Page 25 of Wellspring
“If Reichardt is really a threat, we might need a night watch on the ranch as well as the herd.”Chel scooped up the last of her chili with a piece of cornbread and popped it in her mouth.“Mac might not be up for riding, but he’s still a damn fine shot.”
“I feel that is something of a requirement,” Erick observed.
“With a pistol, Mac’s almost as good as I am,” Cade said.“Now he just needs to get used to that new leg from Burke so he can get his balance.It’s throwing off his aim with a rifle.But he’s too damn stubborn to practice.”
“My aim is better with a rifle than a pistol.Perhaps we could set up targets and practice together,” Erick offered.“I do not know if your friend is competitive—”
“Oh hell yes.Make it a challenge and he’ll be on it like fleas on a dog.”
“Tomorrow, perhaps?”Erick said.“If there is time amidst all the other tasks we must accomplish?”
“Tell Payne what you’re planning and he’ll give you the time,” Cade assured him.The solution wouldn’t have worked from anyone but Erick because Mac would see right through it, but an outsider like Erick….Mac would fall for it in an instant.And Erick in all his generosity had the thought and made the offer without hesitation.As if Cade needed another reason to admire him.Even if a small part of him hoped it wouldn’t impinge on their time to spend alone together.“The mustangs are important, don’t get me wrong, but with the JR threatening, having everyone able to shoot is more important.I can talk to Payne if you want me to.”
“Perhaps you could ask your friend Mac?You can tell him it is for my benefit.I would not want him to think it an impertinent suggestion from someone he does not know.”
“I’ll tell him, and I’ll introduce you too.That way it ain’t awkward tomorrow.I’ll tell him you need practice with the pistol, and then you can mention you’re better with a rifle after he’s shown you just how good he is,” Cade suggested, even as he admired Erick’s cleverness in devising a way to help Mac without wounding his pride and his kindness in thinking to do so in the first place.“I’ll mention it if he comes to dinner tonight, and if not, I’ll drop by his and Kit’s cabin after we finish eating.”
“He doesn’t always feel up to dealing with people,” Chel added by way of explanation.
“If he must deal with Burke, I believe I can understand.”Erick didn’t smile, but the corners of his eyes crinkled in the way Cade was learning meant amusement.He reveled in the little signs no one else picked up because no one else bothered to look.He’d told Erick Wellspring would welcome him, would offer him a new home, and seeing Erick’s amusement now made his heart light to know he’d been right.“Mrs.Roarke introduced us today at lunch.”
Cade may have spent too long studying Erick’s face, because Chel elbowed him in the ribs as she stood.“Smart man,” she told Heller.“I am going to shower,” she added to Cade before stalking away.
“Not that anyone would bother her, but I’ll warn off anybody else until she’s finished.”
Cade half hoped Erick would follow him as he took up his sentry position at the corner of the bunkhouse where he could see both the dinner tables and the path to the showers, but Erick stayed where he was.Cade told himself that was good, that Erick needed to meet other people and that it was a sign of his respect for Chel’s privacy, which definitely added to his good opinion of the other man.But he really wanted Erick to himself for a few minutes, and with Chel headed to the shower, no one would come bother them until she was back in the bunkhouse.
Not that he was staring at Erick or anything, but he was surprised when Erick picked up the empty plates from their table and returned them to Javier.He watched them speak for a few moments, wondering what Erick was saying.Then Javier wrapped a wedge of cornbread in a napkin and handed it to Erick.Instead of walking toward the bunkhouse, Erick turned in the opposite direction.It took Cade a moment to realize that he must be heading toward the paddock.
Chel was finishing her shower when Erick returned, minus the cornbread that Cade realized he must have fed to the horse he was training.
“Did you make friends?”Cade asked before Erick could go into the bunkhouse.He really ought to let the man go in and put his feet up, but Cade was feeling greedy for his attention.And yeah, Erick had said they’d start reading lessons tonight, but he could have changed his mind.
“The paint worked hard today.Good behavior should always be rewarded.”
Chel chose that moment to come out of the shower enclosure, scrubbing a towel through her hair.“Maybe you can teach that to Cade too.”
“Hey, I’m good,” Cade protested.
“That’s what all the boys say.”Chel arched an eyebrow at him.“And yet so few of them live up to their claims.”
“Does Javier?”Cade retorted.
Chel’s eyes narrowed, but Cade didn’t back down.“Javier is a man, not a boy.He doesn’t need to boast of his abilities.”
“I have not heard Cade boast, though I judge his abilities most impressive,” Erick interjected.Cade felt his ears redden, and Chel snickered.He elbowed her in the ribs before she could make another smartass remark.
“You said you’d start teaching me to read and write,” he reminded Erick.
Erick must have seen something in Chel’s expression—okay, he was watching Erick, not Chel, so what?—because his eyes crinkled and the corners of his lips turned up.“You are welcome to join us, if you wish.It will help me to improve my English as well.”
“That is kind of you, but Javier has been teaching me a little,” Chel replied.“And you will have your hands full with Cade.I wouldn’t want to be in the way.”
Cade looked at Chel sharply.She hadn’t mentioned anything about reading lessons with Javier, although it would be just like her to keep it a secret until she had mastered it.Or she could be deflecting for reasons of her own.Still, he wouldn’t complain about having Erick’s attention all to himself.“You’re never in the way, Chel.”
“Please join us whenever you wish,” Erick offered.“I believe you are more experienced at handling Cade than I am.”
“I have been known to manage him on occasion,” Chel replied slowly, “but I’m quite sure he’d rather you handle him than me.”
