“Yep. Linus.” Carson tried again to lead the horse forward, making the sort of clucking noises that usually worked, but Linus only shook his head from side to side. Carson frowned. “Only likes going left.”
“Hmm.” I took a few more steps so I could peer into the horse’s eyes. Linus looked more confused than stubborn or scared. “Any other quirks you’ve noticed?”
“Head tossing. Blinking.” Carson tapped his temple with his free hand. “A horse TBI?”
“Huh. That would be rare.” Rather than dismiss Carson’s question, though, I used a thoughtful tone. “Definitely neurological symptoms. You’re right about that. Likely viral. I better run some bloodwork.”
“EPM?” Carson squinted like he’d had to work to remember the name of the horse virus.
“Possibly.” I went to fetch my bag. “Might as well do the exam here. Meet him where he’s at.”
“Good idea.” Carson gave an approving nod. “How’s your truck?”
“Limping along.” Slightly embarrassed at my reluctance to sell, I quirked my mouth. “Your connector fix held.”
“That’s good.” Carson raised an eyebrow as if he knew full well it was only a matter of time before another breakdown. He wasn’t wrong.
I released a heavy sigh. “I know I need to stop dawdling and start shopping. Just been extra busy.”
“Tomorrow’s Friday,” Carson observed with a shrug. “Payday. Owe you…dinner.”
“You do.” Brain whirling, I mentally reviewed my schedule for the next day, along with how late truck dealers might be open. Carson wasn’t the type to make repeated offers, and I didn’t want to miss my chance for more time together. “Pick you up at five-thirty?”
“Sure thing.” He grinned at me, and something opened inside me, like a tight muscle finally releasing. Carson’s normal, serious expression gave him a world-weary air, making him look more like his somber older brother. However, when Carson smiled, his whole expression transformed, giving him a younger and more mischievous demeanor that was nothing like Colt’s. And Lord help me, I was already planning ahead, dreaming up ways to earn more of those dangerous grins.
Chapter Seven
Carson
If I worked fasteron my Friday afternoon chores, I blamed the other hands who were also eager to head into town to spend their paychecks. Certainly wasn’t due to my own impatience over seeing Jude. And yes, this outing had been largely my idea, sprung from feeling a bit stir crazy on the ranch and the reminder of how much I enjoyed Jude’s company. Working together with the rescue horses had been great. I’d felt truly valuable and needed, part of a team again.
I’d texted Jude earlier in the day that I’d meet him in the parking area near the horse barn. No need for the bunkhouse to know all my business. I hurried through a shower after the last of my chores. My hair was slightly damp under my new cowboy hat as I slid into Jude’s old truck at five-thirty on the dot.
“Hey.” I immediately buckled up, more of that hope to keep my personal life private. Didn’t really need Colt or anyone else approving of my friendship with Jude or prodding me into doing more meetings with him.
“Nice hat. Looks like someone visited the feed store.” Jude nodded at my tan cowboy hat, which I had indeed picked up on a trip into Lovelorn with Grayson for supplies. The Augustheat made the hat a necessity, and we had several hours left of sunlight, so I’d grabbed it after my shower.
“Thanks.” I tried to ignore the strange warmth rising up the back of my neck. I wasn’t prone to blushing, and even if I were, Jude’s offhand compliment was hardly swoonworthy. “Keeps the sun out.”
“My veterinary partner’s husband works at the feed store. Mitch,” Jude shared as he put the truck in Drive and headed toward the main road. “He and Luna are good people, even if Luna was gloating a bit too much today about me going truck shopping.”
“Could just get burgers.” I shrugged. I’d met plenty of guys as attached to their rattletrap trucks as Jude. I knew better than to try to force him to upgrade. He’d do it in his own time, and I was simply happy for the excuse to get off the ranch and see him again.
“Nah. I’m committed to truck shopping.” He bit the corner of his lip. “At least to looking.”
“Aha!” I made a knowing noise. “Already got an out.”
“I’m terrible.” Jude joined my laughter. “I know. I hate change and spending money.”
“I hear that.” I leaned back in my seat, enjoying this light banter. Everything felt easier around Jude, including speech. “I’m cheap. Base housing.”
“Even as an NCO?” Jude whistled low as I nodded.
Nearly fourteen years of service, and I’d never so much as investigated off-base housing options. What did I need more than a room and private bath for anyway? I was happy to let those with families take the better options and save my cash.
“Okay.” Jude grinned conspiratorially at me. “We might be the same kind of thrifty.”
“Yep. Miss my old truck.” I gave his dashboard a fond pat. I’d sold my most recent vehicle before my last deployment. Thattruck had been nearly as old as Jude’s, and I’d balked at the garage fees for storage while deployed. Never thought it might be my last vehicle.
