Read Online Thunder Canyon Homecoming by Brenda Harlen - Free Book Online

on the back of the horse than she had at any time during her two lessons. She had a moment of panic when they headed away from the barn, but Jax wasso strong and steady beneath her that it was gone as quickly as it had come.
    Lucifer wasn’t nearly as complacent, and though Corey didn’t have any trouble controlling the spirited stallion, it was obvious that the animal was eager to run. His feet danced impatiently and he tossed his head excitedly, but Corey held him in check and continued to keep pace with Erin and Jax.
    When they broke through a stand of trees to yet another open field, Erin said, “Why don’t you let him run?”
    Corey looked over his shoulder. “I don’t want to leave you.”
    â€œWell, I would appreciate it if you came back.”
    He grinned at her dry tone. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”
    â€œI’m sure,” she said. “And I’m guessing that you crave the speed as much as he does.”
    He didn’t deny it. “We’ll be back.”
    She knew they would. And truthfully, she didn’t mind letting them go. In fact, it was a pleasure to watch them streak across the fields. Horse and rider—two beautiful beings—so closely attuned to one another they moved as if they were one entity. As they raced off into the distance, Erin sighed.
    What was she doing? She had no business being here with this man, no reason to think that getting involved with him could end up in anything but heartache. He was from Texas, she was from California, and it was only a coincidence that their paths happened to cross in Montana. She didn’t even know how long he planned to stay in Thunder Canyon—or even how long she did.
    But why couldn’t she enjoy his company so long as he was here? For once in her life, why couldn’t she be impulsive and irresponsible and just let things happen?
    She heard them returning before she saw them. The thunderous pounding of the stallion’s hooves in the distance made her turn just as they plunged through a copse of towering pines. The horse raced ahead, wild and reckless, and the man on its back looked every bit as dangerous. But it wasn’t fear that made Erin’s heart pound in her chest—it was excitement. Anticipation. Lust.
    She wanted him. It was ridiculous to continue to deny it. It was also ridiculous to imagine that she could ever have him for anything more than a very hot, very short-term fling.
    And what would be so wrong about that? her clamoring hormones demanded to know.
    As he drew nearer, her heart pounded even harder.
    What would be wrong, she reminded herself sternly, was that she didn’t even know the man. Aside from the fact that he was Dillon’s brother, she knew almost nothing about him. And she wasn’t in the habit of falling into bed with men she didn’t know.
    Corey reined in the horse, reducing his pace to a canter, then a trot and finally slowing him to a walk as they approached Erin and Jax. She turned her mount around and began to head back, but she was less successful in redirecting her thoughts.
    â€œYou both look as if you enjoyed that,” Erin said.
    â€œI don’t think there’s anything I love more than exploring the great outdoors on horseback.”
    â€œThis is beautiful country,” she agreed.
    â€œThe prettiest in the whole world, apart from Texas, of course.”
    â€œOf course,” she agreed drily.
    He grinned. “Although I hear the West Coast has some good stuff, too. Like California girls.”
    â€œAre you going to break into song now?”
    â€œI only ever sing in the shower,” he told her, “so if you want to be serenaded—”
    â€œNot necessary,” she assured him.
    Corey chuckled.
    â€œSo what did you think?” he asked a few minutes later. “Not just of the ranch, but the ride.”
    â€œI think I could learn to like this,” she admitted.
    â€œI knew