Page 1 of Wrangle Me

CHAPTER 1

MAISIE

“I thinkI’ve got it. When can we start with the galloping? I want a picture for Insta with my hair, like, billowing in the wind.”

I blow out a breath. “If you want to gallop, you’ll have to actually get on the horse.”

I’m forty-two minutes into my first training session at the Buck and Whinny Stables. So far, my new job at Kingridge Ranch is a bit of torture. This particular VIP, Peachy, has treated the horse as little more than a breathing, hay-munching prop in her personal photo shoot. He’s just a fashion accessory with hooves. As far as I can tell, I’m not ranking much higher.

Peachy smooths a hand over her silk dress. Yes,a dressand then pouts. “Do you have another saddle? The black leather is harsh, and I’m more of a boho-vibe girly. You know?” She holds her lip out, and I realize with horror that she wants an actual reply from me.

I press my tongue to the roof of my mouth to keep from saying what I’m thinking. “No, we do not. But our time will be up in about three minutes, so if you’re interested in doing more than posing, now might be the time to consider it.”

Before I can even finish, she thrusts her phone back into my hands. “Ooh, grab one with the light behind me. Come on, horsey. Come.” She claps three times at the poor horse and strikes a leggy pose.

I stare at the phone. Then at her. I’m not going to win here. So, I silently addprofessional photographerto my list of unofficial job duties. I can’t wait for this VIP weekend to be over. According to Priya, our marketing manager, this is the last group of the season. If that’s true, it can’t end soon enough.

I snap a few photos with all the enthusiasm I can muster, slapping a smile onto my face. I angle the phone like a trained Booktoker and not just a new horse trainer desperate to keep the peace.

This is the kind of job I never would’ve dreamed of a few years ago. Hell, with the way I grew up, I didn’t even know this kind of freedomexisted.I came here to rewrite my story and to make up for all the years I spent trapped inside someone else’s version of who I was supposed to be. But this isn’t quite what I pictured.

Three painfully long minutes tick by. She finally takes her phone back, glancing at the screen with a wrinkle of her nose.

“Ugh, you got my bad side. You’re okay, girl, you’ll get better with time.” She mutters under her breath for a moment, then saunters off in the direction of the bathroom.

As soon as she disappears, I reclaim my freedom. I step out of the stables and into the fresh air.

“Whew,” I exhale, finally letting my shoulders drop.

I’m shaking my angst out through my fingertips when I realize I’m not alone. Two men are leaning against the stable wall. Both are tall and broad, but only one looks like he spends his day out on the ranch. A slim older woman stands between them… And she’s full-on country. The boots, turquoise jewelry,denim, and a kind of confidence that says she’s seen it all and still doesn’t take crap from anyone.

The first man is good-looking enough, with a sharp jaw and easy smile. But he’s not the type to derail your entire day. The second is smoldering with dark hair and brooding eyes. His arms are crossed over his broad chest, and it’s hard to look away.

I wonder if these are the infamous Kingridge brothers I’ve heard so much about. If they’re as charming as advertised, then my plan is to stayfaraway from them. I can’t trust anyone until I learn to trust myself… and that means not overcomplicating things. Besides… I’ve been a virgin for twenty-five years, so what’s another few? The woman waves me over, and their conversation comes to a halt as I take a step closer to the trio.

Not-So-Hot-Man leans forward, casual. “Rough session in there?”

“Yeah.” I breathe out a laugh and brush a strand of hair from my face. “That woman is the worst. I don’t think I’ve ever met a more self-centered person in my entire life. It’s almost impressive, honestly.” I shake my head.

Why am I so nervous?

His eyebrows raise for a moment. Then, he lets out an amused chuckle. “Yeah, tell me about it.”

“I’m not even sure what she does that makes her a VIP. But she carries herself like the Duchess of Denim and Dry Shampoo. And I’m not normally a complainer, but after one hour with her, I was ready to fake my own death and flee the state.”

Silence falls, and I mentally kick myself.Shut up, Maisie. It’s your first day. You don’t complain about the clientele on your first day.

Another beat of silence passes before the older woman breaks the tension. “Oh, bless your heart.”

“Thanks! Bless yours too. I’m Maisie Reagan. I’m the new horse trainer.” I hold out my hand and she slips a frail wrist into it.

“It’s nice to meet you, sugar. I’m Patty June. I work everywhere at this ranch, always have. I’ll be seeing you around, I’m sure.” Her eyes widen a bit as she turns toward the man with the smolder. “Y’all have fun with this one. I’m gonna head back to the farm stand.”

She disappears, and the two men exchange a quick glance. It’s too quick, really, and then something in the air shifts. But before I can put the pieces together, the rhythmic click of heeled cowboy boots crunching on gravel cuts through the silence behind me.

I turn to find Peachy heading toward us with a whole new outfit, and this one has fringe. So much fringe. She’s a walking Pinterest board as she strides out of the barn. Her sunglasses perch on her head like a tiara, and a fresh layer of lip gloss shines in the sun. Yet somehow, she pulls the look off, and I think I might like her more now that I’m not trapped with her in that stable.

I smile as she approaches. “Peachy, how are you feeling after your… meet and greet with the horses?”

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