Page 15 of Stirring Up Trouble
A voice from beside us called out, "Ain't no way in hell he's going to let you ride. That there is Blaze’s baby.”
I recognized the man as one of the others from the ranch that morning. He'd been a big fan of the French toast if I recalled correctly.
Ignoring his protest, I approached the horse slowly, my hands out so it could see I meant no harm. When I was close enough, it made a soft noise, then pressed its muzzle against my hand.
My heart melted at the sweetness as I leaned my face down, closing my eyes and breathing in this animal. This beautiful creature who had welcomed me while its owner hated me.
I was so wrapped up in the moment, I didn't hear anyone else approach. Not until there was a bellowed,"What the hell are you doing?"from behind me.
I whipped around, blocking the horse from whoever was that angry. Only I froze when I saw that it was Blaze.
"What?" I asked.
“I said what the hell are you doing? That's my horse. What have you done to her?"
The ranch hand chuckled. “He didn't do nothing, boss. That horse right there practically summoned him over, then went about nuzzling him like he was a stuffed animal. Never seen her do that.”
I looked towards the hand and frowned. "Never? But she's so sweet.”
As I continued to pat her, Blaze's scowl deepened, though he didn't tell me to stop. The ranch hand shook his head, and Bobby Allen crossed his arms. I could tell from the blank expression on his face he was taking everything in. He always did this when it came to new horses. He would let me know if I was in the wrong, wouldn't he?
The ranch hand said, "Yeah, that horse has bitten, kicked, and bucked off just about everyone that's ever come near it. Part of my warning was that it was Blaze's horse, but also that it was just a mean son of a gun. She doesn't seem mean to you though.”
I smiled brightly turning to the horse. “No, she's not mean to me at all. I like her.”
It was quiet for a moment and then the sound of boots thudding away hit my ears. I didn't have to turn to know that it was Blaze leaving.
Bobby Allen approached from my other side. He kept his distance, obviously not wanting to spook the horse. When I looked over at him, his eyes were practically dancing with humor.
“You always been good with animals, Robin? If only it transferred to this one's owner, huh?”
I shook my head. “I don't know what I did, but maybe his horse can convince him later that I'm not a bad guy. It would really suck if the next two weeks were me having to navigate the eggshell wasteland of that man's emotions.”
The ranch hand who eventually introduced himself as Corny told me that I would fit right on in at the ranch. “You can put up with the boss's bullshit, then you're fine. The rodeo is just an extension of him. He's real nervous with everything that's happened, but having you all come out to help means a lot. If you need anything at all, just let us know.”
He winked at me before turning around and walking off.
My mouth dropped open as I realized he was probably flirting with me too. When I looked to Bobby Allen, he nodded.
“Yeah, I'd say the fellow's a little smitten, though I don't know how that would go. He might be walking around in someone else's territory.” He walked off before I could get him to explain further.
I stayed with the horse for another moment before following in his wake. I had to get a better lay of the land if this was going to be where I worked for the next couple of weeks.
It also would do me good to not be left alone with the horse of the man who seemed to not like me. I didn't need him coming back and us having some type of confrontation.
Then again, a moment alone with him was just about the only thing I wanted.
Six
Blaze
I was goingto have to beat the shit out of my ranch hand.
There was nothing else for me to do.
Not only had Corny been talking to Robin when I approached them, but the motherfucker was all smiles and happy-go-lucky.
Then when I left and walked around the corner just to listen and see what happened next, I saw him wink.
