Page 78 of Bad Boys After Dark - Brett
Brett smiled at that. “She loves the city, but she also loves being here. I think she’s found a happy medium.”
“That she has.”
Thinking of Sophie, he said, “I wonder if you might be willing to teach me how to ride.”
Poppi set aside the pitchfork and grabbed a shovel, using it to scoop up the remaining wet bedding. “Sounds like my granddaughter has gotten under your skin. I thought I saw the look of love in your eyes. That unmistakable look that makes smart men appear a bit…vacant.”
“I’m not sure how I should take that.” Brett laughed. “Vacant?”
“You know, delirious, like you don’t know why you’re doing what you’re doing. The heart will make you forget things you never thought you could and remember things you never wanted to.”
“Ain’t that the truth,” Brett said as he tossed a load of wet straw into the wheelbarrow.
“When you’re a young man, another organ takes over your brain for a while. But in the end the heart leads you where you’re supposed to be. I’d be honored to teach you to ride, especially for Sophie. Round these parts, kids learn when they’re tykes. Let’s get this chore done. Then we’ll saddle up and see if we can make a real man out of you.”
After they mucked the stalls and put the tools away, Poppi disappeared into the tack room and returned with two Hostess Ho Hos. He handed one to Brett and winked. “Don’t go yappin’ to my wife about these. She’s got this thing about food that isn’t made from the heart.” He tore open the wrapper and bit off a hunk of the pastry. “Tastes mighty good to me.”
“I have to admit, I’ve never had a Ho Ho.” Brett bit into the spongy treat. “Not bad.” But not nearly as good as a slutty pumpkin bar.
“Not bad my ass. These are delicious.” Poppi pointed to the door at the back of the barn. “Go in there and put on my leather boots. I’ve got Ruthie all warmed up. I took her out for a short trail ride just after dawn.”
“Really? You rode that early?” Brett asked.
“Absolutely, as I’ve done for many years. Now, get those cowboy boots on so I can make you into a real man.”
Brett did as he asked and then followed Poppi out of the barn to a small riding ring, where a beautiful chestnut-colored horse was waiting.
“She’s gorgeous. Can I pet her?”
Poppi made a clicking sound with his mouth, and the horse sauntered over and pressed her muzzle into his sternum. “How’s my girl?” He stroked her jaw. “Ruthie’s been with us twenty years. Get on over here and give her some love.”
Brett came to his side.
“Talk to her like you might a potential lover.”
Brett tried to figure out what that might sound like, and once he did, he wasn’t sure he wanted to say it to a horse.
He must have taken too long to respond, because Poppi said, “I hope you weren’t this nervous when you asked my Sophie out.”
“I didn’t get nervous with Sophie until I realized how much I liked her. Only then did it mess with my mind.”
“That’s that heart thing. It gets ya right in the britches.” Poppi pet the horse and said, “Well, son, you gotta make friends with Ruthie before she’ll let you ride, so go to it.”
The horse appeared to be looking at Brett warily, as if she knew he was nervous. He didn’t know why he was nervous, except maybe because he wanted to learn to ride because it was a part of Sophie’s life and he didn’t want to screw it up. It couldn’t be harder than revealing his secrets had been.
“Hi there, Ruthie,” he said, feeling a little silly for his hesitation.
“Get your hand up there and give her some love.” Poppi took Brett’s hand and set it on the horse’s cheek. “Atta boy. She feels your hesitation. How on earth did you rope my granddaughter? Pull out your swagger, Brett. Make this girl feel safe. Let her know you can handle her.”
He’d never met a woman he couldn’t handle, but he wasn’t about to say that to his girlfriend’s grandfather. Thoughts of Sophie brought a surge of confidence. “Don’t you worry, Poppi. I’m a master at safety. I’ve got this.” He gazed into the horse’s big brown eyes and stroked her cheek. “Hey there, sweetheart. Think you can teach a city boy to ride?”
