Page 19 of Wyoming Cowboy Undercover

Speak of the devil. Dressed in yellow, Harvey left his trailer and set a course straight toward him. For a man in his senior years, he had quite the spring in his step.

Rocco groaned as Harvey stopped beside the drummer and swayed to the beat with his gaze transfixed on him, a wide gap-toothed grin melting over his leathery face.

The music finally stopped.

Eden, the counselor who had led the session, raised her palms. “You did a glorious job. I am so privileged to help you on this journey. I hope our time together has not only grounded you, but also freed you. May you feel more connected with your soul and one another. Go and walk with the Light today.”

Everyone clapped.

Harvey rushed over to him.

Tipping his head back to hide the roll of his eyes, Rocco raked a hand through his loose hair and sucked in a deep breath.

“You were beautiful in motion,” Harvey said.

“Thanks, man.” Rocco picked up his Stetson, socks and shoes and started walking to Mr. Touchy-Feely’s trailer.

Harvey put a hand on his shoulder and kneaded the muscle. “You’re so big and strong. But also, very tight. Your musculature is exquisite. The tension in the fibers, not so much. It’s quite disconcerting. I’m getting the sense you must be feeling a great deal of stress, and this is how it’s manifesting. As though you were under immense pressure. Your burdens don’t have to be carried alone. Our family is here for you, my brother. I was thinking that we could incorporate some massage into our Reiki session today. Help loosen you up.”

“Nope.” Rocco removed the counselor’s hand that was wandering around his trapezius muscle and put on his cowboy hat. “Massage isn’t necessary. I just need to go for a run.”

“Open yourself to the process. You should try it. Everyone says I have magic hands. The commune raves about my Reiki massage therapy. Five stars.” Harvey held up his hand, fingers spread wide. “I kid you not.” He pressed his palm to Rocco’s back and rubbed.

“I’m not ready for all the touching. It makes me feel too...” He searched for the right word. “Vulnerable.”

Harvey’s eyes brightened and he pushed his glasses up his nose. “But it is through sharing our vulnerability that we grow.”

“Yeah, man, I’m not ready.”

Mercy’s trailer door swung open, and she stepped out. Lovely as ever in a white sundress and her hair pinned up in a loose bun.

Please, save me.But he had no idea how that could happen.

Smiling, she waved as she approached them. “Harvey, there’s a change in the schedule for today. You’re going to do a Reiki session with Louisa.” She made eye contact with one of the novices on the quad and beckoned to her. “And I’m going to work with Rocco,” she said. Harvey’s mouth opened, the protest clear in his eyes. “This is the only break in my schedule where I can fit in a training session. You’re such a generous soul, I know you understand.”

Rocco put on his socks and shoes.

“Um, yeah, I guess so.” Harvey gave an uncertain nod.

“I appreciate your cooperation,” she said, patting his arm.

This was a side of her he rarely saw. Soft but firm, unapologetic and direct, confident yet kind. Everything a leader should be. No wonder he was enamored with her.

“Please tell our guest here,” Harvey said, gesturing to Rocco, “how healing my Reiki massages can be.”

“On a scale of one to five?” Mercy lifted her hand. “Five stars. He can correct any energy blockages in your life force if you give him a chance. The tension will melt from your body.”

Harvey beamed. “See. I told you. Tomorrow, we’ll try it.” He put an arm around Louisa and guided her to his trailer.

Mercy started walking and he followed.

“Thank you,” Rocco said, his voice low. “He makes me uncomfortable.”

“Reiki isn’t for everyone.” She quickened her step. “Harvey can be effusive and affectionate. Expresses himself through touch. I think my father assigned him to you to get under your skin.”

Mission accomplished. “Where are we going?”

“To my second favorite spot on the compound.”

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