Page 11 of Stick Around,
Enzo’s eyebrow raised slightly. “Depends on whether you value all your bones being intact.”
“Ignore him.” Kellan leaned in conspiratorially. “He acts tough, but he taught a group of five-year-olds last summer and was practically glowing by the end of it.”
“I was sunburned,” Enzo muttered.
The rest of dinner flowed more easily after that. The men told stories about ranch mishaps, like the time Debra escaped and ended up in the neighboring ranch’s pool, and I shared some of my classroom adventures, including the Great Glitter Disaster of 2023 that resulted in my car still sparkling in certain lighting.
Soon our plates were empty, and Reid pushed back his chair, stacking his and Kellan’s plates. “Thanks for the company, Quinn. I’ve got to go check on the horses before turning in.”
“And I need to finish scheduling next week’s trail rides.” Kellan stood and stretched, his shirt lifting enough to reveal atantalizing strip of skin and a smattering of hair leading into his pants, which I totally didn’t notice. “Enzo’s on dish duty tonight.”
“Can I help?” I gathered my plate and silverware before Enzo could object. “It’s the least I can do after you fed me.”
Kellan and Reid exchanged a look I couldn’t quite decipher before saying their goodnights and heading out, leaving me alone with the grumpiest of the three cowboys.
“You’re a guest; you don’t have to help.”
“I want to.” I followed him into the kitchen. “I promise I know how to dry dishes without breaking them. It’s one of my few adult skills.”
His lips twitched, almost a smile but not quite. “Wash or dry?”
“I’ll wash.” I took the dishrag he offered.
We fell into a surprisingly comfortable rhythm with me washing and him drying and putting away dishes. It was quiet, but the comfortable kind of quiet that was relaxing instead of tense.
“You’ve got...” Enzo motioned to my face, and I reached up, confused. His hand hesitated before he reached out and gently brushed a bit of soap from my cheek with his thumb. The brief contact left my skin tingling.
“Thanks.” I was suddenly very interested in washing the last fork.
When we finished, Enzo leaned against the counter, studying me for a moment. “I’ve got to drive into town tomorrow morning. If you want, I can take you to get some boots. You’ll need them.”
I blinked in surprise. “That would be great. Thank you.”
“Eight o’clock. Don’t be late.” And with that, he headed out the door.
I stood in the kitchen, clutching a damp dish towel, wondering if I had managed to crack the first layer of his stoic exterior or if he was just being polite.
Chapter 4
Lisa Frank and Dolly Parton Had a Boot Baby
Enzo
Ranger circled the pen at an easy trot, his dark coat already lathering where the muscle worked hardest. Most people would have been intimidated by his size and temperament, but I knew every flick of his ears, every subtle shift of his weight. I watched his back right leg, noting the slight hitch in his stride.
“Easy now,” I murmured as he transitioned from trot to canter. The slight hesitation confirmed what I’d suspected yesterday. Nothing serious, but enough to warrant the anti-inflammatory I needed to pick up from Dr. Mercer in town.
Ranger snorted, his dark mane flowing like ink across his midnight coat as we circled. He was everything I needed in a horse. He was focused, disciplined, and unfazed by nonsense. Unlike some people on this ranch.
I brought him down to a walk, letting him cool as the sun continued its climb. The morning was quiet; the only sounds were hooves on packed earth and my own thoughts.
Once his breathing settled, I led him into the stables. I didn’t want him out in the pasture with the other horses if I wasn’t around, and who knew how long I’d be boot shopping with Quinn.
I hadn’t realized until I’d walked out of the lodge the night before that I’d volunteered for at least a solid hour alone with her. What had I been thinking?
The answer was that I hadn’t been thinking. Something about the way she’d stood there in the kitchen, handling my silence without awkwardly trying to fill it, had made me forget myself for a moment.
Ranger nudged my shoulder, demanding attention. At least he had his priorities straight.
