“What can I do for ya?”
“All the girls are going riding today. I need someone to help saddle their horses, if you’re not too busy? I’ve got most of the other guys going out with me, and there’s no one I trust more than you, anyway.”
“Sure thing. I’ve only got a few feet to switch, and you’re my last stop. I started early.”
Chris patted his hand on the door, thanked him, and Justin got to work. Maybe he’d saddle himself a horse and go with them… Maybe he’d get a chance to set the record straight with a bratty redhead who wasn’t in aman trusting mood.
BLYTHE
“Is it time to ride the horses?”
Evie had been chomping at the bit all morning. Finishing the chores had been a chore itself.
“Yes, ma’am. Let’s go.” Blythe grabbed one hand on each of the girls, and they ran out through the front door and across the dirt towards the barn.
A sharp whistle came from behind them.
“Well, aren’t you ladies lookin’ mighty fine today.” The girls giggled as they continued toward the barn. Blythe rolled her eyes.
“Justin.” She turned and gave him a flat nod.
“You know, sugar, I don’t think you like me.” It was a statement, but Blythe knew he meant it as a question.
“Oh, I like you just fine, cowboy. Though, I don’t think calling mesugaris going to make me any sweeter on you.”
“We’ll see about that…sugar.” His eyes narrowed, challenging her.
“What are you doing out here, anyway?” She stuck her fist out and pushed his shoulder. Justin reached over and ninja grabbed her hand before she could pull it away. They all stopped walking.
“Do you prefer I call you a different name? Honey, perhaps? Or missy, or darlin’ ? I thought about prickly pear—you know, like those cacti down in Arizona, because you’re so…”
“You can call me Blythe, thank you very much.”
“I like sugar,” Evolette said with a smile.
“Me, too. I’m going to stick with that.” Justin grinned, grabbing one of Evie’s pigtails and wrapping her in a side hug.
“Get over here, Adelaide. Where’s my good morning hug from you?”
The ten year old blushed and bounced over to him.
Justin’s eyes locked with hers, and he seemed to think for a minute, deciding on his next words. “For your information, I washere early to shoe a few more horses for Chris. It’s the chore that never ends.”
Blythe accepted his answer and shot back matter-of-factly, “Well, since you’re here, you can help us saddle these ones.” He was annoying, but he’d be useful to them. She didn’t see a bunkhouse boy hanging around anywhere, so they must’ve gotten busy.
“Anything for you, sugar.” He winked this time and strode into the building.
She felt a flame start inside of her. She knew it was irritation laced with a little anger, mostly at herself, because…she kind of liked it. There—she admitted it. She liked it when he called her sugar. Why did he have to be so freaking charming? And the way he swaggered when he walked out in front of her just now… Damn, it gave her butterflies. Butterflies like she’d never known with Max or anyone before him. Her emotions were giving her whiplash.
How did he not have a wife or a girlfriend? Was there something wrong with him? Was he missing a freaking testicle or something? A third nipple, maybe? There was no way in hell this guy was single by choice.
Blythe shook her head and noticed that Justin already had two horses saddled. Her intrusive thoughts had gotten the better of her. She was there to take care of the girls, not get caught up in Justin Forge.
“One more and you ladies will be on your way. Where are you riding out to?” He threw the saddle up onto the last horse and started buckling the straps.
“Oh, probably just the big meadow, or somewhere close around here,” Blythe answered. She really had no idea. She just figured they would ride wherever their hearts led them.
“The big meadow is pretty far off. Are you sure you want to go alone? I don’t know if I’m comfortable with that.” Justin furrowed his brow.
