To Tempt a Wilde by Kimberly Kaye Terry Read Free Book Online Page A

off her body, the thought of seeing something more exciting than horse poop all day had her agreeing, and she followed as he led her to a fenced-off area where several of the men were gathered.
    Leaning against the wood fencing, Althea found herself laughing out loud along with the others as one by one the men lined up against the corral took their turn at trying to break in the wild stallion, none managing to stay on for more than a few seconds before being bucked off.
    Mid-laugh her body suddenly tensed. That unwanted yet familiar feeling of being watched washed over her again, thistime sending a fresh wave of chill bumps to dance along her body.
    Althea turned, already knowing who was the one to cause her body to react on cue: Nate Wilde.
    Standing less than one hundred feet away, he stood there. Just watching her.
    His glance slid over her, starting at the top of her head, working its way down and over her body, the look so…electric Althea inhaled a swift breath.
    Sheresisted the urge to touch her hair, tuck the strands she knew were sticking out everywhere back into the ponytail she’d put it into in the morning. Her mouth grew dry, and her tongue came out to moisten her lips.
    His gaze followed the action, his look intense, even from a distance. The background laughter of the men around them faded into nothing; it was as though the two of them were alonetogether. He nodded his head in her direction and placed his Stetson on his head.
    The gesture was old-school, and although she knew he didn’t mean anything by it, there was something about it that just… did it for her.
    â€œNow we’ll see some action!”
    Althea broke eye contact with Nate, her heartbeat thumping hard in reaction to the silent, swift, but heated exchange.
    â€œIn what way?” she asked,forcing a smile to her lips.
    The foreman nodded his head in Nate’s direction. “Nate. Used to break broncos back in the day. Even didsome riding when he was younger. Taming a stallion ain’t nothing for him!”
    The surprise must have shown on her face as the foreman laughed.
    â€œRiding, as in bull riding?”
    â€œYep, did pretty damn good too,” he said. “Did it for a couple of years. Made a helluva lotof money, that’s for sure. Enough to help the boys expand the ranch. They all did what they had to do to see the Wyoming Wilde successful. They’re good men.” The last words were said in a gruff tone of voice, but the pride on the older man’s face was obvious.
    Althea turned with him and watched Nate’s long-legged stride take him toward the fenced-off corral where the last defeated cowboy enduredthe laughter from the others as he hopped over the fence, playing along good-naturedly with the ribbing he received.
    Folding her arms along the rails she watched his long stride take him toward the wild-eyed stallion, unaware of the look on her face, one that made a thoughtful smile cross the foreman’s face as she pressed her body closer to watch the action.

Chapter 7
    N ate ran a quick hand down the horse’s back and slapped it lightly on the butt. The horse lifted its head and neighed loudly, yet turned a docile nuzzle into Nate’s hand, accepting the food he’d withdrawn from his pocket.
    He turned around, facing the men who stood around clapping, nodding his head toward them. “And that, boys…is how you tame a horse.”
    He accepted the pats on theback and congratulations, and allowed one of his men to approach the newly tamed Appalachian and lead it away.
    He removed his Stetson and swiped a hand over his sweaty forehead while his eyes scanned over the small throng of men, seeking out Althea.
    He’d known she’d been watching him while he tamed the horse, and although for his own safety and from experience he knew his mind had to be on thehorse,he’d been just as aware of her dark gaze on him and caught himself fighting the urge to return her