Page 12 of Hiding in Montana

With a quirk of his brow, Linc asked, “Was there a spark then?”

“I always thought she seemed nice but quiet and yeah, I guess even then there was something I couldn’t put my finger on. Even though there was an invisible wall there, it drew me to her, and it wasn’t just her beautiful face.” He gave Linc a light punch to his shoulder. “I gotta get going. Say hey to Annie for me.”

“Will do, and Clint, take it slow and easy with her.”

“Will do.” He tapped his fingers on the brim of his Stetson. “Wish me luck.”

“The woman likes you already, not that I know why.” Linc laughed.

Clint pulled open the wooden door to the dining hall and glanced around the large space. It was more than a place to eat three squares a day. There were leather couches, oversized chairs, and a large screen television that dominated the far wall beside the ten eight-foot-long tables with chairs in one section where most of the men gathered. No one bothered to cook in the cabins when Quinn was in the kitchen. What he served was like eating in an excellent restaurant at every meal.

“Clint. Over here.” Polly was standing near the beverage station. “Water?” She held up an empty glass.

He walked in her direction, his smile splitting his cheeks. She looked gorgeous in slim-fitting jeans that clung to her curves, a graphic tee that had a picture of a horse and said I’d rather be riding across the front, and on her head a light-blue ball cap with a flower in the middle that must be one of her favorites because of the well-worn look.

“Hi. Polly. You look ready to get started on our adventure.” He wanted to lean in and kiss her cheek, but Linc was right. The last thing he wanted to do was spook her.

She pressed a hand to her midsection and said, “I’ll confess I’m a little nervous. What if I fall off?”

“You have nothing to be worried about. I’ve picked out a gentle mare and today you’re going to learn how to saddle her. We’ll just do some slow, simple walks around the paddock. Then, when you’re feeling confident, we’ll make plans to take that trail ride I was talking about.”

She held out the glass of water to him, and he took it, giving her a smile. “Thanks.” After he drained the glass, he held out his hand. “Ready to meet Nahla?”

With a quizzical look, she said, “Is that the name of my horse?”

“It is.” He liked how her hand fit perfectly in his as they walked to the exit. “She’s about ten years old and she’s as gentle as a feather against your skin.” He held the door open for her.

“She’s still a big animal.”

He could hear the quiver in her voice. “I promise you, I won’t leave you.”

She glanced at him, her large hazel eyes full of trust. A distant memory flashed, but it was gone as quickly as it came. He’d figure out why she seemed so familiar at some point. For today, he was going to enjoy spending time with her.

As they entered the barn, the interior seemed dark compared to the bright sun. Clint steered her down the center of the barn toward Nahla’s stall. “I thought I’d bring her out and let you get to know each other, and then I’ll show you how to put her bridle on and saddle her up.”

“Will she bite when I do that?”

“No. She’s very mellow and I’m going to show you the right way, but first you two need to get acquainted.”

A soft snort and the sound of hooves shuffling reached his ears. He laughed when Polly’s steps slowed. “Don’t be nervous. I had a chat with her before and she’s a sweetheart.”

Polly gave his hand a light squeeze. “I trust you.”

Her words were laced with something deeper than just about this riding lesson, as if on a different level she knew he was as steady as the ground beneath their feet. He released her hand and slid back the bolt that held the stall door and it swung open.

He grasped Nahla’s halter and guided her out and snapped a lead line on it. She stood next to him, her deep brown eyes seeming to assess the newcomer.

“Polly, this is Nahla.” He rubbed the mare’s soft nose.

She took a step closer to the horse and tentatively stretched out her hand, her fingers trailing down the length of Nahla’s face, from the mare’s forelock and ending at her muzzle. She softly snorted and stood still, as if sensing Polly’s reticence.

She lifted her gaze to meet Clint’s. “I never knew their noses were so soft.” She took a step closer and murmured, “Sweet girl, are we going to be friends?”

Nahla gave a snort and shook her head. At first Polly’s eyes grew wide and when she noticed he was grinning, she laughed. “I guess that’s normal.”

“Absolutely. It’s important you get acquainted with each other before we begin the next part of your lesson.”

He handed her a brush. “Run this over her neck and keep talking to her, just like you were doing. In a few minutes, we’ll saddle her up.”

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