“Squeeze your legs. Harder on the side you want to turn. Lean forward to go ahead, and squeeze both legs to slow down.”
“And if I dig my heels into your sides?” She gave an evil laugh.
Joel glanced back at her. “I’ll trot.”
Her eyes widened. “Sounds scary.”
He faced the door and waited for her first command. Of course, her leaning forward meant she pressed her chest hard against his back, which was a lovely start. He stepped in a straight line, which took them out the open door of the tack room.
“Whoa,” Vicki shouted, her arms around his neck tightening in a death grip.
He jerked to a halt an inch from the wall.
She slapped his shoulder. “Stupid horse. Don’t you know not to walk into immovable objects?”
“You didn’t tell me to stop,” he pointed out.
“Yeah, well, you said horses were smart. I didn’t think you’d do a face-plant into the wood.”
Joel shoved down his laughter. “Waiting.”
She squeezed, and he twisted to the left. Moved forward when she pressed to his back. Slowly at first, then with more confidence, she guided him through the barn. They went around the stalls, in and out of the various rooms.
Vicki had him back in the clear, facing down the hallway when she chuckled.
And dug in her heels.
“Oh, darling, you didn’t do that.”
She kicked lightly again, so he held onto her legs and took off, bouncing as he imitated a trot.
Vicki shrieked in delight and clutched him tighter, fingers digging into his shoulders. Her body rubbed his with every motion. She was laughing so hard he was worried she might fall off, but the grip of her thighs stayed solid throughout.
Joel went back for another pass of the hall when a deep voice boomed from beside them.
“I’m not even going to ask…”
Vicki sucked in a gasp, Joel twirled. His brother Blake stood in the doorway shaking his head.
Vicki tucked her face against Joel’s shoulder and laughed and laughed, her body quivering as he held her in position.
“Hi, Blake.” Joel jiggled Vicki. “Hey, come on down, and say hello.”
“No,” she whispered into his neck between gasps. “Oh my God, I don’t know which is worse. Last week your dad catching us necking, or this.”
Now he was laughing as well. “Vicki, dismount.”
Blake snorted, but otherwise held his tongue.
She released her death grip and lowered her legs, helpless giggles still escaping. “I’m so going to kill you,” she warned.
Joel pulled her against his side and took a deep breath, finally meeting Blake’s gaze. “You know Vicki? Vicki, this is my big brother Blake.”
Blake tipped his head. “Nice form, only you lose points on the dismount if the horse has to tell you to get off.”
Vicki snickered. “Good thing not many horses can talk, then.”
“Vicki will be joining us tomorrow for dinner,” Joel added. “You guys need us to swing by and help bring over anything?”
Blake examined Vicki, not so much a once-over to judge, but a curious glance of admiration. “That would be great. Between the food Jaxi’s got made, and the girls, extra hands are always welcome.”
“We’re going to make pies this afternoon,” Vicki announced. “You have any favourites?”
Approval lit his face. “Ma’s got pumpkin covered, and Jaxi’s made an apple, but if you know how to make pecan, I’d be sold.”
Vicki nodded, then surprised Joel to pieces by twisting to face him. Her head tilted to the side in this adorable way as she poked him lightly in the chest. “Hey, you never said what your favourite is. We should make one of them as well.”
“Strawberry rhubarb. Don’t think we can do that right now, but anything we make will be fine.”
“Deal.”
Her smile was real, and he slipped his fingers around hers without much planning, loving how her eyes brightened.
When they both turned back to face Blake, his big brother was eyeing them even more suspiciously.
“If you’re serious about helping, stop by around eleven. Ma likes us to show up in plenty of time to talk before we sit down and start stuffing ourselves.” Blake nodded at Vicki, winked at Joel. “I’ll see you later.”
He slipped out the door, and Vicki collapsed against Joel’s side, laughing again. “Oh God, your family will think I’m insane.”
“My family will think you fit in fine.” He adjusted her so he could lift her chin, their eyes making contact. “Well done on your lesson, by the way.”
“You are a fun guy.”
“Why, thank you.” Joel tilted his head toward the door. “You ready to teach me how to bake pies?”
It was a good thing she nodded and pulled him from the barn. The steady stream of conversation between them all the way out to where she’d parked her bike stopped him from hauling her against his body, face to face this time, for more physical contact.
He wanted to be rubbing them together in a way that was a whole lot less wholesome than a laughter-filled piggyback ride.
They’d get there. But for now, he had to make sure this didn’t go too far, too fast.
Chapter Eleven
Joel was too slow to get around in time to open the door for Vicki. She met him at the front of the truck, rubbing her palms against her thighs while she stared at the big old ranch house Blake and Jaxi lived in as if she were facing a firing squad.
“You okay?” he asked.
The crease between her eyes smoothed a little as she pasted on a smile. “Just wondering how this is going to go over. I’ve never been to a family meal that didn’t end with shouting or some kind of argument.”
Well, hell. “That sucks.”
She shrugged. “It’s life, but I’d hate to bring my special brand of joy into your world.”
“Oh no, don’t you go thinking my family is perfect. We fight plenty.” Joel held out his hand, and she slipped her fingers into his and clung on tight. “Six boys? You think there’s never been shouting at our table, you’re not thinking too hard.”
“Yeah, well…” She blew out a steady breath then lifted her pretty eyes to meet his. “Thanks. For everything. You like to live dangerously, and I appreciate it.”
“Hey, remember, you’re helping me as well,” Joel pointed out. “Come on, Blake and Jaxi will wonder what we’re doing in the yard.”
Her obvious fears made him more aware, though. They stepped into the house and were greeted by his brother and sister-in-law. Blake’s smile was a little tighter than the day before, and Jaxi was…not typical Jaxi.
Normally she was all welcoming and the perfect hostess. Now she stood quietly, waiting for Joel and Vicki to join them in the kitchen.
Screw it, his family would have to get used to this. There was no harm being done, and he’d have to make that extra clear.
“Hey, Jaxi, you know Vicki?”
The two women eyed each other like cats meeting on unfamiliar territory.
“Hi.” Jaxi nabbed one of the toddler girls racing under foot and settled the child on her hip. The wide expansive of her pregnant belly didn’t give a ton of room for the little one’s legs to wrap around. “Thanks for offering the extra arms. You can see we need them.”
Vicki nodded, sliding up to the table. “You’ve been busy.”
“I’ll say.” Joel chose to ignore the awkwardness and instead gave his approval to the load of food on the table. “Did you let anyone else cook this year?”
Jaxi pulled a face. “I went overboard a little, but whatever. You bottomless pits will have no problem finishing it.”
Joel picked up a cardboard box, smiling at Vicki. “I’ll take this to the truck. Back in a minute.”
She nodded, stepping out of his way.