire to have her stay in Mountain Bend and how little time he had to make that happen.

As she rode alongside him across the prairies, he admired the ease with which she’d taken to riding. The smile that had kicked up as they’d ridden out of the corral and hadn’t slipped in the last thirty minutes revealed her pleasure, the sidelong glances she likely thought he was blind to conveyed interest in more than riding. He liked seeing her so relaxed, having fun, her eyes clear of troubling shadows.

“Tug your reins to the left,” he instructed as they neared a trail bisecting the wooded area up ahead. “We’ll take that path through the trees to the creek.”

Looking toward the path, her brows furrowed. “It looks narrow.”

“Stay behind me. You’ll be fine. Angel knows the way, so all you have to do is sit tight.”

Her doubt cleared, and she flashed him a broad grin. “I’ve got that part down pat.”

“Yes, you do,” he murmured, thinking that could also apply to her reservations about getting involved with him.

Shawn never tired of the fresh, combined scents of pines, firs, and red cedar that assailed his nostrils as soon as he entered the woods. The constant racket of busy squirrels