“I’d just feel better. I’m his best friend, and next to Cole, he’s mine, too.”
“Then you need to stay.” The unwelcome tightness in his chest was information he’d rather not receive. He was jealous of both her brother and her horse. How messed up was that?
“Thanks for understanding.”
“I could keep you company.”
She laughed. “There are so many ways that could go wrong.”
“Or right. Ever done it in a barn?”
“No, and I’m certainly not starting with this one.” She glanced over at him. “Have you?”
“No, ma’am.”
“The way you asked the question, I assumed you were into it.”
“I could be with the right person.”
“I could be with the right barn.”
“Smarty pants. Sure you don’t want me to stay? We’d be discreet.”
“Sorry. Wrong barn. And since we’re almost there, we should talk about something else.”
“If you stay here, what about your dinner?”
“I have plenty to eat in my trailer.”
“That reminds me, will you show me the inside some time? Not now, but while you’re here.”
“Sure. In the daylight, with the door wide open.”
He slapped a hand against his chest. “You wound me, dear lady. I would never?—”
“And we need a new topic. Don’t worry about me feeding myself. I’ve been doing it for years.”
“Your parents didn’t cook?”
“I guess you could call it that. Cole and I got so tired of feeling like a burden. Once he had a fast-food job, he moved out and rented a room. When I made enough to pay my share, we found a cheap apartment. Life was way better after that.”
He was getting the picture and it wasn’t a pretty one. She’d learned not to impose on anyone, not even her brother. Those two had likely split chores and money with absolute precision.
As they reached the barn he paused and waited for her to go in ahead of him. Then he stepped through the open door into cool shade.
When Jordan entered Fudge’s stall, Monty rose from the upended bucket he’d used for a stool. He’d already packed up his med kit. Fudge lay on his side, eyes closed, his beathing steady.
He waited outside the stall as they talked in hushed tones. When he joined them, Jordan turned. “He’s doing good.”
“Glad to hear it.”
Monty kept his voice down. “This is the best thing for him, a quiet stall, and no horses around so he can relax and recover.”
“It’s perfect,” Jordan said. “He wouldn’t have had anything like this if I’d used a vet in Missoula. I’m so grateful for what you’ve done. I’d like to pay?—”
“It’s on the house. You’re a friend of the family.”
“Luis said you wouldn’t accept it.” She glanced at him. “Guess I’ll just have to make a big ol’ donation to Hearts & Hooves.”
