Page 19 of Mountain Time
“I’ve seen men with patience who couldn’t train a horse to walk forward if they wanted them to. You look like you know how to think like a horse.” Cody’s stern in his words, but they’re words of respect.
I’ve noticed Kacey watching me, but maybe she isn’t the only one.
“Ah, they aren’t that tough to figure out. Most of them are just scared of what they don’t know. People aren’t much different.”
“Son, those words are wiser than you realize.” He unlatches the gate and walks in. Again, I’m shocked at how tall he is while Kacey is so small. She must take after her mom, and I haven’t met her yet.
In a few strides, he’s standing next to me, and reaches out to rub Buck’s neck. Then he starts patting the saddle, making a loudfwaapnoise as his big hand hits the saddle. “It’s only been a few days since you started working with him and before then this horse would have flown back, bug eyed, bucking around this pen. You’re doing really good work.”
“Thank you, sir.”
He gives Buck a couple more pats before fully turning to me. “I spoke to Jack, and he vouched for you, but I still need to say this. On this ranch, there are no drugs, fighting, or stealing. We’re a pretty laid-back bunch, but those three rules are nonnegotiable.”
The way he says it isn’t hard or judgmental, it sounds like something he’s said to many men before me. I won’t say it isn’t intimidating, though. It doesn’t help that he is a mountain of a man looking down to meet my eyes.
“Understood. I respect that. I know I’m a bull rider and we have a bit of a reputation, but I’ve never been one for any of that.”
He pauses for a second and runs his hand through his beard. “Good. Jack said you’re focused on your career and take it seriously, but anyone can see that in your riding.”
Thank you, Jack.He can keep the $50 he never gave me now.
“Yes sir, I believe if you want to be the best in the world, you better train like it and live like it.”
Buck chooses this moment to shake the dust off.
Cody looks him over. “I don’t know what my daughter’s attachment to this horse is, but she seems to see potential in him. Did she tell you about haltering him as a weanling or him running her down?”
“Not the full story, but it’s been mentioned. While he’s coming around, I do believe he will always be a little jumpy and have a strong will, but that can be used to a good cowboy’s or cowgirl’s advantage.”
It’s almost a full minute before he replies, and I’m starting to feel awkward when he says. “You know, Kacey’s pretty good with a horse, too, but she’s never worked with one like this guy. She’s learned some from me, but mostly from Carson. He’s good, but I think she could learn a thing or two from you as well. You should ask her to lend a hand with Buck here.”
“Yes sir, I can do that.” Not sure what I can teach her that she hasn’t already seen me do. Her green eyes have been fixated on me and Buck every day. I’m sure she thought she was being discreet by poking her head around the corner or acting like she was spraying a horse’s legs off, but it was pretty obvious. It made it hard to keep a straight face and act like I didn’t see her. Especially since I was watching her, too.
“Don’t let her know it was my idea. It’s better if you ask her to help.”
“I can do that. I’m sure it will be good for Buck to have someone else working with him.”
Cody nods. “Keep it up and I might have to hire you to break all the colts around here.”
Cody heads for the gate as a big grin forms on my face. “Wouldn’t that make Kacey my boss?”
“Yes, yes, it would.” He chuckles. “Very few men can handle her, but I have a feeling you’d get along alright.”
Yeah, I have a feeling we’d get along great, if she’d ever give me the time of day.
Chapter 10
Kacey
Jessie
What are you doing today? I have the day off. Want to annoy Carson until he snaps?
Kacey
No, you’re mean. But come to the ranch, I’m at the barn.
Jessie
