As Abby approached the paint, she felt Gage’s big body behind her. “Need a hand?”

She smiled as she looked down at his cupped hands, stepped into them, and he hoisted her up into the saddle.

“Thanks.” But her smile disappeared as the pain in her thighs radiated into her bottom. And the day was only getting started.

* * *

Gage swung aboard his big bay gelding, caught the reins of Mateo’s sorrel, and set off up the trail to where his friend would be waiting.

Mateo was scouting ahead, as he always did on these trips. Gage trusted Kyle to know the area. The kid had been born in Apache Junction and had worked with his father since he was a boy. But Mateo had an uncanny ability to mesh with his surroundings, to understand the natural world in a way few men ever did.

Though Mateo had never been in the Superstitions, he had spent months in the deserts of other countries. On an archeological dig in Mexico, Gage had seen his skills. Mateo’s input was invaluable, especially here. The Superstitions were known for unexpected perils that could turn deadly for the unwary.

Gage turned in the saddle to survey his surroundings, the rocky ridges and deep ravines they were heading into. It was dangerous country, and the reason he rode behind Abby, where he could keep an eye on her and make sure she stayed safe.

He almost smiled. He hadn’t thought of the consequences of watching the shifting movement of her tiny waist above her sexy behind. For hours, he’d been half aroused when he needed to stay focused.

Gage sighed. Part of him regretted not sleeping with Abby when he’d had the chance. Another part worried it would only have made him want her more. Sooner or later, he intended to explore his feelings for her, but now was not the time.

As the trail grew steeper, then dropped into a low spot that dipped beneath an overhanging ledge, Gage forced his mind back where it belonged and spotted their destination, a granite depression filled with rainwater that had spilled down from the rocks above, washing the stones smooth over the years.

Kyle pulled his horse to a halt and dismounted. Gage swung down from the saddle, saw Abby do the same. Smiley led the mules a little closer to the water, swung down, and joined them as they led their thirsty animals to a place where they could drink their fill.

Mateo appeared out of the shadows and walked up beside him. “Dangerous country,” Mateo said, retrieving the reins to his horse. “Lots of snakes.”

“See any of the human variety?”

“No, but I saw plenty of human signs. We are not alone out here.”

“You think it could be the men from Denver?”

“I do not know. The two men who showed up at the ranch last night must have left early this morning.”

“Maybe they went hiking.”