Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 96312 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 482(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 96312 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 482(@200wpm)___ 385(@250wpm)___ 321(@300wpm)
“Happy to help,” Nate replied, patting the horse’s flank. “The guy’s hot as fuck. Besides, Ladybug here loves showing off for cameras. Don’t you, girl?” The massive horse nickered in response, nudging Nate’s shoulder affectionately.
The sound of tires on gravel announced Adrian’s arrival. I steeled myself, taking a deep breath as I stepped toward the barn door, but no matter how many times I saw him, the first glimpse always hit me like a sucker punch.
He emerged from his rental car looking like he’d stepped out of a luxury winter catalog—which, technically, he had. The Nordique charcoal wool peacoat fit his shoulders perfectly, and beneath it, he wore a forest green sweater that made his eyes look impossibly blue. A cream cashmere scarf was artfully arranged around his neck, and his cheeks were pink from the cold.
He’d styled his hair differently today—a little messier, a little more touchable. I wondered if he was trying to look more “authentic” for the rural setting or if he’d simply woken up late.
Maya had dropped me off earlier and taken my truck, which meant I’d be riding back with Adrian. I needed to get this ridiculous lust reaction under control before the two of us were alone on the long drive back to town.
“Morning,” Adrian called, his breath visible in the crisp air. “Sorry I’m late. Got lost twice trying to find this place.” His gaze moved past me to Nate, and something flashed in his eyes before his professional smile clicked into place. “You must be Nate. Thanks for doing this. Everyone’s said great things about you.”
Nate stepped forward, extending a hand. “Nate Lewis. Sleigh ride expert and, apparently, video date for hire.” He shook Adrian’s hand, holding it perhaps a second longer than necessary. “Been following your recent posts. Pretty impressive stuff.”
Adrian’s camera smile warmed and morphed into his genuine one. “Thanks. Maddox deserves the credit. He’s definitely leveled up my content.”
Nate’s eyes flicked between us, a knowing expression on his face. “Yeah, I can see that. Chemistry like yours doesn’t come along too often. And Maddox is no slouch in the kissing department, is he?”
Adrian’s eyes widened, and he shot me a questioning look I didn’t totally understand.
He couldn’t be surprised Nate knew about our mistletoe kiss since the whole world had seen it by now. So was he surprised Nate and I had hooked up? Was he as irrationally pissed off at the idea as I’d been, imagining him with Nate?
I shouldn’t have been so excited about this possibility.
I quickly looked away and cleared my throat. “We should get started. Daylight’s best right now, and the forecast mentioned a chance of snow again later.”
“Sure thing,” Nate agreed easily. “Let me introduce you to the girls, Adrian.” He led us toward where two magnificent Clydesdales stood waiting, already harnessed to a beautifully restored wooden sleigh. “This is Ladybug and June.”
“They’re gorgeous,” Adrian said, approaching slowly with his hand extended. I could tell he was trying his best to be polite, but it was taking an effort. Was he scared of horses? If so, why hadn’t he said something?
Nate nodded approvingly at his caution. “They’re gentle giants, but it’s always smart to respect their space. Here, like this—” He demonstrated the proper way to approach, and Adrian followed his lead, soon stroking Ladybug’s nose while the horse leaned into his touch.
“She likes you.” Nate’s expression warmed as he watched Adrian interact with his “girl.”
“Beginner’s luck,” Adrian replied with a smile that seemed forced. “I didn’t grow up around animals, but I’ve always been intrigued by horses.”
“You’ve got a natural touch,” Nate approved, adjusting June’s harness. “Most city folks are either too hesitant or too grabby. You’ve got the balance just right.”
Something twisted in my gut as I watched them chat, Nate offering interesting facts while Adrian began to relax and ask genuinely curious questions. They looked good together—both attractive men with easy charm and natural confidence. The sleigh ride date we’d planned suddenly seemed too romantic, too intimate for comfort.
And I realized I should have been filming all this friendly getting-to-know-you… but I couldn’t force myself to turn the camera on.
Would the internet be calling for #TeamNatrian tomorrow? Would Nate be “filling in” for Adrian’s next canceled date? Would the Legacy matchmakers turn their attention on someone else?
That would be a good thing, of course. Exactly what I’d wanted from the start. So why did my hands suddenly feel like lead weights?
“The sleigh is beautiful,” Adrian commented, running his hand over the polished wood. “Is there a story behind it?”
“My grandfather built it,” Nate explained with obvious pride. “I restored it myself a few years back. Each winter, we offer rides through the countryside. Best way to see Legacy in the snow.”
“Well, I’m excited to give it a try,” Adrian said. He shot me a quick glance like he’d forgotten I was there. “Maddox, you ready? Got the camera?”