Page 14 of Keep You Safe
“Oh, I plan to impress you.” He licked his lower lip, pink tongue mesmerizing me with the memory of that day by the pond. He’d certainly been impressive then.
“See that you do.” I nodded sharply. “You get the rest of this row done well by lunch, we’ll talk about getting you up on a horse.”
“Good.” Adler beamed like he’d just beat the eight-second clock at the rodeo. Despite knowing he was likely an expert conman, I’d gone ahead and seized his bait. Damn it. I blamed that distracting tongue of his.
Chapter Eight
Adler
“All done, boss.”I grinned at Grayson because I knew damn well I’d done a good job with my row of stalls. He’d no doubt expected me to turn my nose up at the mere thought of mucking stalls, but the man had no idea the sorts of messes I’d cleaned at hotels. Horses were more considerate than a lot of guests. And I’d had my music for company while Grayson had gone to take care of other chores. Not a terrible way to spend a morning.
“Let me take a look.” He didn’t merely take my word for it, not that I’d expected him to. He went stall to stall, carefully inspecting my work. His stern countenance didn’t droop at all. “This stall needs more pellets, and the one on the end could use a bit more grain, but otherwise, not bad for a first attempt.”
“You don’t give many compliments, do you?” I teased because the memory of every compliment he’d ever offered me was seared onto my brain.
His eyes narrowed. No joking mood there. “Praise needs to be earned, not demanded.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” I gave him a pointed look to convey how very willing I’d be to do whatever he commanded. I quickly fixed his two complaints before asking, “Did I earn another riding lesson?”
“Yep. I keep my word.” He held out a paper sack. “Here.”
“What’s this?” I opened it to reveal a sandwich, an apple, and a bag of chips. I wasn’t sure I’d ever been so touched by something so simple.
“Lunch.” Grayson made an impatient gesture, oblivious to the way his thoughtfulness had made me melt. “Follow me. Gonna squeeze in your lesson over lunch and before a budget meeting with Maverick and the trust folks. You’ll be on tack inventory this afternoon while I’m gone.”
“Excellent.” Finally a task that played to my skill set. I beamed my approval at his back. We were close to the same height, but even with the limp, Grayson was faster. “I’m good at inventory.”
“See that you ask Kat or another hand if you don’t know what something on the sheet is.” He turned toward me as we arrived at the stall of a very tall chestnut mare.
“I will,” I promised before turning my attention toward the horse. “I’m not riding Magnolia?”
“Magnolia is older and slowing down some. Kat wants to give Cinder here some riding time, but Cinder’s a mite big for some of the kids. You’re taller than you look.”
“I’ve heard that before.” I winked, knowing full well Grayson wouldn’t laugh.
“Cinder is a rescue horse project of Kat’s. She thinks he might make a decent ride for some of your city slickers, but she needs some more practice with inexperienced riders.”
“Excellent.” I was simply happy to be getting another lesson, and Cinder seemed nice enough as she watched us through big brown eyes.
“Let’s see what you remember about getting her ready.” Grayson reached for the stall door.
“Should I start by clipping her to the aisle?” I asked.
“Good call.” Grayson nodded a bit too quickly, like a man who was none too eager to be in close quarters with me. “Remember what I said about a slow approach and keeping where she can see you.”
Following directions, I led Cinder into the aisle. She pranced around, shaking her head from side to side, and didn’t settle even after I started brushing her. Accordingly, I kept stopping to pat the horse and reassure her. Grayson had to prod me into fetching the saddle blanket and saddle.
“Lordy, I don’t know who’s more distractible, you or the horse.” He sighed as I tried to place the saddle on Cinder. The horse neatly sidestepped my efforts, but as soon as Grayson made a sharp clucking noise, she let me saddle her.
“Cinder has more spirit than Magnolia.” I wasn’t about to talk bad about my new best friend, and Grayson wasn’t wrong about me. Part of what I loved about front desk work was the constant stream of questions and small tasks to keep my squirrel brain focused.
“More spirit, less smarts. I’m not sure I agree with Kat on the horse’s suitability for newer riders.”
“Don’t listen to the mean man.” I stroked Cinder’s neck. “You’re a very smart horse. I can tell.”
Grayson snorted, which was almost as good as making him laugh. “Mean man says get a move on to the ring.”
“Sure thing, boss.” I unclipped Cinder so I could lead her into the ring over to the mounting block. Grayson followed, hovering like a spotter at the gym. I could do without his watchful gaze, but I managed to get myself in the saddle without catastrophe.
