Page 59 of Headed for Home

My jaw drops. “You want to ride? Voluntarily?”

“Been waiting for an invite. I didn’t buy these boots for nothing.” He taps a sole on the concrete floor.

A peek at the expensive Ariats suggests those soles wouldn’t have met manure without my influence. The supple leather is still unblemished even after the hours he spent on chores. “Had those seen a speck of shit before this morning?”

“Nope.”

“Better get some miles on ‘em. Go open that gate.” I point at the one on the opposite end of the barn. “We’ll free the beasts.”

Drake’s feet remain firmly planted. “I’m not qualified.”

“It’s easy.”

The cowboy in training doesn’t look convinced and moves at a tortoise’s pace to fulfill my request. It’s actually very funny and cute to see his typical confident swagger replaced by apprehension. Once the route is clear, I begin unlatching the stalls. The horses exit their private quarters and form a single file line toward freedom. It’s a smooth transition that they perform twice daily.

Drake watches the practiced routine as if it’s a Broadway show worthy of an award. His eyes bulge as his fellow troublemaker stops to sniff him for treats. My heart flutters faster at the sight but I ignore the sensation. The roan mare settles for a ruffle to her forelock before she trots off to catch up with her herd. She bucks at the air, showing herself out with a proper farewell.

“Better keep an extra eye on her.” He shuts the gate while chuckling.

“Told you.”

“That was impressive.” His arm arches over the aisle where he just received our demonstration.

“They’re highly motivated by food and playing follow the leader.” I stand beside him, gazing at the paradise spread in front of us. “You’re a very capable stable boy.”

“Does the position come with benefits?”

“I could probably whip up a bonus structure.”

Drake bites his fist and groans. “Don’t tempt me or I’ll give you a private tour of the tack room.”

I snort at the mention of the random space. “Did you stumble in there by mistake?”

“Sure did, and it was hard to leave. The smell of leather and victory is very sexy. Those trophies are such a turn on,” he rasps.

“Maybe I’ll let you spread me over a saddle.”

“Now?”

I shake my head and begin backing away. “Still no. Rewards come after chores.”

“Delayed gratification? Kinky, beauty.”

“Especially once Billy and Gruff get their hooves on you again.” I wink and blow him a kiss. “Can you handle the goats and chickens? I’ll turn the horses out to pasture, portion their grain for dinner, check on the cats, and sweep.”

“Is it a race?” Drake stretches his legs, doing several lunges and flexes.

I study his effortless movements. Chester and Cheeto arrive on the scene, sensing the competitive shift between us. The dogs will herd the horses from dirt to grass for me. Too bad they can’t unlock the chain and save me a trip. But that won’t alter the outcome.

“Sure,” I quip. “We can make it interesting.”

“What do I win?”

“Presumptuous much?”

His eyebrows wiggle. “Just confident.”

“You have to beat me first, grand gesture.” My route to success is ready and set. “Go.”

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