The number of times Rafe or one his men mentioned fixing a fence, I assumed it was a job that was never done. One of them was always going out somewhere to fix it. I got the impression cows were slippery fuckers and would take any route to freedom.
“I was thinking.” His hand raked through his head, and he shuffled his weight from one foot to the other.
I couldn’t resist but mock. “Heavy work, for you, I know.”
Rafe rolled his eyes but my tease took him out of whatever awkwardness he was feeling.
“I was wondering if you wanted to join me.” He stepped further into the office. “You must miss being on horse.”
My heart raced and I was sure my wide smile made me look like a crazy person. I didn’t care. He was right. It had been more than a month since I had been on a horse, and I missed it.
“Yes.” I got out of my seat and ran around the desk to hug him. Just as I was about to put my arms around him. He gave me another glare and my arms dropped. “Fine, no hugs. But yes, I would love a ride.”
His gaze shifted from annoyance to heated. The smallest smirk tugged at his lips. “Really.”
“You know what I meant.”
“Come on, City.” He walked out of the office and I trailed behind him down the hall. “Let’s get you saddled up.”
I inhaled deeply as I walked into the first stable, breathing in the hay and alfalfa. Three horses lined each side of the stable. He led me to a sable horse.
He fed the animal a carrot and smiled. “This is Bessie. She’s a peaceful one. Was a working horse. She’s calm and unflappable, you’ll love her. She’s Allie’s horse. I’m keeping her here until Cal builds bigger stables.”
I nodded, and turned my attention to the horse nudging my head from the stall next door. “And who is this handsome fella?”
“Gunner.” Rafe let out a chuckle and shook his head. “A quarter horse. He is not calm. Spooks at his own shadow. He’s trouble.”
“Perfect.”
I could practically hear the eye roll as he spoke. “Of course. If he throws you off, I’ll leave you to the coyotes.”
His threat landed flat seeing as he wouldn’t even let me drive by myself. The realization gave me pause. Was I taking more risks than when I was at home? No, absolutely not. I was not a reckless person. But was I being as cautious as I should’ve been in a new environment with people I only knew a few short weeks? Also a resounding no. I knew I was safe. And I knew Rafe was the reason I felt that way.
“Can I saddle up?” I wasn’t sure if things were done differently on a ranch where the horses were there to work. “Is there anything special I should do?”
Rafe shook his head. “Tack and saddle are over there waiting for you.”
I loved that he knew I could do what needed to be done myself. I needed to do it myself.
As I pulled Gunner out of the stall, I stopped at Bessie’s stall. “It’s nothing personal, sweetie, I promise. One day when Allie and I go out, I’ll be able to watch you go.”
By the time I was out of the stable, Rafe had his horse ready. He was talking softly to her as if they were in a private conversation. “And we’ll take it slow this morning, okay. There is no need to be racing around the land.”
“Are you talking to your horse?” I mean I knew most people did it, I was just surprised to see the town grump do it.
He frowned at me, watching as I placed the saddle on Gunner. “You talk to all the animals on the ranch. It's why I don’t want you anywhere near the cows. And you’re complaining about me talking to my work partner.”
“Not complaining.” I shook my head. “You barely say twenty words around me, but you have no problem talking to her.”
I put my foot into the stirrup and climbed onto the horse. Gunner was not completely at ease with me on his back, but we would get used to each other.
Rafe came up next to me. “Juno doesn’t talk back. Or incessantly. She listens to instructions and is otherwise rather quiet. He gave Juno a nudge and and started off in what I assumed was a northerly direction.
He sounded like a geography professor when he gave me directions. Northern pasture this, western fence that. It would’ve irritated me if he hadn’t always made sure I knew exactly what he meant. Like, he wanted to make sure I could orientate myself.
I followed him. He didn’t seem to be in much of a rush. It was Saturday, so he and his men only did what was necessary. And then there was the fact he was suffering from the hangover.
Allie and Cal each had their bachelor’s and bachelorette’s the night before. Allie’s had been a small thing with just her mother and sister, and some of the female teachers at the high school. And me. A quiet evening involving gossip and wine.
