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“You’re smart, and they were idiots,” I grumbled.

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” she replied. “But I was always kind of a nerd, even in high school. I was in band playing the flute instead of being a cheerleader in the popular crowd. I did a lot of volunteer work with my parents, which isn’t exactly exciting. But I’m okay with who I am. I probably wished I fit in better in high school, but as a grown up, I was good with being a little boring because I liked my life. I like helping people when I can. I found good friends that accepted me and had common interests.”

“You’re perfect the way you are,” I told her. “I wasn’t part of the popular crowd in high school, either. I played some sports, but I was more into music. There’s nothing wrong with being who you are, Reese. I guess you already have that figured out. For what it’s worth, I think you’re exciting and unique.”

I wasn’t lying.

For some reason, Reese fascinated the hell out of me.

I wasn’t used to women wanting nothing from me and doing nice things for me.

They certainly wouldn’t think I was doing them a huge favor by letting them use my gym or teaching them to ride a horse.

“I’m definitely going to take that as a compliment,” she said lightly. “Especially since that comment is coming from a gorgeous, extremely accomplished billionaire. Maybe there’s still hope that I’ll find a decent guy who thinks the same thing someday.”

There were plenty of men who’d like to find a beautiful, intelligent, caring woman like Reese. She’d just been unlucky enough to end up with the dimwits.

For some damn reason I didn’t really care for the thought of Reese finding that guy.

It was a stupid thing to think since I was starting to like her, but there was a part of me that rejected the idea of seeing her with a love interest.

I shook off that feeling.

I probably just felt that way because I was attracted to her physically.

“We should head back toward the barn,” I said abruptly. “It will take us a while to get back, and I think you’ve had enough for one day.”

She tried to hide her disappointment, but I saw it, and I fucking hated it.

“You’ll thank me later when you’re not limping around from being in a saddle for too long,” I added in a more playful tone. “We can take a short ride whenever you’re here to use the gym. We’ll have a little daylight on some days after work now that spring is here. On Saturdays, we can explore the area on horseback so you’re familiar with some of the trails.”

“When do you think I’ll be ready to ride alone?” she asked.

Fuck!I really didn’t like that thought.

“Not for a while,” I said noncommittally. “I need to make sure you know exactly what to do if something weird happens. Luna is pretty solid, steady, and well-trained, but anything can happen out here. You’re stuck with me until you’re comfortable with anything that could pop up.”

“I’m happy to have company and someone to teach me,” she said thoughtfully. “I just don’t want to take up all of your free time.”

Hell, that was part of my plan, right? I wanted to spend time with her to get her to trust me.

“Not a problem,” I said. “If I get home early enough, I try to get a short ride in anyway, and I’ll actually get a decent dinner if you’re here.”

She let out a genuine laugh, and the sound made my gut ache.

Christ!I really needed to get my attraction to her under control.

I was on a mission to get the truth out of her, and that was my only objective.

The problem was that I wasn’t sure that was theonlyreason I’d agreed to spend more time with her anymore.

I hadn’t planned on actually enjoying the time I spent with her, and I was going to have to keep reminding myself that once I was satisfied with the information she gave me, that time spent with her would end abruptly.

I fucking ignored my gut and my dick this time when they both rebelled.

I was going to get this shit under control and listen to my reasonable brain from now on.

Reese