“Do you know how to ride? Horses, that is.”

“That’s a negative, ma’am.”

“Well, I guess it’s time you learn.” She rubbed her hands together. “The ranch is fun to explore on horseback.”

“As grateful as I am that you sprung me from jail, I’m not interested in death by horse. Is there anything else I can do? Wash your car? Paint your nails? I’m building your wedding gazebo, don’t forget.” His internal temperature rose along with his panic. The thought of riding one of those huge beasts made his nausea revisit with full force.

“You were in the Army, right?” she asked.

Afraid of where this line of questioning was headed, he nodded.

“You jumped out of planes? Fast roped out of helicopters? Was shot at?”

“Affirmative.”

“But you’re afraid of riding a sweet, tame horse?” A smirk formed on her face.

“I didn’t say I was afraid.” Too late, he realized his assertion of fearlessness was tantamount to surrender. How would he get out of this situation with his male pride still intact? News flash, soldier—you’re not. Grace was on the offensive and showed no signs of surrender.

“Great! I’ll go change and meet you in the stables.” She smiled and took off toward the house, her spry legs moving quickly across the lawn.

He forced his gaze away and slowly walked to the stables. “I survived multiple tours in a war zone only to be ensnared by a bewitching siren and lured to my death on horseback,” he muttered to himself.