“Sounds like a lot of work.”
“Exactly!” I exhale sharply. “I mean, I get it… he’s just doing his job. But it was like he wasn’t even hearing me. He was kinda rude, if I’m honest. Do you have any experience with them?”
“Only when Thomas Buck wanted to buy the ranch. He came with that snotty assistant of his. Derek, or something? The one with that cocky swagger.”
“Wait… really?” I blink, surprised by the sudden shift. “I didn’t know Thomas came here. How did that go?”
Clint lets out a sharp breath, and he looks a little… off. Like there’s more to this than he’s letting on.
“I wouldn’t say it ‘went’ anywhere,” he mutters, looking off into the distance as if the memory’s still fresh in his mind. “Buck’s always been a bit of a slick talker. His whole thing is making you feel like you’re lucky just to be in the room with him. But when it came to the ranch? Nah. He wasn’t interested in real conversations. Just numbers. A lot of them. I don’t think he cares much for people. Just properties.”
I blink, taking it in. “He sounds… charming.”
Clint cracks a small, tight smile. “If by ‘charming’ you mean ‘sketchy,’ then yeah.”
That actually makes me laugh a little, despite everything.
“That’s exactly how his guy came across,” I say. “Like he’s got some magic number that makes every place look like a ‘fixer upper’… until you’re willing to sell it his way.”
“Exactly,” Clint agrees. “He’s been known to pressure people into taking lower offers, promising them it’s all for their benefit. Makes them think it’s the only option.”
I frown, my thoughts racing. “That leaves me a little lost. Maybe I should look for someone else to help me…”
Clint’s expression softens, and I think he’s going to offer to help me find another agent. Or maybe something more, like a solution to my mounting frustration. But before either of us can say anything, a loud, almost infectious laugh cuts through the tension.
“Wooooo!” a tiny voice rings out, followed by the unmistakable sound of hooves on dirt.
I turn instinctively, my eyes catching sight of Reid and Charlie as they trot by, both of them grinning ear to ear. Charlie, perched on a small horse that Reid is guiding expertly, looks like he’s never been happier.
Reid gives a quick wave as they pass, his wide grin unmistakable. “Hey, Dakota! Look at him go!”
Charlie’s face lights up like a firecracker, and I can’t help but smile despite myself. He’s so small on the horse, but he’s holding the reins like he’s been doing it forever, sitting up straight in the saddle with all the confidence of a seasoned rider.
Reid’s hands hover just near the reins, but it’s clear he’s letting Charlie feel the rhythm of the horse, giving him the space to figure it out on his own. While still keeping a watchful eye, of course.
I watch them for a few seconds, my heart easing as Charlie gives another excited “Wooo!” Reid keeps a good pace, just enough to show Charlie how it’s done without pushing him too hard.
The bond between them is so natural, so easy, and it makes me relax just a little.
“Well, I’ll be,” Clint says. “Reid’s got him trained up already, huh?”
I nod, feeling an unexpected lump in my throat at the sight. “Yeah. I didn’t think he’d be ready for this kind of thing yet, but Reid’s really good with him.”
Clint watches them for a beat, his gaze closed off. “Reid’s a good guy. He’s patient with the horses, and even more patient with people, especially kids. He’s a good guy to have on the ranch.”
I glance over at Clint, catching a flicker of something in his eyes. Respect, maybe, or even a little admiration for Reid’s ability to connect with people. It feels like he’s opening up a bit, and I appreciate that.
As Reid and Charlie continue down the path, their figures growing smaller as they round the corner, the tension between Clint and me starts to fade.
The sound of hooves vanishes into the distance, leaving just the quiet hum of the wind and the occasional chirp from the trees. The world has paused, giving us a chance to just breathe without our past or the awkwardness in the air.
I glance at Clint, who’s watching the spot where Reid and Charlie disappeared. He’s standing a little more relaxed now, his posture easing, and I’m starting to wonder if the sight of Reid with Charlie was like a small reset button for him, too.
“So…” I begin, unsure of how to bridge the silence that follows. “Is it just Reid that’s good with kids? Or are you, too?”
My heart races. Should I be asking this?
I guess I do need to know in case I ever get the chance to tell him about Charlie…
