Page 38 of Bull Rush

“Oh god. Don’t apologize. You’re hurt! We’ll figure it out. We’ve got the trailer, so we can get you back to meet the ambulance, and they can take you into town,” Haze explains.

“Can I ride with her? I don’t want to get back on a horse.” Samantha looks skeptically back at Lady Luck. She’d honestlybe a better ride back than the ATV, less bumpy and more careful about dips in the road, but I’m not about to argue.

“Of course.” Haze gives her a reassuring smile and then turns to Courtney. “Do you think you can make it that way if you lean hard on me?” I’m already seeing visions of them both going down and Haze feeling guilty or getting hurt herself.

“I can carry you.” I look to Courtney, and her eyes are glued on her ankle.

“Oh, I don’t think that you should—I mean, I’m not light and—” She finally looks up at me, and her lashes flutter, sudden recognition in them. “I guess that could work if you don’t mind.”

“Not a problem. It’s just a few feet, and I’d rather you not do more damage to that ankle.” I walk over and pick her up; her hands wrap around my neck, and I can feel her eyes studying every angle of my face.

“I appreciate it.” She smiles. “You’re good at this whole hero thing.”

“Just trying to help.”

“Do you work at the ranch? Is that what you’re doing now?” She’s inquisitive as I carry her back to the trailer.

“It’s my family’s ranch. I grew up here.”

“Oh wow. How did I not know that? That should be part of your marketing. I think more people would visit if they got to see you in a cowboy hat like this.” Her tone is decidedly flirty, and I’m just glad it’s keeping her mind off her ankle. It’s already swollen and looks painful as hell.

“I’ll have to take that into consideration.” I smile at her as I get her into the trailer, hoping it doesn’t cause her too much discomfort on the ride back. She settles in and leans back against the short wall. I’m just grateful this hadn’t happened on one of the steeper inclines on the trail or we’d have been at a loss to get her out easily.

“Thank you. I appreciate this so much. When we get back from the doctor’s, you’ll have to let me buy you dinner or a drink or something for the rescue. I’d love to hear all about the ranch and your family.” She beams at me.

“Well, let’s get you fixed up first.” I flash a polite smile back at her and turn to Hazel to see her talking to the woman’s friend.

Hazel looks back at me, a blankness in her expression that seems practiced, before she starts working to calm Samantha and give her reassurance.

“I promise that sort of thing with horses is rare. Especially trail horses. Teddy is an angel; he just got a little startled and didn’t want to make a misstep. Lady Luck will get you back safe and sound if you want to go back with the group.”

“I don’t think so. I just… I wouldn’t feel safe. No offense to you or your horses, of course.”

“No offense taken. I know it’s scary to see someone take a tumble.” Hazel gives her a soft smile, but I can tell it’s killing Hazel that someone got frightened by horses on her watch. She turns to me, though, all business. “Can she ride back with you? I’ll take Teddy back.”

“Of course.” I nod and turn to Samantha. “Have you ever been on an ATV before?”

“No. But I hope it’s safer than a horse.” She laughs nervously.

“Just as safe. Hazel’s right. The horses are very safe, but I can understand not being sure around them if you’re not used to them.”

They’re safe as hell, especially Haze’s trail horses. They’re just like people, though, bound to get startled once in a while if something happens they weren’t expecting—like a scared rabbit hopping out underfoot.

“It’s just, it was our first time. Not my idea. I know I’m acity girl, but I didn’t want to be a killjoy. Just watching her fall like that… I have visions of breaking my neck on the ride back.” Samantha lets out another self-deprecating laugh.

“Nah. The horses follow each other, and they’re so used to different riders and this trail that not much shakes them. The rabbit running out like that and him jagging off to the side was more about keeping your friend and Teddy safe. He doesn’t want to step on something, and you both go down hard, you know?” I try to give her my calmest tone like I’m talking to one of the rookies on the field who’s just been laid into by the coach.

“That makes sense. They’re just big, and I didn’t expect how it would feel to be riding downhill. It already felt like I’d fall off.”

“That’s what the saddle and the stirrups are for. To keep you fully seated in the saddle. I promise as long as you hang on, these trail horses have your back,” I explain, and Samantha seems to be taking it in earnestly.

“That makes sense, but honestly, I’m still nervous about heading back on one. Maybe I can hike? Would that be all right?”

“That’s a long hike, darlin’. It’ll take you two or three times as long as it will them to make that climb back up.”

“What about the ATV?” She nods at my ride.

“ATV’s just as safe as the driver, and I promise I’ll keep it slow and steady. I don’t want to jostle your friend and her ankle.” I look behind me at Courtney who flashes another flirty smile, and I avert my gaze back to Samantha.

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