The Front Runner (Gold Rush Ranch, #3)

by Elsie Silver

I don’t love Dr. Mira Thorne. I barely even know her. I’m just fascinated though—inexplicably drawn to her. And I’m too damn accustomed to getting what I want to let it go.

“He needs a name. It’s important he has a name.” “Why?” Her voice is quizzical as she steps in and holds the stethoscope over the nameless colt’s ribs. “Because he’s going to make it. A name ties him to this world. It gives him an identity. Means we recognize his existence.”

I’d rather prove to her I’m not the bad guy she thinks I am. And why does what she thinks of you matter? That’s the real question, isn’t it?

I don’t love easily, but when I do it’s fiercely.

Because I’m a greedy bastard who liked feeling taken care of.

“Good. Because I want to make myself abundantly clear.” We’re so close. I can feel the entire length of his body covering mine. He teases me with the lightest brush of his lips against my ear as he drops his voice and holds me captive. “You are not the pawn, Mira. You are the prize.”

I don’t want to tame her; I just want a front-row seat to watch her win the race.

“Absolutely nothing about the way I feel for you is a joke. And I’ll keep telling you that until you believe me.”

“I’m just very, very patient. I know what I want, and I’m willing to wait for it. I don’t mind biding my time until you catch up.”

“You have beautiful hands. Almost as beautiful as your mind and heart. Sometimes I find myself staring at them while you work, so elegant and strong all at once. Hands that heal. Hands that save lives.” His voice drops. “Hands that belong in mine.”