Page 32 of Cowboy's Sinful Bargain

"I don't want you to worry about your puppy, okay? We can provide everything for him that he might need and you don't have to worry about the cost. There's more than enough money to cover it."

"But no gold plated doggie toys, right?"

I snickered, a smile spreading across my face. "Probably bad for his teeth." I glanced back at the bed where the puppy was still sleeping. "Is it okay to leave the needle in that long?"

"I should probably take it out," Miko said as he stood. "I wanted to give him a little time to rest without freaking out over his new surroundings. I know what it feels like to be somewhere unknown."

Yeah, he probably did.

"I hope you will come to me if you have any questions or concerns, Miko."

There was that weak smile again, but at least he didn't bow.

"I'd better get downstairs and get to work." I stood and took a couple of steps. "In a little while, I'll have one of the horses saddled for you so I can teach you to ride." I gestured to the loose fitting pants he wore. "Do you have anything hardier than that to wear?"

Miko's eyebrows lifted swiftly. "Hardier?" Just as quickly, they snapped back down over his eyes. "I do not understand."

I pointed to my jeans. "You need something like this when riding a horse. With those thin pants of yours, you'll rub up friction burns on your thighs something fierce and I can tell you from experience, it's not very pleasant."

"Friction burns." Miko's brow flickered. "I can make you an ointment for that."

"We usually just cover them up."

Miko shook his head. "If you're riding horses every day, it'll just increase your chances of getting an infection of you continueto ride with friction burns. If I can get the ingredients, I can make some cream that should heal it up in a matter of hours."

If what he said was true, that would be fantastic.

"What kind of ingredients do you need?"

"I can make a list," Miko replied. "I'm not sure how things are done here in American, but most of this stuff could be found at the local farmer's market back in Japan. My grandfather's butler used to pick it up for me."

"There's a farmer's market in town on Saturdays," I stated. "We can go this Saturday if you want."

Miko's eyes darted to mine. "I can go?"

Pretty sure the frown on my face was going to become permanent. "Of course you can go."

"I leave ranch?"

And there went his English.

"Yes, Miko, you can leave the ranch. I'd appreciate it if you informed me when you do so I don't worry, but you can come and go as you please. You're not a prisoner here."

I had a feeling that had not been the case most of his life.

"Is not imposition?"

I had to think about that one for a moment before I could answer. Either his English was getting worse or my ears were.

"No, Miko, it is not an imposition."

He would never be an imposition.

Chapter Ten

~ Miko ~

I sat next to the injured dog, gently petting him to reassure him as the veterinarian checked him over. He'd been a little freaked out when I retrieved the needle, but had calmed down for the most part.

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