Page 140 of Once Upon a Holidate
He found her in the stable, cleaning out a stall. Judging by the nearly full wheelbarrow nearby, she’d been at it for a while.
“What are you doing?” he asked without thinking. “You don’t work here.”
He immediately wanted to call back the words. Not only did the statement sound hostile, this was the first time he’d seen her since last night and their kiss.
She looked good. A little sweaty and dusty but still pretty. Instead of getting upset, she grinned.
“See, questions like that make me wonder if you’re really ready to be a horse owner. News flash, horses poop about fifty pounds of manure a day. That’s per horse. Of course cows poop about three times that, so we have it easy by comparison. Still, someone has to clean it up. I’m really surprised you didn’t know that.”
“Sorry. I meant why are you cleaning out stalls?”
“One of your guys had car trouble and with the holidayweekend, I figured you were already shorthanded. I’m just helping.”
“You don’t have to.”
“I don’t mind. I’m trying to figure out a few things in my life. Nothing clears the mind like honest, manual labor.”
“You got that right. Thank you for helping.” He remembered the box he’d brought. “You got a package.”
Her mouth straightened and emotions flashed through her blue eyes. “I wasn’t expecting anything.” She sounded more wary than excited.
He handed over the box. She took it and read the label, then smiled.
“It’s from my mom. Liana Smith.” Her smile broadened. “Knowing her, it’s clothes. She told me to pack more than I did, but would I listen?”
“She sounds like a good mom.”
“She is.” She set the package outside the stall, then nodded at the rakes and shovels by the door. “You could help.”
“I could and I will.”
They made quick work of the last two stalls, then put their tools away. Cade took the manure to the composting shed before joining her in the break room. She’d already pulled out a soda for him and put it on the table.
He opened the can. “Thanks, Beth. I mean it. You aren’t expected to pitch in.”
“No big deal.” Her eyes brightened with humor. “Your barn foreman was very excited that I volunteered.”
“If you hadn’t stepped in, it would have been up to him.”
She picked up her soda. “Don’t you dare tell him it’s not okay to put me to work.”
“I wouldn’t think of it.”
“I’m not sure if I believe you, but all right.” She took a sip. “You run a very efficient barn. I’m impressed.”
“Remember that when you fill out my report card.”
“I will.”
“I’m not used to auditioning,” he admitted. “It’s not a comfortable position to be in.”
“Rida’s worth it,” she told him.
“I agree. I’m just saying you have all the power.”
She flushed, then ducked her head. “I wouldn’t say that,” she murmured.
Words that were nice to hear. “I liked it, too.”
