Page 102 of Wrangled

“Yeah. Don’t worry.”

The trail continued to climb. “Just how high are we?”

“This trail climbs two thousand feet in about three miles.” He pointed ahead of us. “We’re almost there.”

When we reached Mirror Lake, I was blown away by the view. “This is beautiful.” I could see why it got its name. The lake nestled in a valley. The mountains in the distance, the line of trees surrounding it… all were reflected perfectly in its calm waters.

“This is the Lee Metcalfe wilderness area,” Robert told me.

“Who was he?”

“A Montana congressman. He’s dead now.” He came to a halt. “We’ll stop here.” He dismounted, using a tree stump, and once he’d led Rusty to the water’s edge for a drink, I dismounted too and followed suit. Lightning bowed his head and drank, and I stroked his neck.

I gazed at the lake, soaking in the tranquility. The sun was warm on my shoulders, and suddenly I wanted to feel it on my bare skin. I smiled. “What is it about nature that makes me horny?”

Robert laughed. “I get the feeling you’re always horny.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Something wrong with that?”

“Nope, I feel the same way.”

I grinned. “Then let’s go for a swim.”

He gaped. “It’ll be freezing in there.”

“So? It’ll get your blood flowing. Come on… Youcanswim, right?”

Robert rolled his eyes.

I decided actions spoke louder than words.

I tethered Lightning to the nearest tree, and began to strip, pausing when I noticed Robert hadn’t moved. “You know you want to,” I teased. “And I’ll give you an incentive. Swim with me, and after, I’ll let you come.”

His eyes widened. “You fight dirty.”

I laughed. “And you’re only learning this now?” I finished my strip tease, leaving my boots and clothing in a pile under a tree, and then launched myself into the water before I could change my mind. “Holy fuck, it’s cold.” I dipped my head below the surface, then stood, shaking the water from it. Robert was undressing—slowly—and I crooked my finger. “Come here. It’s not so bad once you get over that first shock.”

He edged into the water, and I took advantage of the moment to study him. He wasn’t lean—not that I minded the gentle swell of his belly—but it was obvious he worked out. His upper arms and thighs were muscular, his dick long and thick even when half-soft, pointing downward from its nest of unruly dark curls.

“You are one sexy man,” I murmured as he drew nearer. I looped my arms around his neck and we kissed, water up to our waists, the sun warm on my back and head. Then I released him and swam away toward the center of the lake, the temperature dropping. He followed, and I came to a stop, treading water. We kissed again.

“Christ, my nipples are like bullets,” he muttered, his teeth chattering.

Yeah, maybe it was a little too cold.

“Then let’s get out. We’ll be dry in no time.” Besides, I had plans for those bed rolls.

We swam to the shore, and as we approached it, I grabbed him. “Wait a second.” I reached around him, brushing my fingers through his crack.

His breathing hitched, and his gaze locked onto mine, but he didn’t say a word.

I leaned in and kissed him on the mouth. “Gotta make sure you’re nice and clean back there,” I murmured. A violent shiver coursed through him, and I had the impression it was nothing to do with the cold.

Then we clambered out, water beading on our bodies. I dripped my way to the horses, the ground firm beneath my feet, littered with pine needles that had long since faded to a warm brown. When I reached Lightning, I pointed to the cotton-covered rolls.

“So… wanna tell me why you brought these?”

Robert flushed. “I thought we might need them.”