Page 22 of Rusty

She took a deep breath. “I want to work with the horses.”

Chuck scratched his chin. “We already have a stable hand. Silas and Duke are riding instructors. And, as you know, Rusty is our resident wrangler. I’m trying to think what else we need.”

Janice bit her lip. She noticed that it was trembling. “I want to give the horses massage therapy.”

"Massage therapy . . . for horses?" Chuck's brow furrowed in confusion, clearly unfamiliar with the concept. "I don't know much about that, I’m afraid. But I guess you can start by helping muck out the stables if you like."

"Of course," Janice replied, disappointment flickering through her chest, but she quickly masked it with a smile. "I appreciate the opportunity, and I will give it my all."

"Great," Chuck said, clapping her on the shoulder. "You can get started tomorrow morning. Millie, our stable hand, will show you the ropes."

"Thank you, Sir," Janice said, her determination renewed. If she could prove herself useful around the ranch, perhaps she'd have a chance to integrate her other skills later down the line.

"Alright, Janice," she whispered to herself, her eyes shining with resolve. "You've got this. Just take it one step at a time."

And with that, she turned her attention to the evening ahead, her heart fluttering at the thought of spending more time with Rusty.

Sunset cast a golden glow on the sprawling pasture as Janice made her way back over to Snickers at the stable. Rusty was there, leaning against the doorway, looking in the other direction, lost in thought.

"Rusty," she called out softly, his name still feeling odd on her tongue. A name she had tried not to say aloud for so many years.

Rusty turned toward her. He had changed clothes since this morning. He was wearing a blue plaid shirt, jeans, and cowboy boots. The brown hat he wore emphasized the warmth in his hazel eyes, making Janice's stomach do somersaults.

"Hey, Janice," Rusty greeted her with a smile. "You're right on time."

"Of course," she replied, trying to keep the nervousness out of her voice. "I wouldn't want to miss spending time with Snickers."

And you.

Rusty’s gaze lingered on her for a moment before returning to the mare. "Snickers is looking forward to our reading session."

They sat on the soft grass together and Rusty pulled out a book.

"Ooh, Daddy's Desires!" Janice said. "Sounds good."

"No comment. Mind you, Snickers seems to like it." Rusty cracked the book open. "Alright," he said, grinning playfully, "Are you ready for this?"

"Absolutely," Janice replied, feeling a flutter of excitement in her stomach.

“How about I read Cade’s lines and you read Isabella’s?”

“Okay,” said Janice, swallowing nervously. “Sounds like a plan.”

Rusty cleared his throat dramatically, then adopted a deep, melodious tone that sent shivers down Janice's spine. "Cade strode into the room, his eyes dark with desire as he gazed upon Isabella's trembling form."

Janice felt her cheeks flush at the intensity in Rusty's voice but steadied herself to respond in kind. "Isabella met his gaze, her heart racing as she felt the heat of his stare sear through her defenses."

Their eyes locked for a moment, then Janice looked away.

Rusty continued. "'Isabella,' Cade's said, his voice rumbling with desire, 'I can't hold back any longer. Your touch drives me wild.'"

Janice blushed fiercely. "'Cade, my rugged cowboy,' Isabella breathed, 'take me now and never let me go.'"

"Isabella's soft lips beckoned him closer,” read Rusty, “and Cade's resolve crumbled like dust in the wind. He captured her mouth in a searing kiss, claiming her as his own."

As the words hung heavy in the air between them, Janice felt a surge of longing unlike anything she had experienced before. She shifted uncomfortably, trying to ease the building tension within her. But it only seemed to grow stronger, leaving her restless and yearning.

"Rusty, wait," Janice interrupted, her voice shaking slightly as she set the book aside. "I need a break from reading."

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