Page 38 of Shades of Mercy
She added an extra sway to her flared hips. “What do you boys do to protect your eyes from the sun?”
“Hats,” he replied matter-of-factly. “They’re not just for looks.”
“I need to get myself one of those. Where are we heading next?”
“Is there anything in particular you'd like to see?”
“The horses,” she said, taking a left and heading straight for the pasture.
As Mercy and Jag approached, the horses perked up their ears. Spotting their visitors, they ambled over and hung their heads over the fence, eager for attention. Mercy gladly obliged, stroking their noses. “They’re beautiful. How can you resist not riding all day long?”
“Contrary to common belief, riding in a saddle all day is hard on the rear. There are days when it can’t be avoided. I find it’s better than being flat on my stomach staring at someone through the crosshairs.”
“This scenery must be much more beautiful. It’s so peaceful here.” She stretched her gaze. “I never imagined I’d want to live anywhere but the city, but this is tough competition.”
“It is very beautiful.” But he wasn’t looking at anything but her. “Hang on. You have something in your hair.” He tugged a harmless bug from the strands. “Another reason why you need a hat.”
“I didn’t order one of those online.”
“Sweetheart, there are certain things a person never orders from an online shop. Boots, a hat, and a saddle.”
“Thank you for the lesson. Where do you all grab those things from?”
“There’s a shop up the road. The man custom makes everything.”
“How much does he charge?” she casually asked.
Jag chuckled. “He’s currently making a saddle and hat for a cowboy--onlyten thousand.”
“Dollars?” Her eyes were wide.
“Yeah.” He found her expression comical.
“I don’t want to know how much for a decent shop. I guess I’ll find a consignment shop.”
“Come on, let's head to the bunkhouse. I think there are some extra boots and hats in a box.”
She didn’t move. “Wait. You’re trying to give me a cowboy’s hat and boots?”
He chuckled. “There are some women’s things in there also. Some cowgirls have been working this land at one time or another.”
“I could get used to working the land.” She settled in beside him.
“It’s hard, but rewarding work.”
“I have a question. Since I’m the cook, does that mean I should make supply trips into town? Will I be using your truck?"
“You can’t sit still, can you? It's been barely three hours, and you’re already itching to leave.”
She laughed. “Are you being funny? You know me well enough to know I spend most of my time cracking codes at a computer. Maybe I have a natural desire to get out and explore.”
“I’ll run you wherever you need to go. If there’s anything you want to see outside of the ranch, let me know. Your wish is my command.”
“You keep acting like my bodyguard, and everyone is going to know we’re not cousins.” She bent and grabbed a wildflower growing up along the edge of the path. She brought it to her nose, inhaling the scent, then stuck it behind her ear. She caught Jag staring at her. “What?”
“Not a damn thing.” He cleared his throat. “I’m not your bodyguard. Like I told you, the crew won’t put their noses where they don’t belong.”
“I think you’re taking this a little too seriously. No one would find me out here.”
