Page 27 of More Than a Helping Hand

“I’d appreciate that. A lot. I’m not yet sure Primrose is even interested, but I’m trying.”

“Well, I won’t keep you. We have to be up early to get horses ready, but I wanted to talk to you because it came up at dinner how she saved her date with the Heimlich, and I put it all together. And I haven’t said anything to anyone. I called Primrose a bit ago, but she didn’t answer.” He takes a step, then turns around. “Don’t be shocked if it takes her a while. She’s put up some walls.”

“I’ve kind of noticed.” As much as I want to know more about her past and what happened, I don’t press Parker for more info because I want to hear it from her. “And I’ll give her whatever time she needs.”

“Let me know when it’s no longer a secret.”

“Will do.” I wait until he’s back to his porch before heading inside.

Keeping Bailey in the dark makes sense, but I have a sneaking suspicion that Primrose is also trying to keep everyone else in her life in the dark about our dating. And while at the beginning, it adds an air of excitement, it will get old. But she’s not the only one keeping it quiet. I haven’t mentioned to my sister that I’m seeing someone. I think Brooke would be happy about it, but there’s that tiny part that’s not sure. It was just the two of us for a decade. And she’s spreading her wings and finding her own way, but I never want her to feel like I’m moving on from her.

Raising my sister changed the course of my life, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

I shoot off a quick text to Primrose.

Me:It’s handled.

She likes the message but doesn’t send a reply.

I could tell her I had to rip off my shirt and fight her brother to force him to keep the secret. But I don’t. The idea of people knowing we’ve gone on dates stresses her out, and I don’t want to poke at that sore spot.

* * *

Parkerand I are leaving the mess hall as the other guys arrive. We want to have all the horses saddled and ready by the time they get to the barn.

Clint stops me as I get to my truck. “Saddle your horse too. I’d like you to ride along this morning.”

“Yes, sir.” I spend most of my days in the barn, but every once in a while, I get a taste of something different. I grew up around horses, but cowboying is brand-new. And I love the sense of adventure that comes with learning new things.

Since we’re busy, Parker doesn’t mention last night. Or maybe he won’t mention it until I bring it up again. I hope that’s the case because that would make my life easier.

Horses are ready when the other ranch hands start arriving. They’re moving the herd to a different part of the ranch. And in the summer, the earlier start is necessary to avoid dying of heat exhaustion.

Parker grins as I swing up onto my horse. “Have fun.”

“This isn’t some sort of weird initiation, right? I mean, I’ve been here more than a year, so surely that’s not the case.”

“You’re good. When Clint invites you along, it means he likes you and wants you to know how stuff works around here.” He pats my horse.

Dallas rides up alongside me. “You’re with me today.”

“You’re going to teach me everything I need to know?”

He smirks, then nudges his horse into motion. “Keep up.”

Birds sing as we follow the herd, and squirrels chitter at us for disturbing their foraging.

Dallas and I are bringing up the rear, far away from other listening ears. And that has me prepared for comments. His smirk earlier had me praying that he wouldn’t say anything to Parker.

I like Dallas. He’s a good guy even if he tries to keep up the gruff exterior. But he isn’t a man of subtlety.

Out of the blue, he says, “I almost said that the nurse could teach you what you wanted to know, but then I wasn’t sure how much you and Parker talked about last night. I heard y’all out there, but eavesdropping would’ve taken too much effort.”

“He knows I went out with Primrose. But he said he would keep a lid on it.” I shift in the saddle. “But he hasn’t said anything about her being my nurse that day, so mum is still the word on that part.”

“You are going to forget who is privy to what info. It’s going to get complicated.”

“Yep. I don’t doubt that. But that can’t be helped. Enough about me and my exciting life. How are you?”

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