Page 21

Brielle wasn’t going to last as long as she thought she would. If it wasn’t Shane, she’d find someone else. The Callahans weren’t made to grow up lonely.

Perhaps that was why Grace was suddenly finding herself infatuated with Mr. Scott. If that were the case, it would be an easy fix. She just needed to go on a date with someone.

Grace knocked on the door again, but this time she quietly opened it and poked her head inside. “Shane? Can I ask you something?”

He motioned for her to come in and placed the paperwork he had in his hand on the desk. “What can I help you with?”

“Riley—Mr. Scott would like to postpone the remainder of our session today to later. He’d like to take the horses out to see the sunset.”

If Shane was surprised, he didn’t show it. He studied her for a split second and gave her a short nod. “If you are able to fit that into your schedule, I see no problem with it. We have several great locations on the property that aren’t very far at all. Just make sure to tell one of the ranch hands that you’ll be going out so they can wait for you. I don’t want you to get lost in the dark on the way back.”

She nodded. “Thanks. Does it matter who?”

He waved her off. “Just whoever has the evening shift is fine.”

Smiling, she pulled the door closed behind her. Riley would be so excited. A thrill erupted within her. She was going to see the sunset with Riley.

It wasn’t a date.

The little voice demanded to be heard.

This is just part of your session. Not a date.

Sheknewthat.

Okay, maybe she needed to find a real date so she could get this guy out of her head and stop feeling these wayward emotions.

Still, her heart skipped like a little girl coming home from her first day of school. The excitement was still there, however misguided it was.

“Good news,” she called before she was even close, “Shane signed off on it. Sunset is around six-forty this time of year so we’re going to need to have the horses saddled and ready to go no later than six-fifteen. Otherwise, it will be lost behind the mountains by the time we get to the lookout.”

She arrived at the corral, breathless and rested her folded arms over the top bar. Riley’s smile was even better than it had been in her head, and she couldn’t help but feel like she’d been the sole reason it was there. She’d made his day and it had taken barely any effort.

Grace jerked her head toward Maple. “How about you bring her back to the barn, and I’ll make sure everything is set for later tonight?”

He nodded and strode over to the horse. Grace felt lighter somehow. It was in her steps. Or maybe it was the way her heart felt like it had been let out of its cage. She could breathe easier now.

The barn lights were still on and only one ranch hand was working. She couldn’t remember his name, but he was about her age. He glanced up when she entered and a smile split his face. “Grace. How are you doin’ this afternoon?”

“Wonderful, how about you?”

“Oh, you know, stayin’ busy.” His focus shifted over her shoulder. “Where’s your ward?”

She followed his gaze. “Oh, Riley’s on his way. He’s getting Maple. She’s been exercised today.” Swinging her eyes back to the young man in front of her, a thought popped into her head. Maybe he could be the one that helped keep her mind off Riley. Her face flushed warm and she offered him a small smile. “I’m so sorry, but I’ve forgotten your name.”

He didn’t even hesitate. “Don’t worry about that. I’m still new.” He wiped his hand on his coveralls and then held it out to her. “Sonny.”

She shook his hand. It was warm and strong. Just the kind of handshake that she would have expected from someone who worked for Shane. But she didn’t feel the spark she had felt when she’d placed her hand on Riley’s arm.

Grace dropped her hand and pushed it into her pocket. “Do you by chance know who’ll be working tonight around seven?”

Sonny nodded. “That’ll be me. Why, do you need something?”

“I’m taking Riley out on a ride to see the sunset. Shane wanted me to let someone know in case we get lost.”

A wry smile crossed Sonny’s face. “I think Shane underestimates you.”

She blushed once more. “That’s sweet of you, but I think it’s more for Riley’s safety, not mine.”