Read Online Feels Like Home by Lisa Ireland - Free Book Online Page B

after his performance in Glasson’s yesterday she wasn’t about to let him off so easily. ‘What do you want, Ryan?’
    He removed his battered Akubra and ran his hand through his hair. ‘I’ve brought you something. A peace offering if you like.’
    She shook her head. ‘There’s no need. I’m fine with the way things are. Honestly, I think we should just stay away from each other as much as possible. You made your position very clear yesterday. There’s really no need for us to go over the same old ground again and again.’
    He looked down, seemingly addressing his next remark to his dirt-caked boots. ‘I’m sorry about that too. I had no right to speak to you the way I did yesterday. I behaved like an idiot.’ He turned his head towards the front of the property. ‘I wanted to do something to make it up to you.’
    She followed his gaze and saw two horses tied to the gatepost. ‘Horses? You brought me horses?’ Surely this was some kind of joke?
    â€˜Horse, singular. The mare is for you, the gelding’s mine.’
    â€˜Um, thanks for the thought, Ryan, but I don’t think the doorman in my building will approve of me taking a horse up in the elevator.’
    â€˜She’s not to keep, smarty-pants. She’s for you to ride while you’re here. I know how much you love to ride and I figured you might not get the chance to do it in New York.’
    â€˜Oh…’ Jo looked out at the beautiful bay mare, unsure of what to say. She had to admit it was a thoughtful gesture. Riding had been such a part of her life here, and Ryan was right, it was one of the things she badly missed when she was in New York. But if she accepted this offer she would be establishing a tie with Ryan, and she wasn’t sure that was wise.
    â€˜That’s very kind of you, but I really don’t think it’s a good idea.’
    â€˜Why?’
    Jo hesitated before answering. She knew what it would have taken for Ryan to swallow his pride and make this gesture. She didn’t want to seem ungracious. ‘I haven’t ridden for ages. Maybe I’ve forgotten how.’
    Ryan laughed. ‘Don’t be ridiculous. You’re one of the finest riders this district’s ever produced. You’re a natural, Jo. A few years out of the saddle’s not going to change that.’
    She smiled at the compliment. ‘Thanks, but I think you’re overestimating my abilities. And anyway, I can’t deprive you of one of your horses for weeks.’
    â€˜It’s no sacrifice, believe me. Pepper doesn’t get as much exercise as I’d like. She belongs to Bec, but she and Dan are away on holidays for a month, so poor old Pepper’s getting fat.’
    Jo’s throat constricted at the mention of Ryan’s brother and his wife. She and Bec had been close once. They’d even affectionately called each other ‘sis’, figuring that eventually they’d be actual sisters-in-law. These days she wasn’t exactly on Dan and Bec’s Christmas-card list. ‘Won’t Bec be peeved if she finds out you’ve leased her horse out…to me?’
    â€˜What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her. They’re in Queensland and won’t be back until after the wedding. Honestly Jo, you’d be doing me and Bec a favour.’ He moved away from the kitchen door and gestured for her to follow him down the verandah steps. ‘Just come and say hello, see if you like her. I reckon you two are a match made in heaven.’ He started striding towards the gate and Jo found herself following behind.
    â€˜Here she is. Isn’t she a beauty?’ Ryan gently tugged on Pepper’s bridle until she turned her head towards Jo.
    Jo reached out her hand and placed it on the young mare’s neck. ‘Hello, lovely.’ Pepper nuzzled her shoulder in appreciation and she couldn’t help but laugh.