Page 36 of Headed for Home

It’s only then I remember she’s beside me. I was too caught up in Cassidy. “Aren’t you supposed to be helping her exercise the prospects or whatever?”

“Yeah, yeah. We have all day. Want me to get one saddled for you?”

I burst out laughing until I realize she isn’t joining in the amusement. “That’s a negative.”

“Have you ever been on a horse?”

“Nope.”

“Do you plan to?”

“When Cassidy’s ready to teach me.”

“Excellent answer.” She spots something over my shoulder. “Pussy incoming.”

“The fu—?” My question cuts off as sharp claws pierce into my legs. A peek behind my shoulder reveals two kittens climbing me like a scratching post.

“Meet Ethel and Ester. Such rascals but very loved. They’re Kenzie’s pride and joy.”

The mention of Cassidy’s daughter forgives the felines’ antics. “I’m beginning to believe the animals are testing me.”

Paisley assists in plucking the kitties off my jeans, and then proceeds to cradle them like babies. “Welcome to your Greener Pastures initiation.”

I scratch Ester and Ethel behind their ears. “Does this mean I’m accepted?”

“Meh. If her kids approve of you, then you’re golden.”

Warmth spreads through my chest. “Hopefully I’ll get the chance to know them and plead my case. I met Charlie, but haven’t seen Mackenzie yet.”

Paisley studies me for a moment, long enough that my skin starts to itch. “Can I give you some advice?”

“By all means.” I gesture for her to let me have it.

“Cassidy is a rare gem. She’s the type you meet once in a lifetime and want to smother in so much love that she can’t deny how much you appreciate her. I get it, but you need to understand she’s fiercely independent.”

My attention returns to the spirited redhead who’s loping Levi in figure eight patterns. Her body sways into the horse’s stride. I find myself mesmerized once again. “There’s nothing wrong with that.”

Her head bobs to agree with me. “Her barn doors have been sealed shut until you barged in somehow. She might’ve agreed to let you tickle the twat, but there’s no way she’s ready to go all in. I bet she’s planning on walking away after whatever happened last night.”

“No,” I snap.

Paisley just rolls her eyes. “You doubt me?”

“Why would she do that?”

Paisley shrugs. “Cassidy has been on her own, raising her kids, building a name for herself in the horse training industry. She has a load of crap on her plate. It’s everywhere. If you push her too hard or fast, she might buck you off. Permanently. Not because she doesn’t like you, but she’s accustomed to doing things her way. It’s no secret that you’re coming on really strong. I admire your devotion and determination, but there are limits for a reason. Too much change to her routine will spook her.”

I frown at the possibility of not having Cassidy at my side. It doesn’t take more than a quick glance at our surroundings to expose her responsibilities, and that’s only on the surface. I’ve always worked best on a team—but she’s running this entire operation by herself. Unless I can convince her to let me on the stable squad. This type of labor isn’t my wheelhouse, but I wasn’t lying about being a fast learner.

“What do you recommend?”

“Be patient. Give her time and space.”

“But—”

She presses a finger to her lips, telling me to shut mine. “You asked. Don’t argue.”

I slump in defeat. “If I back off, she might go about her business and forget about me.”

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