Page 62 of Colt

“Fine,” she snapped, turning to leave.

Colt blew out a laugh, but there was no humor in it. “Yeah, okay.”

“You have got to be the most stubborn man I have ever met,” Chelsea muttered as she stormed out of the office and slammed the door behind her. She strode through the barn, ignoring the curious looks from the ranch hands, and walked out into the cold winter air. The snow had started falling lightly and she pulled her coat tighter around her body, trying to ward off both the chill and her emotions. She stomped toward the house, frustration and hurt burning inside her.

****

Colt made his way down the barn aisle, his boots crunching on the straw as he checked on each horse. He wanted to ensure their stalls were properly cleaned, having already reprimanded John for neglecting his duties. As he approached one stall, he cursed under his breath at the sight of dirty and wet straw scattered on the floor with the horse standing uncomfortably in the corner. Letting out a heavy sigh, Colt retrieved a wheelbarrow, rake, and entered the stall to clean it. He then led the horse out to the indoor corral before returning to finish cleaning, muttering curses all the while.

“Colt?”

He turned to see Chelsea standing in the doorway.

“What are you doing cleaning this late? Did something happen to one of the horses?”

Colt shrugged and continued shoveling dirty straw into the wheelbarrow.

“Your new employee is doing a half-assed job. I told him about this last week and yet he still skipped over it.”

“Do you want me to talk to him?”

“You’re the boss,” he grumbled.

Chelsea let out a frustrated sigh. “What’s wrong with you?”

Colt shook his head. “I’m just annoyed with this joker you hired.”

“He had references, otherwise he wouldn’t be here.”

“He must have had them lie for him because he’s useless.”

“Then fire him.”

“You do it. You keep telling me you own this ranch, so do it yourself. I’m too busy doing someone else’s job.”

“Then find him and send him to the house.”

He tossed the rake down and stared at her. “I am not your lackey. I have my own work to do.”

“Don’t speak to me like that,” she snapped.

Stepping toward her, Colt narrowed his eyes. “Then fire me.”

Chelsea gasped. “Of course, I’m not going to fire you!”

“Well, I’m too damn busy right now to talk to him. If you don’t have the guts to do it, it’ll have to wait until I’m done.”

He picked up his rake and got back to work, ignoring her presence.

****

Tears pricked at the corners of Chelsea’s eyes as she stormed out of the barn, her boots thudding against the packed snow. She could still feel the heat of their argument burning inside her chest. Fire him? No, she couldn’t bring herself to do that. She loved him too much. He was so angry about John not doing his job, and took it out on her.

But as she crossed the yard, determination set in, and she changed course toward the middle barn. The scent of hay and animals filled her nostrils as she strode down the aisle, searching for John. He needed to know that if he couldn’t fulfill his duties, he would have to leave.

But when Chelsea didn’t spot him anywhere, she made her way to the back of the barn, hoping he was working on something else. As she passed by the tool shed, a faint noise caught her attention and she stopped to listen. Her jaw clenched in frustration as she realized that someone was most likely having sex in there. The last thing she wanted to do was open that door and catch them in the act.

Quickly turning back toward the barn where Colt was working, Chelsea saw him emerging from one of the stalls. He glanced up at her and let out a heavy sigh before pushing a wheelbarrow toward the direction of the shed.

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