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Ryder led Delilah, a majestic chestnut mare, into the round pen. The soft padding of her hooves against the dry ground kicked up a cloud of dust as she settled in. The diesel rumble of a truck echoed through the quiet evening, drawing Ryder’s attention. With practiced ease, he unclipped the lead rope and closed the gate before strolling around the barn to greet his unexpected visitors.
“Evenin’, ladies,” Ryder drawled in his smooth Southern accent as he rounded the corner, a mischievous grin playing at the corners of his lips.
Bella Rose and Isobel turned towards him, both wearing expressions of surprise. Their gazes landed on Ryder, taking in his rugged charm and easy confidence. He was dressed in well-worn Wranglers and a simple tee, his dark hazel eyes sparkling with warmth and familiarity as he leaned casually against the barn.
“Hey, Ryder,” Bella Rose chirped in her bubbly tone. “How’s Delilah doin’?”
“Been a bit of a rollercoaster, but she’s comin’ ’round. Just needs to trust me more,” Ryder replied, his voice carrying the deep love he held for his horse.
Isobel couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly Ryder seemed to handle Delilah, their bond evident even from a distance. Her gaze lingered on him for a moment before quickly redirecting to the ground, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.
Returning his attention to Bella Rose, Ryder continued, “Gonna work on desensitizin’ her to loud noises. Plastic bags, whips, even guns if needed.”
Bella Rose nodded eagerly, her eyes dancing with excitement. “Can’t wait to see it.”
Ryder beckoned for them to follow, his steps fluid and assured as he led the way to the round pen where Delilah awaited her training session. As they rounded the corner of the barn, Isobel and Bella Rose’s eyes widened in awe at the first glimpse of Ryder’s home, nestled amidst a lush grove of trees.
The sight was breathtaking. A sprawling log house with a wraparound porch greeted them, adorned with whiskey barrel planters bursting with vibrant blooms. The scent of wildflowers and fresh pine filled the air, adding to the idyllic setting. Isobel couldn’t help but admire the rustic charm and attention to detail in every aspect of the property.
Noticing their amazement, Ryder chuckled to himself before continuing towards the round pen. Bella Rose nudged Isobel excitedly, and they found a spot on a nearby picnic table, their eyes fixed on Ryder and Delilah.
Isobel’s thoughts wandered back to her upbringing in the city, where everything seemed within reach thanks to her father’s successful law firm. She had dated boys from similar backgrounds but never felt a true connection. Even Sabastian, whom she thought was perfect in college, didn’t quite fit.
The idea of dating a cowboy seemed absurd to her at first, even as she watched Ryder’s expertise with Delilah. But as she observed his rugged yet gentle manner with the horse, a new appreciation and fascination began to stir within her. She shook off the unfamiliar notions, allowing herself to fully appreciate the beauty of the moment, but Ryder’s magnetic presence continued to tug at her thoughts, leaving her wondering about possibilities she never thought she would consider.
As Ryder eased into his work with Delilah, his attention kept drifting to the picnic table where Isobel and Bella Rose sat. The splintered wood of the table creaked under their weight as they watched him, their eyes following his every movement with a mix of curiosity and interest.
He focused on the task at hand, sending Delilah off with a mere gesture of his hand. The horse obeyed dutifully, her sleek body gliding across the ground in perfect harmony with Ryder’s unspoken commands.
Isobel and Bella Rose observed in awed silence, completely mesmerized by Ryder’s seamless handling of Delilah. Every cue he gave was met with an immediate response from the magnificent animal, a testament to their deep bond built on trust and understanding.
After a series of graceful maneuvers, Ryder approached Delilah, his touch gentle and reverent as he stroked her neck. Walking her towards the fence where Isobel and Bella Rose sat, Ryder couldn’t hide the pride shining in his smile at Delilah’s progress.
Bella Rose hopped off the table, her excitement bubbling over as she met Ryder at the fence with an enthusiastic grin. “She’s doin’ amazing.”
Ryder nodded, still running his hand along Delilah’s mane. “She’s got a good head on her shoulders. Once she realized I wasn’t out to harm her, she started trustin’ me more.”
Bella Rose leaned through the fence to pat Delilah’s jaw. “You’re gonna be a star, girl.”
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Ryder chuckled, his Southern charm evident in his voice as he addressed Bella Rose. “Apologies, ma’am. It’s just a habit from growin’ up.”
Bella Rose playfully rolled her eyes. “Well, it makes me feel like I need a cane.”
Ryder’s smile widened. “Just a sign of respect, ma’am.”
Bella Rose shot him a teasing look before redirecting her attention to the approaching sound of Wren’s truck. “Who’s this Wren?”
“A good friend,” Ryder replied, his focus returning to Delilah as he carefully combed through her mane.
As Wren appeared, tipping his hat in traditional Southern style, Bella Rose couldn’t resist teasing Isobel. Isobel rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the small smile tugging at her lips as she watched the playful banter unfold.
Wren’s sharp gaze swept from one face to another, a hint of confusion wrinkling his brow as he took in the scene before him. His eyes flickered with curiosity and amusement as he observed Ryder leading Delilah back to the center of the pen with a gentle hand on her neck.
“Did I miss somethin’ here?” Wren asked, his deep voice carrying a playful tone.
