I’ve finally worked up the nerve to have a conversation with Mr. Calhoun about Athena. I asked him if he’d be willing to meet with me this morning after I get the new group settled, and he agreed.
I don’t know why this has me so nervous. The worst he can do is say no—he’s not going to fire me for asking if I can buy a horse—and if he says no, I’ll keep looking.
Even if the thought of leaving Athena is upsetting. She and I have bonded. We have a mutual understanding of each other, and Iknowshe’d be a great barrel horse. I just need to take the time to train her.
After I’ve left the new group in the care of Kathy to be shown their cabins, I head to the office building. I have to wipe my sweatypalms on my jeans twice in the five-minute walk because I’m so nervous.
After knocking and being told to enter, I press my shoulders back, straightening my spine. I need to approach this with confidence.
He’s sitting at the computer, with thick black glasses perched on his nose. “Howdy, Addison, take a seat. What can I do for you today? Everything okay?”
I perch on the chair across from him. “Everything is fine. I was hoping to talk to you about something a bit more… personal. If that’s okay."
He takes his glasses off, folding them and putting them in the hardshell case on the desk before he leans forward. “Is this about my daughter?”
“Wh-what? No. Why would you think it was about Juniper?”
I can’t get a read on his expression. His mouth is set in a firm line, brows furrowed, fingers interlaced in front of him on the desk.
Is he mad? What does he know? Did Juniper say something? I didn’t think she’d tell anyone about us, but she’s a lot closer to her parents than I am to mine, so maybe she did. I know her mom suspects something.
Mr. Calhoun chuckles. “I may be pushing sixty and wear glasses, but I’m observant. But I’m guessing from the look on your face that’s not what you’re here for. Marj says it’s none of my business anyway, so go ahead.”
I try to wrap my head around what he’s saying. I want to dive deeper into what he means, but I know if I don’t ask him about Athena right now, I’ll lose my nerve.
“It’s about Athena, sir. As you know, I’ve been riding her all summer, and she and I have formed quite the bond. I’m not sure if you’re aware that I lost my horse about two years ago and haven’t been racing because I haven’t found a horse I connect with the way I did with her. I’ve been saving and looking for one and?—”
“And you found that in Athena.”
“Yes. I was hoping you would consider selling her to me. I think she’d be a natural when it comes to barrel racing. She just needs a little training.”
Mr. Calhoun leans back in his chair and rubs his mustache. “You know, when we buy horses, our intention is to let them live out the rest of their lives on the ranch. I know not every horse is meant for the trails, like Honeysuckle, but every one of them deserves a safe, comfortable, happy home. We rarely sell them or rehome them. Where will you go after this summer?”
“The woman who taught me how to race has a training facility. She’s always begging me to come help her train, but… I haven’t felt ready to, until now.”
He makes a sound of understanding. “And what’s changed?
Your daughter. The ranch. Athena.
“I think riding Athena and learning that I can connect with another horse has helped heal the parts of me that broke when my horse died. I had closed myself off to the possibility of competing, but I think I’m ready to try. There’s something about Forget Me Not Ranch that’s helped put me back together again.”
“Ya know, I’ve seen you compete. You’ve got a natural talent for racing, and I think with the right horse, you’ll bump right back up the ranks. But I won’t sell Athena to you.”
My heart sinks, but I try not to let it show. I give him a nod, curling my fists against the rough denim of my jeans so I can hold myself together. “I understand.”
“I won’t sell Athena to you, because I want to give her to you. Think of it as a bonus for all the hard work you’ve put in this summer.”
“Are you serious right now? I-I can’t just take a horse. I have the money, I promise I can pay.”
“I have no doubt about that, but it’s no good to me. I can see a bond between a horse and a human, and what you and Athena have is special. Just make sure you inviteme to your first competition. I’d love to come see you two in action and cheer you on from the stands.”
I sniff away the pesky tears of joy trying to break free. I’m not a crier, but I’m overwhelmed with so many emotions. Gratitude, relief, and a bit of hesitation. I can’t invite him to a competition, right? That would be weird considering he’s my boss, and I’m fucking his daughter in secret.
“Of course. Yes. Absolutely. Thank you so much, Mr. Calhoun.”
Maybe Juniper would come with him.
No, she said it herself. The night we met was extremely out of character for her to be in Vegas, let alone at a rodeo. Besides, I wouldn’t be able to focus on anything if she was in the crowd. All I’d be able to think about is getting my lips on hers again and surrounding myself with her floral scent.
