Page 7 of Don't Trust the Cowboy

She raises a hand. “No, that’s fine, Mr. Barnes. If you want to keep the townspeople happy, it’s best if you pay me properly, biweekly, with a paycheck.”

“Well, that sounds like a real pain in the ass to me, but if that’s what you want.”

“I thought you said that you cared what people thought about you. Don’t you think that when word gets around, that they’ll question how you’re paying me?”

The girl has a point. “Alright. Fine. You put your details into the computer and pay yourself accordingly then. I’m dead tired and I’ve got to be up at the crack of dawn for the damn builders.”

“Do you mind if I keep working? I’d like to get this table settled if it’s all the same to you.”

“Sure. Hell, I don’t care. If y’all hear Mazy whinnying, y’all come wake me up.” I wave, walking away from her.

“Mazy?”

“My mare. In the barn. She’s about to go into calf. I’ve got Dr. Collins on call if there are any complications.”

Her mouth twitches into a smile. “Your horse is ready to give birth? And you know what to do?”

“I own a ranch, Miss Charlton. I should hope I know how to breed horses.” Her expression drops some and I feel like a shit. “You wanna see her?”

“I wasn’t joking when I said that I love horses, sir.” She answers, face wide with a smile.

“You ever ridden one?”

She shakes her head no. “Never, sir, but I’ve always wanted to.”

I can’t help the words. “Well, then, tonight’s your night.”

“Oh, I couldn’t, sir. I thought you said that she’s about to have a baby, and you said that you’re dead tired. I...I couldn’t impose.”

“If you’re going to work here, Miss Charlton, you’re going to need to know a thing or two about horses. The sooner the better. Come on. Come with me.”

Her face lights up like a goddamn Christmas tree. I want to grumble and grimace so badly, but I can’t help but feel the excitement. And, truth be told, it sounds like she hasn’t had a whole lot to smile about recently. Neither have I, frankly, but at least my folks didn’t just die, and I’m certainly not living out of my vehicle. I think I hear her squeal a little, too, and I chuckle. “I’ve never even been up close to a horse before.” She says excitedly.

“Well, you’re going to love Mazy. She’s the most docile horse there is. I’m going to have her for riding lessons, and her offspring, too.”

“How many babies is she going to have?”

“Oh, just the one, for now.” I tell her as we turn the corner to go to the barn.

Mazy is standing in her stall, chomping on some hay happily. She releases a happy exhale when she sees me. “Hello, girl. How are y’all doing?” I ask softly, patting her snout. “This is Miss Charlton.”

“Piper.” She corrects. “My name is Piper. And it’s nice to meet you.”

Mazy lowers her head so that she can reach her better. “Oh, she likes you. That’s what she does when she wants to be pet more.”

“She’s beautiful.” Piper says softly, almost in awe. “God, I never knew they could be so gorgeous up close. Just look at those big eyes.”

“Yeah, she’s a beaut. And she takes very well to people, but she’s sure to let me know if someone comes around here. Horses are better at home security than any damn alarm system on the market.”

“Really?” Piper asks, just about hugging the horse.

“It looks like this is love at first sight.” I say with a smile. Piper certainly passed the test. Mazy can weed out anyone with ill intentions. That’s how come I let one of my ranch hands go. Cassidy told me I was nuts, but a horse doesn’t lie. Especially this one.

“I love her, too.” She says, hugging Mazy’s snout. As she looks down at her swollen belly, she gasps. “Oh, goodness! She’s so...large!”

“Yep. She is. This one’s going to pop any day now.” I say proudly. Then I’ll have two horses for riding.” I open the stall and Mazy walks ahead a step. “Come on, Miss Charlton. Let’s get you on her.”

“Oh, I’m not going to hurt her, am I? Should she be riding in her delicate state?”

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