Page 27 of Healing Her Cowboys
She could bet on that.
Chapter Thirteen
The ride back to the ranch included dark clouds and heavy torrents of rain. A soft rumble of thunder in the distance shook the truck. Reese looked out of the window to catch the storm clouds darkening more above them.
Hard bursts of rain splattered against the windshield. Atlas’s hand rested comfortably on the steering wheel, his presence calming as they drove through the winding country roads.
“You okay?” he asked her.
“I’ll feel better when we’re all back at the ranch.”
He patted the spot next to him. “Come closer.”
She scooted over until he had his arm around her. It didn’t eliminate her worry, but it at least soothed her.
Reese thought back over the date night they had together. She remembered the way Atlas and Brik both held her on the dance floor, the way Atlas protected her, and how Brik kissed herbefore he left. Her heart swelled with gratitude at the idea that she had found something new with them.
Rain picked up and hit hard against the roof, pulling her back into the surrounding storm.
“Looks like we’re in for a rough one tonight,” Atlas muttered. He eased his arm from around her and put both hands on the steering wheel, his focus on the road ahead.
A thrash of lightning lit up the street, nearly blinding them as it hit a tree. Atlas swerved to the side to avoid it crashing down on the truck.
Reese could feel her heart beating hard through her chest.
Atlas rested his hand on her knee. “We’re safe,” he said. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”
His knuckles tightened on the steering wheel as he navigated the rest of the way home, showing he was just as concerned as she was about the storm’s intensity.
As they pulled up to the ranch, Atlas looked over at the stables. “I better check the stable doors. If the wind picks up, it could blow them open and spook the horses. You go into the house and dry off.”
“I’m coming with you,” she said, no room for discussion in her tone.
He watched her with those gentle brown eyes of his. “Okay, but make sure you stay close to me.”
The wind made it hard to open the car door, but Atlas got out and had her come out right beside him. He held her hand tight as they pushed through the wind and rain pouring down on them.
The stable doors creaked under the building pressure of the wind. Atlas grabbed both doors just as the wind blew them open.
“What can I do?” she screamed over the sound of roaring wind, not wanting him to take the burden on by himself.
“Grab the latch—quick!” he shouted, his face set with determination.
Reese leaned into the door, her shoulder pressing against the wood as she slid the latch into place.
“Guess we’re staying here until it calms down out there.” He grabbed some wooden planks to reinforce the doors from the inside. “Can you check on the horses and see how they’re holding up?”
“How can I help them?” she asked, scared she would do something wrong.
“Just talk to them. They’re stuck in their stalls, so all they hear is the chaos. Use your voice to reassure them. That’s all you need to do.”
She found Billy’s stall first. The poor mare looked spooked, just as Atlas said.
“Hi, Billy. Remember me? You took me riding for the first time the other day.” She held her hand out to him. “It’s okay. We’re just having a brief storm. It’ll be over before you know it.”
He hesitated before making his way over to her.
“Good boy,” she said, petting his snout. “You’re fine. Everything is going to be fine.” When he nuzzled her hand, she knew he was better.
