Stud in Texas (Rugged and Risque 4)

You made my night. (And my morning.) I want to take you dancing. Jack’s saloon, after you wrap up this evening. Sam

How could she possibly resist?

She launched into a new batch of desserts for the Friday-night dinner crowd. Reese had already told her it’d be fine if she took the weekends off, because that’s when most of their events were held, and the clients currently booked had secured bakers in advance for their respective festivities, since the inn hadn’t previously had a pastry chef on staff or on call.

Given that Sky missed making her wedding cakes, she considered calling Lucy at the dance hall and letting her know she was still available, having turned over all of her business to another cake maker.

She hadn’t previously known what the job at the inn would entail, but she now suspected she could enjoy the best of both worlds. At least until things really got rolling at the inn. Then she’d probably be making cakes for the brides and grooms tying the knot on the event lawn, and for the other clients Reese and Liza were bringing in. Not to mention, once Reese hired a marketing director, things really would get hopping out here at the ranch.

Despite her initial reservations—and some of the more disheartening aspects of the Painted Horse, where the mistreated horses were concerned—Sky was thrilled she’d given the job at the inn a chance. Her whole life had changed because of it.

She breezed through her afternoon, then spruced up before meeting Sam outside at his truck. He wore jeans and an untucked black button-down shirt. The hem of the short sleeves hugged his bulging biceps and made her mouth water. He wore his black Stetson and boots.

There truly wasn’t a finer sight than him, she decided.

“You look devilishly handsome,” she said with a kiss. Then added, “Thanks for the flowers.”

“Just hoped you’d look at ’em during the day and know I was thinking about you.”

She smiled up at him. “You’re very sweet.” Her gaze lingered and her smile faded. His eyes were clouded, not nearly as vibrant as usual. Her heart sank. She said, “Please don’t tell me that Caleb had to put the new horse down.”

“Not yet. He’s hanging on.”

She swallowed down a lump of emotion. “But not by much, right?”

“The humane thing to do at this point, darlin’, might just be to put him out of his misery.”

Her breath caught. “There has to be something Caleb can do.”

“He’s going to stay with the horse tonight. He’s given him painkillers. But if there’s no sign of improvement come morning…”

“I know. I get it.” Though facing the reality of the situation did nothing to keep the prickle of tears at bay. She gave him another kiss, then said, “Maybe dancing’s not such a good idea tonight.”

“No,” he was quick to say. “It’s a great idea. I need a break and a change of scenery. Get the horse off my mind for a few hours. You could probably use the same from all your worries.”

“What’s his name?” she asked once more.

Sam shook his head. “Told you not to go there, darlin’.”

She shoved her hands into the front pockets of her jeans and asked, “What color is he?”

A flash of something dark and dreadful in his eyes made her stomach coil.

“Sam?” she prompted.

His jaw clenched briefly. In a reluctant tone, he told her, “Darker than a bay. A much deeper, reddish-coppery color. Kinda like your hair.” His gaze locked with hers. “First time I saw you, I thought I’d never seen hair that color. Now I’ve seen it twice in less than two weeks.” He reached a hand out to her and his fingers curled around her neck, the pad of his thumb gliding slowly over her skin. “Despite all his injuries, he’s still a beautiful horse. Makes me think about you.”

She covered his hand with hers. “It’s just a co

incidence, Sam.”

“I know.” The haunted look in his eyes lingered.

“I’m sorry about what I said the other night. About you not being able to save everyone. I didn’t mean it callously.”

“You don’t have to tell me that. I know it already.”

“And you changed my mind about it last night.” Still, she let out a long sigh. “There has to be something I can do to help.”