Page 8 of Headed for Home

“But I don’t.”

“Says who? You’ve taken on a very sudden interest in horses. Cassidy has at least a dozen to choose from, not including her fine hindquarters. Might as well toss yourself in the arena.”

I rub my chin at the double meaning. “Yeah. Okay.”

“Great. Glad we settled that.” Harper brushes invisible crumbs from her palms. “The toilet in the men’s room is clogged. Garrett said it’s your turn.”

A groan tumbles from me. “Of course he did.”

“He’s slinging drinks while you’re in here fantasizing about a cowgirl riding you. Get plunging, boss.” She mimics the action.

But I barely hear her after the explicit scene she paints. Down the drain and into the gutter my thoughts swirl.

“Hey, Harps. You’ve been gone forever. Is Drake getting off his—?”

“Yeah, yeah,” I bellow to my so-called friend who put me on poop duty. “I’ve got this shit.”

Ishield my eyes against the summer sun and watch the young rider ease her horse to a standstill in the center of the outdoor ring. “Great job today, kiddo. You’re a fast learner.”

Polly beams from astride her trusty steed. “Thanks, Miss Cassidy. It’s ’cause you’re the best instructor ever.”

My smile mirrors hers as I approach to assist in her dismount. The horse stands patiently, more than accustomed to this process. “That’s a rave review. Be sure to tell your friends.”

Her boots hit the dirt in a puff. “Uh-huh, I talk about Fire Engine nonstop. They’re super jealous I get to ride such a big horse.”

“And he’s such a good boy.” I pat the Appaloosa gelding on his spotted shoulder.

This guy is practically bombproof and the most reliable babysitter I own. Every beginner starts with him. Fire is responsible for carrying the weight of many who became professional equestrians.

“So sweaty.” Polly rubs the gelding’s neck under his mane where he’s wet. She flips the thick hair over to the other side and blows on the slick area.

“He’s not the only one.” I fan my face, which does little to cool me off. “It’s a scorcher.”

Her nose wrinkles. “Huh?”

“It’s a very hot day,” I rephrase.

Even though most of the arena is shaded by trees, the July heat is beating down on us in relentless rays. My skin is slick and I haven’t moved much in the last thirty minutes. Fire hardly got a workout himself but that’s on purpose. I schedule the low impact lessons on afternoons like this, if I even do them at all.

“Should I walk him around?” Polly slides the reins from over Fire’s head and holds them in a tight grip as if he’s an unpredictable weanling.

“Great idea, kiddo. Take off your helmet and give yourself a breather too.”

“I almost forgot.” The little girl giggles while unclasping the strap under her chin. “Much better.”

She plops the sparkly dome on a nearby post before guiding her mount around the edge of the ring. I watch their lazy gait until a dust cloud coming from the driveway steals my attention. An unfamiliar truck winds along the gravel path. My eyes strain to identify who’s behind the wheel but they’re too far away yet. A sinking feeling drops in my stomach that it might be another lackey from Sutherland Homes. The construction company has been hounding me for months.

Polly and Fire finish their lap, pausing besideme. “Is that good?”

I check the gelding’s slick chest to make sure he’s not too warm. There’s foam forming under his breast collar but he’s good to go. “Would you like to hose him down? He loves getting pampered after a ride.”

“Oh, yes! Please, please,” she whines.

“You’ve got it.” I grab the walkie from where it’s clipped to my pocket. “Hey, Anna?”

Static crackles through the speaker before the boarder who assists with chores answers. “What’s up, Cass?”

“Can you please come get Fire and rinse him off? Polly is going to lend a hand.”

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