Page 23 of More Than a Fling

“Ain’t rude iffin’ it’s the truth,” he asserted.

“That’s your opinion.” she said, feeling more irritated by the second.

At that moment, Gabe walked out from the interior of the barn. Catching sight of Annie, he stopped dead in his tracks, comically clutching at his heart as he took several steps back.

“Annie you’re here. I didn’t hear you drive up. Is it possible that you’ve become even more stunning?” he said, as he approached her.

“Thank God someone is glad to see me,” she said, while mentally approving of his black cowboy hat and the way he filled out his blue jeans in all the right places. His skin was already a golden tan, and the warmth of his gaze made her feel a little weak-kneed. His lighthearted countenance and innate confidence were very sexy indeed.

“I see you’ve already met Slim and Cal,” he said.

“Not formally,” Cal said stepping forward to offer his hand for a welcoming shake. “I’m Cal, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” he said staring at her admiringly.

“Nice to meet you too, Cal,” she said, smiling warmly.

“This is Slim, my right-hand man,” Gabe said formally introducing the crotchety old ranch hand.

“We met. Slim takes exception to my mode of transportation,” she said, tattling.

“Oh, don’t mind Slim, he’s got lots of opinions, don’t ya Slim?” Gabe said. “I hope you weren’t giving Annie a hard time.”

“Nope, not unless she has skin as thin as terlit paper,” he said, grinning at his own joke.

“Oh, so that was a joke?” Annie said.

“No, I reckon I meant it,” Slim replied.

“At least you’re honest,” Annie said.

“I see where this is heading… why don’t we mosey on over to the pasture and bring our horses in,” Gabe said, taking Annie’s hand in his.

Annie turned to Cal and gave him a wide smile saying, “Thanks for the warm welcome.”

He winked at her and nodded, leaning in to whisper conspiratorially, “I know the feeling.”

Annie laughed as she and Gabe walked away to grab their halters and bring their rides in to saddle up.

“You remember Whiskey and Gil, don’t you?” he asked as they returned from the field with their mounts.

“Of course,” she replied, then began cooing to Whiskey, “Who could forget such a handsome fella?” Scratching him behind his ear she continued, “I rode Gil the last time and we really bonded.”

While Annie was picking Whiskey’s hooves, Cal came out carrying Whiskey’s saddle.

“Why thank you Cal, that is so sweet of you,” she said.

“No problem, I’m always happy to help out if I can,” he said winking at her again.

“Let me cinch it up for ya,” he said after placing the saddle and pad on the horse’s back.

“You are a real sweetheart,” Annie exclaimed.

“Hey now, I was going to get your saddle, Cal beat me to it,” Gabe said not to be outdone by Cal.

“I’m sure you were,” Annie teased.

“Cal don’t you have work to do?” Gabe said.

“Sure boss, I’m on my way,” he replied. “Bye Annie, it was a pleasure to meet you.”

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