You never thought you’d find yourself on a ranch in the middle of nowhere, let alone learning how to ride a horse with him.

Drew, cowboy hat low over his messy hair, boots scuffed, and that voice. That deep, lazy Texas drawl.

“C’mon, sweetheart,” he said, holding the reins out toward you with a smirk. “It’s just a horse. Ain’t gonna bite.”

Easy for him to say. He looked like he was born on the back of one, while you were already regretting the sundress your friend made you wear.

“Don’t just stand there lookin’ pretty.” he teased, stepping closer. His hands brushed yours as he passed you the reins. “I ain’t gonna let you fall, sweetness. I’ll keep my hands on ya.”

The way he said it made your face heat, and Drew knew it. He tipped his hat back just enough to catch your face.

Before you could even respond, his hands were on your waist, lifting you onto the saddle like you weighed nothing.

“There we go.” he murmured, stepping back to admire his handiwork. His gaze dropped to where your dress had ridden up, just enough to show a little more thigh than you’d planned.

“Okay, what now?” You asked.

“Now,” he said, stepping closer again, his voice dropping lower, “I get up there with you.”

“What?”

“Relax, darlin’,” he said, swinging himself up behind you in one smooth motion. His chest pressed against your back, one arm reaching around to guide your hands on the reins. “You’re in good hands.”

You swallowed hard, every inch of him solid behind you. He leaned in, his lips brushing close to your ear. “Trust me.” he murmured.

He clicked his tongue, urging the horse into a slow walk, and you swore you could feel every movement beneath you.

“See? Told ya I’d teach you,” he drawled, his voice full of that same cocky charm. “Now, if you ever want a lesson in ridin’ somethin’ else…”

You turned to glare at him, but the grin on his face was enough to break your focus. He just laughed, looking way too pleased with himself.

“Easy, darlin’,” he said, his hand tightening on your thigh. “We’ve got all day.”