When I finally return to the estate in the late afternoon, I drive around the back toward the stables instead of pulling into the garage, needing to check on the horses.It makes more sense to do it now than have to come back out later.I pull the Vanquish to a stop in front of the barn and jump out. I’m just about to head over to the yards when Josh comes out of the stable block followed by a familiar, unexpected, and definitely unwelcome face.
Luke, one of Chuck’s stablehands follows him, an oily grin on his face.What’s he doing here? Chuck never said anything about the horses being accompanied by a groom.
“Hey, Harlow, look who turned up here not half an hour after you left this morning.” Josh is looking at me with a smile, but I can tell by the curious gleam in his eyes that he’s wondering why Chuck or I hadn't warned him of this.
“Oh hey, Luke. What a surprise. Chuck never said anything about you coming out as well.”
“Hey, Harlow.” He steps up like he’s planning to hug me, but I quickly move away from the gesture and head out to where I know the horses are, giving them no choice but to follow.
“Why are you here? I thought I was working the horses until they went to set. I was ready to stay with them until Max could join them.” My voice is a little harsh, but Luke has always given me the creeps.And what if Chuck sent him because he doesn't trust me to get the job done?Shaking my head, I quickly ditch those thoughts.No, Chuck wouldn't do that to me. He knows how insecure I can be.Before I can create another reason in my head, Luke speaks up.
“Mr. Boston sent me because he was worried that the horses would take up more time that you should be spending with your new family,” he tells me. The last little bit sounds like he’s attacking me, though when my eyes meet his, he’s smiling and showing no signs of animosity. His words make sense since thatissomething that Chuck would think of, but I’m still a little surprised that he didn't let me know.
I rest against the white wooden fence, and the two guys lean next to me as we look out over the Summers Estate. The sun is starting to set, and the temperature is dropping slightly as I watch my charges eat the fresh hay that has been thrown over their fence.
None of the three in this paddock pay one lick of attention to me, but as I move to the stallion yard to check on Samson, he lifts his head and whinnies before trotting over to the fence to say hello.
I give his silky soft muzzle a rub and a scratch behind the ears, a nagging feeling still poking at me. I feel like I’m missing something, but I don't really have time to deal with it now. Maybe I’ll message Chuck later and ask. Shaking away my concerns, I address him again.
“Okay, well, let’s start working them in the morning. I’ll meet you out here at seven, and we’ll put them through their paces in the indoor arena,” I tell Luke before turning to Josh. “If they need a run, do you think you could show us the cross-country course? I would love to try it out.”
Josh grins at my question. “Absolutely, I’m even happy to ride one of them for you if you want, and I’m sure one of the Summers kids will take the other.”
I frown at that second comment, which he notices and quickly corrects himself. “Or even Brad would probably be happy to help out.”
His alternative brings a smile back to my face, and I almost roll my eyes at my own emotional yo-yoing. “Yeah, that’s a great idea! I’ll ask him this evening. Now, if you wouldn't mind showing me where Jenny and DS are? I’d love to give them some cuddles before I go inside.”
He gestures for me to follow him, Luke trailing after us, but a shout from the direction of the back patio has me lifting my head to find one very angry Oliver Summers headed in my direction. A small smile crosses my lips at the sight of him. His blue hair is tousled like he’s been running his hands through it, and his glasses are sitting a little crooked on his face, like he was in such a hurry he hadn't bothered to straighten them. There's a scowl on his face, and his eyes flash with fury. Seriously, he's the hottest thing I’ve seen in a long time, and it amuses me that his anger makes me happy and horny.Fuck, I really am messed up. I’m going to blame that all on my mother.
I quickly drop the smile as he gets closer, but he storms straight past me and the other two, proceeding directly to his car so that he can inspect every inch of it. I roll my eyes and follow Josh toward the stable block, more than fine with letting Oliver continue this on his own. Inside, most of the stalls are free except for one that has Jacinta's pretty pregnant palomino quarter horse mare in it. She sticks her head over and nickers at me, so I go over and give her a pat. She seems calm and happy, munching on her food, so I leave her alone and move to the only other stall that’s occupied, finding my two terrors doing the same.
“I brought them in here for the night. I thought they'd be safer in here than out in a paddock. It’s rare, but occasionally a cougar or a bobcat is spotted in the area, and the mini would make a tasty meal.”
I laugh at his observation, though I’m grateful for his smart thinking. “Thank you, Josh, but I’m sure you've figured out by now that it'll be a brave bobcat or mountain lion that tries to take on DS.”
He runs a hand through his hair and smiles ruefully. “Ah yeah, she tried a few things like you warned me.”
I look around the stables for Luke, but he seems to have disappeared. “I’m sorry about Luke. Had I known, I would have told you. I’m surprised Chuck didn't let you know. He's usually really good with that sort of thing.”
He shakes his head, that easy smile back on his face. “No problem, Harlow. I’ve got him bunking in the loft. There’s a small room with a cot, and he can use the bathroom down here in the office. I’ve told him to head into the kitchen to grab breakfast in the morning like I do, and I’ve informed Gretchen that we have one more mouth to feed. We’re all organized, and it’s not like it's forever.”
Before I can thank him again, I hear Oliver shouting my name. Josh makes a face and quickly disappears as I open the stall and let myself in. Maybe he won’t look for me in here. Though I doubt I’ll be so lucky; he's not that stupid.
Keeping an eagle eye on DS, she seems occupied with her food, so I just wrap my arms around Jenny's neck when he appears in the doorway.
“What the fuck, Harlow? Who said you could take my car?” I roll my eyes at his angry outburst. I know he knows that Dad said I can take it; otherwise, where would I have gotten the keys from? He’s just ready to pick a fight, so I ignore him.
I rub Jenny’s ears, whispering sweet words to her while she nuzzles into my armpit. But Oliver’s not happy with me ignoring him, so he opens the door and steps into the stall, reaching out to grab me.Big mistake, dick head.Turning my face, I hide the wicked smile that crosses my mouth as he steps too close to DS and her back end.
CRACK!“Ow, fuck!” Oliver’s shout of pain has me giggling and thanking God for ornery mini ponies.
When I turn around, Oliver is bent over, rubbing at his calf, his look of fury aimed at the taffy-colored mini that’s still calmly eating her food.
“I see you met Devil Spawn,” I say calmly, a snort almost escaping when he turns his back to her again. Before he can say anything, she whips around, teeth bared and charging for his ass.
“FUCKKKK!” He spins, ripping his ass cheek out of her teeth and growling at her. Her ears are flat back, and she bares her teeth at him again, but I step between them, not wanting to risk any more injuries.
As soon as I do, he unbuttons his jeans and drops them to the ground, neck straining to see what his ass looks like. Before he makes a full rotation like a dog chasing his tail, he looks at me with pleading eyes.
