Page 98 of The Finding Series: Vol. 2

A friend.

ChapterNine

Quinn

Another round of guilt went through me when I spotted Beck hovering near the barn doorway. I absently noticed Beck stop fidgeting only long enough to feed what looked like a sandwich in his hand to a small mixed breed dog I didn’t recognize. I held back as Beck squatted low to the ground and held out pieces of the food. The mangy-looking animal took forever to crane its neck out to reach the food and didn’t bother chewing it. It jerked back as Beck tore off more of the food, but this time it was faster to reach for it. The back and forth went on that way until the sandwich was nearly gone, but the dog bolted when it finally noticed me. Beck stiffened as his gaze fell on me and then he was jumping to his own feet.

“New friend?” I asked as I motioned to the dog who’d taken refuge near the tractor which was parked outside one of the storage barns.

Beck shook his head. “She showed up this morning,” he murmured. “Figured she lived here.”

I shook my head. “Don’t think Roman and Hunter would let any dog live on its own, even here.”

Beck nodded. “I won’t feed her again. Sorry.”

The young man was shifting back and forth on his feet and he refused to look at me.

Fuck, I’d really messed this up.

“Did you want me to do something?” Beck asked as he tossed what was left of the sandwich in one of the garbage cans outside the barn.

I debated taking a hold of him then and there so I could try and explain myself, but I held back and said, “Saddle Dusty up and meet me in the outdoor arena.”

Beck was a natural when it came to horses and he picked up things quickly. So I didn’t stick around to help him with getting the horse tacked up since I knew he’d done it enough times that he wouldn’t need assistance. I used the time to return to the kitchen and searched out two plastic containers from the cupboard. I stacked one high with what was left of Brody’s deli meat and filled the other one with water. I searched out a pen and pad of paper and left Brody a note since he wasn’t around.

Took what was left of your lunch meat…tell you about it later. I’m cooking dinner tonight. 6pm. -Q

I took both containers back to the barn and set them down near the wheel of the tractor where they’d be out of the sun. I didn’t see the dog, but I doubted she’d run very far. By the time I was done, Beck was leading Dusty, a small gray mare, into the arena. He was still hesitant around me as I checked the saddle to make sure it was tight enough, but when he handed me the reins, I said, “Keep ‘em. Mount up.”

Beck stiffened and finally raised his eyes. “Me?” he asked, his voice heavy with worry.

“I’m going to need some help getting the horses used to the trails as groups since they’ll be going out together more often than not.” I walked around the horse and said, “Put your left foot here, hang on to the mane with this hand, and pull yourself up and over,” I explained as I demonstrated each move.

I stepped back and watched silently as Beck considered the horse for a moment and then finally did as I asked. It took him only two tries to get himself on the horse who stood patiently. My fingers tingled as I maneuvered Beck’s leg out of the stirrup long enough to adjust it so it fit his leg. I did the same to the other side and then proceeded to show him how to hold the reins. I watched with pride as Beck’s instincts took over and he adjusted his body in the saddle.

Definitely a natural.

“Go ahead and move her to the rail,” I said. I gave instructions as Beck began walking the horse around the arena. His hands were naturally soft on the horse’s mouth and his body automatically adjusted to the animal’s short, stocky gait. I limited the lesson to having him walk and trot as well as steer the horse through certain patterns and then told him I’d be back. It took me only a few minutes to get another horse saddled up. I bit back the disappointment that Brody hadn’t returned from lunch, but was pleased to see that at some point the dog had reappeared and eaten the lunch meat I’d left her.

By the time I reached the arena, Beck had stopped Dusty and was stroking her sleek neck as he spoke softly to her. I couldn’t hear what he was saying, but I liked that he was showing her that level of attention. It spoke volumes in itself.

I mounted up and motioned for Beck to follow me. The gelding I was riding was pretty laid back and was a natural leader, so I didn’t have to do much besides point him towards the trail head. Once the trail widened, I called for Beck to move his mount up next to mine.

“You’re a natural at this,” I said to him despite the fact that he wouldn’t look at me.

“At what?” Beck asked.

I motioned to Dusty. “They’re taught to behave with all kinds of riders on them, but only they can decide if they want to trust that rider. Every horse I’ve seen you with trusts you almost immediately. That’s not something that can be taught.”

Beck finally shot me a sidelong glance. “I’m not doing anything special,” he finally said.

“Yeah, Beck, you are,” I said softly. His eyes held mine for a moment before he shifted them away. We walked in silence for a few minutes before I said, “I’ve been working with the lodge director in Roman’s absence to get the barn staff hired. We found someone to take care of the horses day-to-day. She’ll be starting next week. After we transition your work to her, I’d like for you to be more hands-on with the horses. You okay with that?”

Beck nodded. “Sure, whatever.”

His lack of enthusiasm bothered me, but I had only myself to blame.

“I wasn’t prepared for you, Beck,” I finally admitted. I didn’t have to look at him to know his eyes were on me now. “I guess running seemed like an easier way to go than admitting it.”

---