Ryder chuckled, his easy smile spreading across his rugged features. He patted Delilah’s neck before turning to Wren. “Yep, you sure did, buddy.”
Wren turned his attention to Bella Rose, the corners of his lips quirking up into an irresistible grin. “Well, hello there. I’m Wren.” He extended his hand towards her in a friendly gesture.
Bella Rose met his hand with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Bella Rose, but you can just call me Rose,” she replied, adding a subtle flutter of her lashes for effect.
Wren held onto her hand a moment longer than necessary, their fingers interlaced in a lingering handshake, before turning to Isobel. “And hello to you too,” he greeted warmly, shaking her hand.
“Hi, Wren. I’m Isobel,” Isobel responded with a warm smile that lit up her whole face.
Wren leaned casually against the wooden fence, positioning himself close to Bella Rose and allowing their elbows to brush lightly. On the other side of Bella Rose, Isobel stood tall and graceful, her attention shifting between Wren and Ryder.
“So, what’s ole Ryder up to today?” Wren inquired, nodding towards the round pen where Ryder was working with Bella Rose’s horse.
“Workin’ with Bella Rose’s horse,” Isobel answered as she gracefully slid off the table and joined them at the pen.
As Ryder guided Delilah through another set of maneuvers with practiced ease, the trio fell into a comfortable silence. The rhythmic sound of hooves hitting the soft dirt filled the tranquil evening air, adding to the serene atmosphere of the ranch.
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Wren and Bella Rose lingered in conversation just beyond the barn’s open doors, their voices carrying snippets of animated chatter that echoed off the rustic walls. Isobel stood in the cool shadows of the barn, her eyes fixed on Ryder as he guided Delilah, a chestnut mare, into her stall. The scent of hay and horse sweat wafted through the air, enveloping Isobel in a familiar comfort.
Her gaze unintentionally drifted downward, briefly catching the well-worn denim of Ryder’s jeans before he disappeared into the stall. A soft chuckle escaped Ryder’s lips, a silent acknowledgment of Isobel’s inadvertent gaze.
When Ryder emerged from the stall, Isobel joined him and the others outside. The golden rays of the setting sun cast an ethereal glow over the yard, illuminating each detail of the scene. “So, Isobel, do you ride?” Ryder’s question broke the casual evening air.
Isobel shook her head. “Not really, no.”
Ryder’s disappointment was subtle, but he pressed on. “Do y’all enjoy rodeos?”
Isobel gestured towards Bella Rose. “Rose here’s a barrel racer.”
Wren’s eyes lit up with interest. “Barrel racing! Where do you compete? Tell us all about it.”
As Wren and Bella Rose delved into rodeo talk, Ryder motioned for Isobel to follow him. They strolled across the yard to a swing beneath a majestic weeping willow tree. The graceful branches swayed gently in the breeze, providing a peaceful backdrop for their conversation.
Isobel settled onto the swing, maintaining a polite distance from Ryder. “You have a beautiful place here, Ryder.”
“Thank you,” Ryder replied with a smile, his gaze sweeping over the sprawling landscape that surrounded them. The fields stretched out before them like a patchwork quilt, dotted with grazing cattle and bales of hay. It was truly a picture-perfect evening on the ranch.
The conversation fell into an uneasy lull until Ryder broke it, his voice smooth and deep. “So, Isobel, what do you do?”
“I’m an art teacher at Gordon County,” Isobel answered warmly, her passion for her job evident in her tone. “I love it.”
Ryder nodded, a faint smile playing on his lips. “Sounds like a rewarding job.” His eyes wandered to the ranch behind them before returning to Isobel. “Do you just train horses?” he asked, curiosity evident in his tone.
Isobel’s interest was piqued, and she leaned forward slightly. “What else do you do beyond the ranch?”
A soft expression crossed Ryder’s face as he replied, “Just a hobby when I’m not ridin’.”
“Ridin’?” Isobel repeated, her curiosity growing.
“I’m a bull rider,” Ryder revealed with a mix of pride and hesitation, watching for her reaction.
Isobel’s eyes widened in surprise. “That’s... intense.”
Ryder’s smile faded momentarily as memories flooded back. “It can be.”
Sensing she had touched on a sensitive topic, Isobel quickly shifted the conversation. “So, tonight... dancing?”
Wren and Bella Rose appeared from around the corner, their excitement palpable. “How’s that sound to you, Isobel?” Ryder asked, his tone warm and inviting.
Isobel glanced at Bella Rose, who was practically beaming with anticipation. She couldn’t resist her friend’s infectious energy. “Well, can’t turn down a night of dancin’, can we?” she chuckled.
Bella Rose jumped up excitedly. “Let’s get ready then!”
Ryder stepped forward, offering Isobel a hand up from the swing. Their eyes met for a moment, and a shared moment of lightheartedness passed between them before they both stood up. Isobel stumbled slightly, her hand landing against Ryder’s chest before she regained her footing. Mortified, she straightened up, but Ryder’s gentle grip on her arms steadied her.
“I’ll see y’all tonight,” Ryder said with a charming smile, tipping his hat to Isobel.
Isobel couldn’t help but return the smile. “Can’t wait.” She watched as he strolled away, his confident stride and easy demeanor leaving her slightly breathless.