Page 57 of Grady

“He’s a damn good horse.”

Grady patted the horse’s neck. “Yes, he is.”

“I think this electrical fence will keep them out. I hope so anyway,” Jeff said.

“Me too. Jeff? Are you still seeing Cindy?” Grady glanced over his shoulder to see Jeff grinning. “I take it by that shit-eating grin, you are.”

“I am. Man, I think I’m in love.”

Grady chuckled. “Does that scare you?”

“When I first thought my feelings for her were getting stronger, it terrified me, but the thought of not being with her, terrified me more.”

“She seems nice. I’m glad you’re happy.”

“Thanks, Grady. Are you still seeing that woman who owns the antique shop?”

“Yes. I like her.”

“What’s her name?”

“Savannah, but just about everyone calls her Vanna.”

“Why didn’t she go on the cattle drive?”

“She couldn’t close her shop for two weeks. She had just hired a new employee at the time. She said she’d go next year.”

“Whoa! You think you’ll still be seeing her next year?” Jeff asked in a shocked tone.

Grady reined Onyx in, turned in the saddle to look at him.

“I hope so. Why?”

“You, Grady Henderson, who never stays very long in a relationship, is talking about the…future?”

“You know I can fire your ass, right?” Grady chuckled when Jeff laughed.

When they turned to head back toward the barn, Grady scanned the area and saw nothing. Ever since that day, he worried that he’d run into the wolves again. Just because it was getting warmer, didn’t mean they wouldn’t attack man or beast. Especially if pups were involved. It wasn’t just mama bears that would do anything to protect their babies.

After entering the barn, they cooled down the horses, and Jeff went to finish chores.

Grady entered the office, turned on the computer, put that the fence was checked and the date. It was an everyday chore even if the transmitter didn’t show a section down. Better safe than sorry.

He looked at his watch to see it was still early but he knew Savannah had her shop open, so he picked up his phone and sent her a text.

Good morning. Happy birthday, darlin’.

Thank you! We’re already getting slammed, and I just unlocked the door.

I’ll see you tonight for dinner.

Can’t wait.

Grady smiled as he placed his phone on his desk. He reallyliked her, but then thought about what Jeff had said about still seeing her next year. Damn, was he getting in too deep? He never thought of how long he saw a woman, but it was never a year. It was usually a few dates, and he’d move on. It wasn’t that he didn’t like them, it was just that nothing seemed to click for him. He always thought it was because he didn’t want to settle down, but with Savannah, he could see a future and it scared the hell out of him. He didn’t know if he could do it.

The door opened and Maverick stepped inside the office. He tilted his head as he stared at Grady.

“Grady?”