Love in Romance Arkansas Read Online Free PDF Page A

barrels like a pro.
    Her grace and balance amazed him. She never touched leather and never seemed to be the least bit out of control. Her long black hair flowing in the wind added to the picture of grace. The little horse dug in for her and gave it his all.
    “You say you’ve never done this? You looked as if you have been doing this all your life. You’ll be a big hit this weekend.”
     
    * * * *
     
    The rodeo was a fun experience, watching horses and men doing their thing. She was intimidated at the start of the barrel racing because her horse was the smallest of any rider’s. However, as she watched, she began to see that size wasn’t the answer, agility was. Her little horse was fast on the takeoff and could turn on a dime. He could almost meet himself coming back, he was so quick. She heard someone make a remark about the city girl and how she would probably get tossed at the first barrel. We’ll just see who gets tossed and who doesn’t. I may be a city girl, but from what I’ve seen, I probably have more saddle time than anyone here.
     
    * * * *
     
    John saw her whisper in the horse’s ear and saw the horse bob his head as if he understood. As they streaked into the arena, she seemed to be part of the horse as she expertly shifted her weight into each turn. There was no bouncy, choppy riding, just a smooth flow from barrel to barrel, then the charge to the finish line. At no time did she pull leather or appear the least out of balance. She whirled and trotted back into the arena to stunned silence. The club had just witnessed a totally unexpected professional performance. John was first to cheer, followed by the other club members. I guess she proved that city girl doesn’t mean she can’t ride a horse. She looked mighty good in that saddle.
     
     
    * * * *
     
    After the rodeo crowd left, he began to clear the table and clean the kitchen. She pitched in to help and the job was soon done. As strange as it may seem, I actually enjoy helping him, it just seems right and natural. This is a different kind of man than I usually attracted in the past. I got so sick of the slick operators who expected me to fall into their beds or the macho types who tried to throw me into theirs. This guy might be worth getting to know. Heavens, I haven’t thought that way about a man in, since, well I don’t want to go there again. Once was more than enough.
    “Jenny, I have a surprise for you. The hot tub is up and running. It’ll feel good after the rodeo workout. I didn’t install the cover, but the heater is working fine. May be a little chilly out of the water, but there won’t be any mosquitoes to pester you. Hope you enjoy it.”
    “I would love to jump into it, but I don’t have a swim suit.”
    “It’ll be dark and no one else is around. You can wear shorts and tee-shirt, or whatever you have. Turn off the deck lights and no one will know the difference. Who cares anyway, it’s your house and hot tub—you should be able to use it as you want.”
    “That hot tub would feel wonderful.” Is this a setup? “Are you going to join me?” What does he have in mind?
    He looked at her for a moment. “Are you inviting me to join you?”
    “Since you’ve been such a thoughtful host, made my stay here so pleasant and helped me learn more about my family, please join me. I’m sure you’re tired from the rodeo also—the tub should feel good to you as well.”
    “Okay, see you on the deck in a few minutes.”
    In her quarters, doubt assailed her. What have I gotten myself into? I have nothing to wear and darned if I’m going to miss out on a good hot soak. Not going to get naked with a man I barely know, either. Guess I will wear bra and panties. As he said, it is dark so it shouldn’t matter. She found a robe, grabbed a towel, and headed for the deck.
     
    * * * *
     
    Dark, or not, when she dropped the robe, he got a good look at her. Wow, this is one nice looking woman. Fine legs and body to go with her