Wild About the Wrangler by Vicki Lewis Thompson Page A

a little choked up at that. “Thanks. You’re the only person who understands what . . . what a challenge this will be.”
    â€œI know.” Georgie’s eyes were moist, too. “But why ask Mac? I would teach you. Gladly.”
    â€œI know you would, and I considered asking you.” Anastasia met her gaze. “But face it, Georgie. You wouldn’t be tough enough on me.”
    â€œI would so!”
    â€œYou would not. You won’t even let me walk home without loaning me a jacket. You’re incredibly protective, and I love that you’re such a softie where I’m concerned, but I need someone who’ll push me to do things even when I don’t want to. He’s expecting me at Ed’s by six.”
    â€œIn the
morning
?”
    â€œYep, and I’ll be there. I tried to weasel out of going so early, but it’s the best time for him and for the horses. He stuck to his guns and I gave in.”
    Georgie laughed. “Well, I see your point. I would have worked around your normal sleep schedule. I’ve been doing that for years. Who knew you’d get up for a six a.m. riding lesson?”
    Anastasia grinned. “I didn’t—that’s for sure. But I really want to conquer my fear so I can eventually ride out and see the Ghost with my own two eyes.”
    â€œSo that’s what this is all about.”
    â€œI’ve felt like a fraud for months, knowing that I’ve never seen him in person, and now with the film crew arriving in three weeks . . . that fact will come out, I’ll bet. Even if I was lucky and it didn’t become an issue, I still want to fix this. So will you take me out to the barn?”
    â€œAbsolutely, if you’re sure you can handle it.”
    â€œI’m sure.”
    Georgie started across the yard. “Is this like a desensitizing exercise before the big day tomorrow?”
    â€œMore like a continuation of what I just did with Mac over at the stable.” She walked beside Georgie. “He suggested I go into the barn and sketch one of the horses.”
    â€œNow
that
is a great idea. Good for Mac. So how did it go?”
    â€œThat’s the other thing I need to talk to you about.”
    Georgie glanced at her. “If you’re going to tell me you have a crush on Mac, I already know that. You’ve had a crush from the first day you met him.”
    â€œIt’s not a crush, damn it. Well, maybe it was at first, but now he’s just a friend. A friend with a really nice body and a face I enjoy drawing. And good hair. I like his hair. But that doesn’t mean I have to go to bed with him.”
    â€œOf course you don’t
have
to.” Laughter simmered in Georgie’s voice. “But I have a feeling you want to.”
    â€œNo, I don’t, and I can’t allow myself to, either. That would interfere with everything—my concentration on my work, the easy friendship we have, and the riding lessons. He point-blank asked me about the crush because Ida—bless her heart—told him I was crushing on him. I told him I was interested in him for artistic reasons. He’s fun to draw.”
    Georgie’s laughter spilled out. “And what did he say to that?”
    â€œI think he bought it.”
    â€œIf he did, I have a bridge I want to sell him.”
    Anastasia groaned. “You think he was humoring me?”
    â€œNo, I didn’t mean it like that. He probably believes your explanation, but it’s only part of the story. You’re an artist, after all, and I’m sure he is fun to do—I mean,
draw.
” She started laughing again.
    â€œOh, for God’s sake. You and Ida make a good pair.”
    Georgie wrapped an arm around her and gave her a quick squeeze. “Okay, I’ll stop teasing you.”
    â€œThat’s good, because I seriously do need some advice on how to handle the situation. I don’t want it to get