“It ought to make a good story for your first team meeting as marketing director,” Hudson teased.
When they were both on their horses, Hudson roped the calf and urged him to follow. The animal fought being led at first, yanking hard on the rope in any other direction except the one they needed to go. But Hudson expected as much and was prepared. Eventually, the calf gave up and trotted beside them.
“I called my parents last night,” Reese said.
Hudson’s shoulders tensed immediately, but he didn’t let his emotion betray itself through his steadfast expression. He was far from giving up on Reese, no matter what lengths she went to deny her feelings. “I’m sure they’re quite proud.”
“They didn’t like Peter.”
“You sound surprised.”
“I thought they adored him.” Hudson didn’t try to hide his smirk, and Reese caught him. “You think it’s funny.”
“Peter sounded like a—” He stopped himself before he said something too blunt. Any of the words that came to mind weren’t polite. “You deserve better.” He should stop there, let her chew on that, but he was feeling too bold to let it go. “You deserve someone who makes you truly happy. Not some wimp who’ll dump you because you’re better at his job than he is. You deserve—”
They were forced to a halt as the flock of wild turkeys blocked the path up ahead. Some were leisurely waddling forward, but most stood still. No sense of urgency among the entire flock.
“Wyoming traffic jam,” Reese said with a light laugh. “You can’t make this stuff up.”
Hudson nodded toward the pasture, warmth spreading through his chest. Ranching life wasn’t for everyone, and despite his resolve to win Reese’s heart, he did worry she wouldn’t be happy out here. But moments like this washed away that worry. “We’ll have to take the scenic route.”
“Won’t they move?” Reese asked.
“Eventually? Sure. Soon? Not without a bunch of fuss. But we’re enjoying the peacefulness, right?”
She answered with a weak smile. He didn’t have to study her eyes to know thoughts were spinning on top speed inside her head. Maybe he’d said too much, but someone had to. If she ran back to Chicago, it wouldn’t be because he was too afraid to be honest with her.
They rode through the pasture, which only brought to light how much fencing was in need of repair. He had his lawyer send over a lease agreement to Joe first thing this morning, but the clock was ticking to finish all the preparations. If poor fencing was the reason any of Joe’s herd escaped, Hudson would be liable.
“Wouldn’t it be easier to put in new fencing?” Reese asked as they found another trail. If Hudson remembered correctly, it cut through the Maxwell ranch in a straight shot to the Holbrooks’ place.
“Not necessarily.” Hudson had considered that option while he was waiting for the short sale to go through. Between the cost of materials and labor, it didn’t make financial sense. “I know it doesn’t look like it, but there’s still lots of good material here. These fences were made to withstand time.”
“I’d like to help.”
Hudson was so surprised by her words that he stopped his horse for a beat. “Mending fences?”
“Why not? We only have a couple quick errands in town tomorrow morning, and your living room remodel is done. That gives us the afternoon to work on the fences.”
“It’s hard work, Reese.”
“I’m not afraid of that,” she replied, a playful challenge dancing in her eyes. “You know me better than that.”
If they weren’t on horseback, he’d kiss her again. “Careful,” he teased. “You’re going to lose all that city girl inside you if you keep giving in to your country desires.”
Chapter 12
Reese
Reese was in such a good mood that she ignored all incoming emails for the entire day. She felt happy in a way she hadn’t quite thought possible before. Fulfilled. It was silly to feel that way about riding horses across the Wyoming landscape to return a lost calf, but she did anyway.
Ranch life was growing on her. Fast.
“What are you boys up to?” she asked Hudson and Jed that evening from the doorway of the kitchen.
They both looked over their shoulders, their backs effectively hiding whatever it was they were preparing. Jed was still sporting that goofy grin, reminding Reese she had information to share with Hudson about the girl she got Jed to open up about; turned out she was new to town. The granddaughter of a local rancher. Hudson, however, looked guilty.
“Nothing. We’re up to nothing,” Hudson said. “You can go relax until dinner’s ready.”
