Page 6 of Fallen Cowboy
I would be all night thinking of that kiss and then I’d be stuck seeing him right away.
“Troy is back home and he’s helping Markus with the horses. You know how we’re getting more and more, trying to get them trained.”
“I thought that’s what I heard. So why not go say hi? I’ll get MaryBeth fed and ready to go outside.”
I looked at the little girl who was already sitting at the table, coloring in her book, and sighed.
“I’m going to get dressed and go check on him, then I’ll be back to get my daughter.”
“Sounds good.” The older woman winked at me, and I couldn’t help but shake my head. I knew her ways better than I wanted to.
I quickly raced upstairs, changing into my boots, jeans, and top, before pulling my hair up and heading down to the barn.
“Hey,” I called out, leaning against the door.
He turned, his hat pushed back slightly, and my breath caught. Why did his man look so damn good and edible? I mean, sure, he was cocky, but it was a look that looked good on him.
“Hey yourself. What brings you out here?”
“Cook said she saw a new hand, thought it best if I came and said hello.”
“Sly old woman, isn’t she?”
“It’s her way for sure. Are the horses behaving for you?”
“They sure are. I can tell the newer ones, the ones that still need to learn how to trust. They are skittish in the stalls and when new people come.”
“They are. We get a horse almost daily. And the other guys are great, but between all of the new animals, it’s a little much.” I walked over to him, petting Rainbow on the nose. “MaryBeth can’t wait to ride her.”
“I thought I saw her name on the board. Is she riding?”
“With help. I’m trying to get her comfortable around them first.”
“If she’s like you, she’ll be a pro in no time.” I rolled my eyes at him which caused him to grin. “You know you got a way with horses; you always have.”
“She’s a little ball of energy, so I have to show her how she needs to calm down.”
I grabbed the brush, running it over Rainbow’s coat. She stood still, enjoying the rub, and I couldn’t help but smile. I kissed her nose, getting a nudge from her.
“See, a pro.”
“Sure.”
“Mommy!”
I turned as I heard her cry, her little legs running as fast as they could to the barn. But before I could stop her, Troy grabbed her, swinging her up in his arms, causing her to squeal.
“Hold yourself there, little one. We can’t go running into the barn, we’ll spook the horses, and we don’t want that, now do we?”
She shook her head; her gaze locked on his.
“Okay, want to go see your horse? Your mom is grooming her.”
“Yes, peas.”
“Of course.” He walked back to the stable and sat her on the ledge. “Now, you want to help your mom or just watch?”
“Help, peas!”
