Page 47 of Wrangled

Robert helped me back into the saddle, then mounted Rusty once more. “Okay, we’re going to take it at a steady pace from here on.”

That was fine by me.

As we trotted along, I became aware of developing aches.

I swore I could hear my bunk calling my name.

Chapter Eleven

Robert

As we rode into the ranch, I spied Garrett ahead of us in the paddock, sitting on Lucy, and Paul was leading them around.

“Well, there’s progress for ya,” Zeeb said with a chuckle.

As we drew closer, Garrett saw us, and grinned. He waved. “Hey, look at me.”

“We’re looking,” I called out. “Keep both hands on the reins.”

We trotted up to the fence, dismounted, and tied up the horses. I gave Garrett a smile. “Looking good there.” Garrett stuck his chin and his chest out, his shoulders held back. I wandered over to where Teague and Butch were watching from the fence. “He been on Lucy since we left?”

“Yup.” Butch cackled. “He’s gonna have aches where he never had ’em before.”

He was right. Most folks ached like a son of a bitch after their first time on a horse.

Toby joined us. “He’s not the only one.” He winced.

I gazed at him with concern. “Are you okay?” He’d come off Lightning with an awful wallop.

He grimaced. “My ass is complaining. Apparently, there’s a hell of a difference between a short morning ride, and a trail. That fall didn’t help.”

Teague gaped. “You fell?”

“Lightning had an encounter with a horsefly,” I told him. “It didn’t end well.”

“What Ireallyneed right now is a soak in a tub.” Toby rolled his eyes. “Except there isn’t one, of course.”

I don’t know what made me say it, but the words were out before I could stop them. “You can use one of the bathrooms up at the house.”

He blinked. “Really?”

“Sure.” I acted like it was no big deal.

Then why is my heart racing?

Butch grinned. “That’s a great idea. Garrett could probably use a soak too.”

Well crap.It was only then I realized I’d made the offer out of an ulterior motive —which had just been thwarted by Butch.

“Why not? There’s no shortage of bathrooms up there.” I grinned at Toby. “So you won’t even need to share a tub.”

“Hey, Garrett,” Butch hollered. “You wanna soak your ass? I got a packet of Epsom salt with your name on it.”

Garrett gave him a look of pure gratitude. “Oh wow, that’d be great.” He glanced down. “Once I get off this horse, of course.”

“I’ll put the horses back in the stables,” Teague said. “You go on up to the house.”

“And I’ll go to the bunkhouse and grab a clean change of clothes for after my soak.” Toby met my gaze. “Thank you for this. If you only knew how much I need it.”

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