Elizabeth's POV

It was late afternoon in Texas ranch, and the sun was glowing brightly. I stepped out of my rental car, my brand-new riding boots crunching on the gravel. I was a complete city girl from Chicago, far more comfortable in heels and office meetings than boots and barns. But after a brutal year at my marketing job and a messy breakup, I’d booked this week-long ranch retreat on impulse. Private horseback riding lessons had sounded relaxing and adventurous. I had no idea how quickly things would heat up.

“Miss Elizabeth?”

The deep, gravelly voice sent an instant shiver down my spine. When I turned, my breath caught in...