“I have to go.” His voice was soft, almost apologetic, and his gaze was heated. “But I have a break in my schedule at about one. How about you make a point of being at my barn then and we’ll see what kind of trouble we can get into?”
And then he graced me with his real smile, the one that lit his blue eyes and made my breath catch. I’d do whatever he wanted when he gave me that smile and I think he knew it.
I nodded fast. “I’ll see you then.”
Anticipation swirled in my gut as I hopped out of the Jeep and headed straight for the barn door. I was so focused on getting inside and finding Hawk that I didn’t notice Bodhi until he practically stepped into my path. I pulled up short, rocking back on my heels, and gave him an apologetic grimace.
“Sorry,” I said, stepping back so I could see him properly. I was tall, but Bodhi had at least a few inches on me.
Bodhi waved that off. “Can I get your help with something?”
I blinked and I didn’t think I did a good job covering my shock. Bodhi and I had interacted over the past couple of months, but not a lot and never for more than a quick conversation. He was staring at me, waiting for an answer, as I tried to get my brain to redirect.
“I’d be happy to help,” I said quickly, recognizing that the fact he was asking was a big deal. “But your brother is expecting me.”
He cocked his head, studying me for a second, and then without a word spun on his heel in that tight fashion military personnel were so good at. Since he walked into the barn instead of away from it, I got the impression he wanted me to follow. If he didn’t, I was sure I would hear about it.
Hawk was in the indoor arena, hat on backward and looking like a snack, working with Greta, one of his rescues he’d had since the spring. He’d told me all about the condition he’d found her in and how scared and wary she’d been. Clearly this mare had come a long way because he was riding her in tight circles, the reins slack against her neck.
Bodhi let out a whistle that had both horse and rider jerking their heads toward us. The mare gave a little hop, lifting her front feet a few inches off the ground and her ears went back tight against her head. Bodhi froze, so did I. Even with the distance, I recognized Hawk’s glare. But his body stayed relaxed, and after a moment or two, the horse let some of her tension go too.
Bodhi pointed at me not saying a word. When Hawk made a shooing motion, then pointed toward the stairs that led to his office, I realized they were communicating without words. Probably better than yelling around a somewhat skittish mare. Bodhi motioned for me to follow him, so once again, I trailed along behind him as he led the way.
We settled in the office, Bodhi behind the desk and me on the couch. I stared at him and he stared back. There was this weird sort of tension in the air that I didn’t know how to break. I mean, I did and if this had been a regular business meeting from back when I helped run Omicron, it wouldn’t be a problem. But I was walking a fine line here, not wanting to get Hawk’s brother’s back up. I decided it was better to wait him out.
Eventually, he cleared his throat. “You’re a business guy.”
I smirked. It wasn’t a question, but I answered it anyway. “I have a degree in finance and business management, yes. And I was the chief financial officer of a tech company for quite a number of years. If that’s what you mean.”
He scowled. “Obviously.”
Man, he was prickly. Maybe it ran in the Harrington family? The moment the thought entered my brain, I dismissed it. Most of the Harringtons were lovely, open, friendly people. Maybe it was justmethat had that effect on select Harringtons.
“How can I help you, Bodhi?”
He shifted in the chair, and that fast, I understood what was going on. He wasn’t prickly because of me so much as having to ask for help in the first place. I tried for a kind smile instead of my shark one, and that seemed to ease some of Bodhi’s unease.
He turned his attention to the computer, tapped at a few keys, then rotated the monitor so it faced out. I was too far away to see it properly so I stood, crossed the space, and snagged Gemma’s chair to pull it over. It took only a second for me to realize what I was seeing.
“You’re starting a business,” I mentioned, gaze roving over the screen. It was an attempt at a comprehensive business plan and proposal.
“Yes.” He went silent for a minute. “Would you be willing to look this over? See if I missed anything or make suggestions tomake it stronger? I have a meeting with the loan officer at the end of the week.”
Instead of studying the screen, I sat back and gave him my full attention. “I’d be more than happy to help. First, tell me about the business.”
It took him a second, and he definitely gave me a wary eye as though he wasn’t sure if I was being serious. Again, I waited him out. After another beat or two, he straightened and launched into his pitch.
“Yellow Ribbon Horse Retreat will be a place where new and accomplished horse owners can come learn and improve skills, correct bad habits, and generally bond with their horse. The stables will hold up to twenty-five horses and the occupancy of the inn can handle double that. The retreat will be structured with plenty of classes and lectures, as well as play time for horse and rider. Meals will be provided. Essentially, it’s an all inclusive stay for a week at a time, structured specifically for certain areas where horse and rider may need work.”
I stared him down. “Now tell me in your own words.”
The scowl he shot my way was epic, and it took everything in me not to grin. But I was well practiced at being on the receiving end of a Harrington scowl. He held out longer than I thought he would, but he broke with a sigh.
“Yeah, fine.” Bodhi took a breath and let it out slowly. “I realized when I got back on the ranch that my muscle memory only went so far. Yeah, I could still ride a horse as easy as breathing. But my skills were rusty. And I thought about so many people who get bad advice or work with a trainer who uses outdated methods. I thought about riders and horses who have some sort of trauma or injury and have to work to gain back skills and confidence. It occurred to me that having a place to bring your horse, somewhere secluded and quiet, with skilled trainers to help you and the horse learn, was needed. There aresome places out there. I found them doing research. This is my version.”
I nodded, absolutely loving the idea. It was exactly what people like me needed. And, as he said, those riders who needed help with growing skills, confidence, and bonds. I was ready to fund the project myself.
“Tell me the plan.”
