Page 113 of Headed for Home

“Just like you.” I wink. “Can Mac and Cheese have candy?”

“Yes!” Kenzie is already steering Fire in our direction.

Charlie pokes out from behind her. “I want candy!”

“Shouldn’t have bothered asking,” Cassidy laughs. “Better give it to them or you’ll start a riot.”

The twins make grabby-hands at the gummy worm packages. Fire obediently stops next to me as if Kenzie’s grip is still on the reins. He’s very well trained. I open the bags and pass them up, one for each.

“Thank you,” they chirp.

“Welcome,” I return as Fire resumes their stroll. My wariness studies them for a moment as they begin shoveling the sugary treats down their throats. “Is that safe?”

“They’re not going to choke. It’s okay.” Cassidy finishes tightening the cinch and grabs the bridle off the horn.

“I meant for both of them to be on him like that.”

“Yeah, for sure. That’s going double.”

“Ah, right. I knew that.”

Her hip bumps mine. “It’s sexy when you pretend to be a cowboy.”

“Hey,” I scoff. “I’m a work in progress.”

She tugs on my straw hat. “You’ll be herding cattle before you know it.”

“That’s better.” I shift around her to improve my skills in real time. “There’s the best investment I’ve ever made. Hi, Lele Loo. Did you miss me?”

The roan sniffs my pockets, her nose wiggling across the denim.

“What did you find?” I dig out a chunk of carrot. “There you go.”

She munches happily while Cassidy clucks her tongue. “You’re spoiling her.”

“So? She’s such a good girl. Yes, you are.” I glide my palm down the mare’s long face.

“I’m getting jealous,” Cassidy mutters.

“Need me to feed you? Open wide.” I dangle a carrot in front of her mouth.

She does and I glide the piece in, only to drag it out slowly. Her teeth bite down and I wince. Amusement gleams in her gaze while she chomps on the treat.

“Yummy,” she mumbles.

I cough into my fist. “You’re way too good at that.”

“Shouldn’t tease me.”

“Lesson learned,” I chuckle.

“Okay, buckaroo.” She swats my ass. “I thought we could go for a ride through the back forty. Maybe watch a movie afterward.”

My boots kick across the gravel as I return to her side. “Can’t think of anything I’d rather do. But who am I riding?”

Cassidy pats the space behind her saddle. “Right here, trouble.”

I freeze. “We’re going double?”

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