Page 10 of Some Cowboys Fight for Love

The triumphant look that filtered through those stormy blue eyes left her feeling angrier than she had a right to be. He wasn’t wrong. While she was intrigued, she was also certain that he wasn’t the kind of man that Sophia deserved.

Aria folded her arms and lifted her chin. “Well, not everyone has to like you.”

“I never said they did.” He arched a brow at her. “Have you heard something to the contrary? Or are you making assumptions about someone you don’t even know? You’re not exactly a local. But I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve heard your fair share about me.”

She could have fallen from her perch if she wasn’t holding onto it as tightly as she was.

“What is it now? Cat got your tongue?” he muttered dryly, adjusting the saddle in his grasp once more.

“No. That’s just… you haven’t spoken much since we met. I’m fairly certain that’s the most you’ve said to me in one sitting.”

He cut her an annoyed look out of the corner of his eye. She could practically hear him make excuses as to why he deserved his privacy, much like he’d said the night before.

Her focus shifted to the horse. “She doesn’t like the saddle.”

“Really? I thought we were just playing a game of tag,” he said while focusing on the horse.

She snorted, earning a smirk from him at the same time. Aria tilted her head, watching as he continued prowling toward the animal. Then she sighed. “You’re doing it wrong.”

Daniel stopped and glanced at her over his shoulder. “And I should take your word for it? I’m sorry, but do you have some special experience with skittish animals that Sophia wasn’t aware of?”

Aria rolled her eyes and hopped down from where she sat. She could have told him she didn’t have experience with skittish animals, but rather skittish women. But she opted to keep that toherself. Instead, she motioned for him to place the saddle on the upper corral post. “Put it there.”

He stared at her like she’d suggested he wear it as a hat.

“Just do what I tell you. I promise it’ll pay off.”

Daniel groaned and plopped the saddle where she’d suggested.

She moved closer to the horse, speaking softly. “Hey, beautiful. Yes, I’m talking to you, sweet thing. Don’t worry about that brute. He doesn’t know what he’s doing.” She inched closer and closer until she could get ahold of the animal’s reins. Then she walked away from the saddle.

“You’re going in the wrong direction,” Daniel called out.

“You’re not being very open-minded,” she cooed, still using the tone she chose for the animal. Slowly, they made the rounds until she came right up to Daniel and the saddle beside them. “I know Sophia has been able to get this beautiful creature to wear her saddle when it’s placed on her within her stall. She’s working on it out here, to increase her trust. This horse doesn’t like seeing it coming.”

“Clearly,” Daniel said, his focus shifting from the horse to the saddle.

“You need to get her used to seeing it head-on in a non-threatening way.”

“I thought you said you don’t work with animals.”

“I didn’t say anything. And no, I don’t work with animals.” She rubbed the horse’s nose. “I just know how to help someone overcome their fears.” She pressed her face against the horse’s neck and smiled. “Now, walk her around a few times so she can see the saddle coming closer to her. Then work up to bringing it closer to her. One step at a time.”

Daniel gave her a funny look.

Aria watched as Daniel took her advice. When he was done, she followed him into the barn. He muttered something underhis breath when she did, and she huffed a laugh. “Let me guess, your girlfriend wouldn’t like that I’m spending so much time with you.”

“I don’t have a girlfriend,” he gritted out.

She folded her arms and laughed again. “Okay, then why were you so jumpy last night? I’d like to think a guy would appreciate the touch of a beautiful woman.” She cringed inwardly even as she said it. She hated being this manipulative. Flirty? Fine. But pressuring Daniel? Something didn’t sit right with her. Still, she pushed onward. “Maybe not a girlfriend…” she drawled. “But you like someone else.”

He shook his head, avoiding her gaze. “Wrong again.” Daniel continued working, his expression like stone.

Fine. If he wasn’t going to give her any information about himself up front, she’d have to find another way to unearth the man he truly was.

5

Daniel

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