Page 5 of The Edge of Intensity

“Will do,” I tell her.

Normally I’d drink a cup of coffee and chat some more with clients, but nothing is offered and I’m out the door ten minutes later. Even if East and I got off on the wrong foot, I didn’t let it taint my impression of her. If anything, I’m intrigued and captivated by this unique woman.

Instead of riding back to the ranch, I decide to go for a long ride to feel the wind in my face and get my thoughts straight. Three hours later I park my bike in front of the clubhouse and still haven’t gotten her out of my mind.

“Hey,” Parker, my VP, quips. “I expected you back a few hours ago. How did it go with Breeze?”

“Fine,” I rumble as we wander over to the large pasture. Leaning my forearms on the top rung of the fence I add, “I asked her to help out with Buckey.”

“Really?” Parker leans against a pole. “I thought you wouldn’t let anyone near that stallion.”

I stare at the herd of Quarter horses grazing in the distance. “A broken soul needs something, and it’ll become clear what exactly that entails when opportunity strikes.”

“That makes perfect sense.” Parker snorts. “Not. But whatever. Hey, talking about Buckey, did you read my text?”

“Nope. I needed to clear my head and I just got off my bike. What’s up?”

“Winfield asked me if he could buy back Buckey, for himself this time. He offered double the money to make up for his fuck-up and make sure the stallion can live a happy life by himself in the pasture behind his house.” Parker doesn’t sound convinced, and I know why.

“Not a chance in hell. Buckey will live a miserable life on that small piece of land that fucker has behind his house. Besides, letting a traumatized horse stay alone is fucking torture. Not happening. Buckey is mine and he won’t be sold ever again,” I growl.

Parker turns to stare at the horses in front of us. “Agreed. Now, tell me about Eastlynne Hazel. She as fine as she looks online?”

I narrow my eyes at my VP and growl, “She’s off-limits to you and everyone else.”

“Woah there, Prez. No need to get your leathers in a knot. I was just making conversation, but it does make me curious, though. I guess I’ll meet her soon enough if you asked her to help with Buckey.”

Motherfucker.

It’s going to be a pain to keep my brothers away from East, and for me to get close to her. Good thing I never back down from a challenge and deep down I know a woman like East will be the ultimate challenge, and definitely worth it in the long run.

CHAPTER THREE

– EASTLYNNE –

I throw a handful of meds in my mouth and swallow them down with some water. A handful is an exaggeration, but sometimes it feels like it. A few vitamins, my anxiety meds that keep some of the rough edges of my triggers at bay, and my allergy medicine. Yes, it sucks big time to be allergic when you work with horses. It’s not so much the horses, but the hay, dust, and such.

“Have a fun afternoon,” Cosima quips as she breezes past me.

“You’re not coming with me?” I somewhat squeak.

She opens the back door. “Nope, we’re getting some stuff delivered and I have to be here to ensure everything goes smoothly. Did I forget to mention that?”

I narrow my eyes. “You handle these things which means you knew damn well it was coming. So, you were very aware of the fact that I would have to go to the Iron Hot Blood Ranch by myself when I made the appointment.”

“Uh huh.” She shoots me a grin. “That’s why I said ‘have fun.’ You’ve already met Rourke, and even with your grumpy attitude, the guy asked for your help with a horse. Just focus on the horse and ignore everything else, it’s what you always do anyway.”

I grit my teeth. Cosima knows about my issues and still throws me to the wolves every now and then. Sometimes I think no one really understands while, on the other hand, I know I can’t hide or run from everything and have to throw some huge big girl panties on to do something without flipping my shit or taking a mental nosedive. Which eventually leads to a migraine that takes me out for the rest of the day.

“I hate you,” I grumble.

“Love you too, sis,” Cosima replies with a smile in her voice and disappears out the back door.

With a huge dose of reluctance, I stomp toward the front door and double-check to make sure I have my phone and keys. Snatching my Stetson from the hook, I leave the house and stalk to my truck. My earbuds are in place to dim out some of the outside world. Sometimes I don’t even have music on, but it just helps to have a little barrier in place so people think I can’t hear them.

I get into my truck and pop a piece of gum–Ice Breakers Ice Cubes Raspberry Sorbet to be precise–into my mouth. There’s only one cube left and I make a mental note to add it to the grocery list. Throwing my cowboy hat on the passenger seat, I start my truck and guide it onto the road.

It’s a short drive to the Iron Hot Blood Ranch and I make sure to park away from the large building. I’d rather stay in my truck to gather my thoughts for a few minutes, but I notice Rourke striding toward me as if he was waiting for me to show up to corner me so I can’t leave. I release a deep breath and step out of the truck.

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