“Wow. You really don’t think much of me if you think I could messthisup.” I chuckle when she doesn’t answer and get to work on Luci’s dark coat.
It’s quiet in here with the rest of the horses still out in the pasture. I talk to Luci softly about what I’m doing and let myself relax as I use the comb to loosen up the dirt before switching it out for a brush that I work over his coat until it shines. He snorts at me when I get to work on his mane that has some burs tangled in, and I smile. “You’ll feel better once I’m done. Then you’ll go out and roll in the burs again, and we’ll be back at it, won’t we?”
I can feel Sawyer’s attention on me, but I don’t pay her any mind. Grooming Luci is helping me unwind.
I’d forgotten how good it felt to be on top of a horse until I rode Cash the other day. And yeah, I was saddle sore and everything ached, but I was also invigorated.
“You’re good with him,” Sawyer murmurs behind me.
I spare her a glance, noting that she’s still massaging her knuckles. “Horses are easy. It’s people I have a hard time with.”
I’m gifted with a smile. “I guess you and I are similar in that regard.”
My lips tick up at the corners. “You? Not good with people? I don’t believe it,” I say, my tone thick with sarcasm.
She grants me an impassive look before resting her head on the stable wall and closing her eyes.
“Are you feeling okay? You look a little pale.”
She gestures to her red hair. “I’m a ginger. I'm always pale.”
I snort. “Not when you’re mad. Then you get red everywhere. And you always have some color in your cheeks, even when you’re not in a temper.”
“I’m fine. Just tired.”
My gaze sweeps over her, trying to discern whether to believe her.
“Stop staring at me,” she snaps.
I smirk and turn back to the horse. "So, does this training facility of yours have a name? I didn't see a sign out front."
She shrugs. “Never really thought one up. Most of my business comes from word of mouth. People just pass along my name and number.”
I shake my head. “Every good business needs a name.”
She brushes a copper strand of hair from her face. “Well, when you come up with something worth carving into a sign, let me know.”
I grin, tucking that challenge away for later. “You got any plans for dinner?”
She eyes me suspiciously. “You trying to score another free meal?”
I chuckle. “No. I was actually thinking it’s about time I start paying you back for everything you’ve done for Pops. I’ve come to the conclusion that I owe you a hell of a lot more than you owe me.”
For a split second, something soft flickers in her expression, but she masks it quickly.
“Well,” she muses, “I’m not one to turn down a hot meal.”
“Good. Because I’m not one to half-ass a thank you.” She tilts her head, finally meeting my gaze, a hint of amusement curving her lips. "You gonna take me out to dinner?"
I shake my head. “I’m gonna cook for you.”
Her eyes widen in surprise, and they look so blue that I’m half-tempted to take her outside to see if they match the color of the sky.
“Is this your attempt at poisoning me?”
“Give me some credit. I’d never poison someone I still owe about a million favors to. I’ll make sure we’re even first.”
I wouldn’ttryto poison her at least. I hope Pops had something at his house I can grill because I don’t exactly know my way around the kitchen.
