I need clothes.
Which means I need to ask one of them to take me to town.
Hell, is there even a place I can buy clothes in town?
I groan into my palms.
After getting ready as fast as I can, I meet an excited Lucy at the front door and immediately let her outside to get to work before sliding on my Converse. I make a mental note to myself to look for better footwear. I may not know much about ranching, but I do know enough to have figured out in just one day that I’ll need more appropriate footwear.
The morning air is crisp and cold enough to nip at my nose today. Sunlight stretches over the pastures in long golden bands. And there they are, spread out in front of me, already lost in their own separate worlds.
Beau’s bent over a horse’s front hoof, tools I’ve never seen before laid out neatly beside him. His forearms flex as he files an old shoe loose, and he glances up with a soft smile when he spots me.
Jasper is tightening what I learned yesterday is a cinch on Destiny. The morning sun catches on the strands of his dark hair as it falls over his forehead. He doesn’t say anything, but the way his gaze drags down my body and back up again makes my breath shorten.
Lincoln slips out of the house wearing a button-down with a canvas vest over top and carrying a briefcase, which looks entirely out of place in its environment, yet so right in his hands. He gives me a small nod—almost shy—before heading toward what I’m assuming is his truck.
Lawson’s leaning against the fence, arms crossed over his chest, watching the others work like he’s mentally taking stock of everything and everyone all at once. And when he looks at me,something warm flickers across his face before he has a chance to tamp it down.
“Morning,” he calls. His voice deep and rough. All too casual to be accidental.
Walking toward them, I offer him a “morning,” as I try not to melt at the sight in front of me.
I mean, every one of them looks like the cover of a damn country western catalogue.
Beau wipes sweat from his brow despite the chilly temperature. “Sleep okay?”
“I… yeah,” I reply, giving a small nod. “Thanks for asking.”
He offers a soft smile, but his dimples are as strong as ever. “Glad to hear it.”
My gaze flicks to the tools at his feet. “What are you doing?”
“Oh, this?” He taps the horse’s lifted hoof. “Part of my job around here. I’m the ranch farrier. Means I trim hooves, shape and fit shoes, make sure everybody stays solid and sound. Ranch this size, there’s always someone who needs attention.”
I can’t help it, but my eyes are glued to the way his forearm flexes as he works the horse’s hoof as it’s propped between his muscular legs. And I’m assuming I’m not as subtle as I think I am because his grin only grows the longer I stand there.
Clearing my throat, I look to Lawson. “I uh… actually need to go into town today.” I tug on my sleeve. “I need clothes. And probably some different shoes. Some of my favorite snacks would be good. And… well… everything.”
Beau drops the horse’s leg and stands with a small stretch. A grimace of sympathy takes over his face. “Wish I could take you, Darlin’, but I’ve got six horses to reshoe today, and I can’t fall behind.”
Lincoln lifts a hand without slowing. “Meeting at ten. I’m already late.”
Jasper just chuckles. “I’d offer, but I’ve gotta check the herd in the south pasture. Make sure we aren’t missing more injured cattle.”
Three pairs of eyes slide toward Lawson.
He stares back at them like they’ve betrayed him.
“I—” he starts.
Beau smirks. “You’re free, ain’t ya, Law?”
“I didn’t say I wasn’t free,” he mutters.
“You also didn’t say you were,” Jasper jabs, tightening Destiny’s reins.
Lincoln climbs into his truck. “Just take her, man.”
