My Cowboy of Convenience: Chapter 5

 

Chapter Five

Erin

Excitement and nerves danced through me as I zipped up my black skirt. The hem brushed the back of my calves and flowed around me as I twisted from side to side in the full-length mirror at my apartment.

“Not bad, if I do say so myself. What do you think, Clifford?”

He sat next to me on the floor. His ears perked and tilted his head from side to side.

“I know that is one handsome dog in the mirror.” I bent down and rubbed his soft ears.

He leaned into my hand and closed his eyes.

“You’re the best dog, ever.” I crooned.

The look he gave me said that he knew.

“Well, I better get going otherwise I’ll be late.” I grabbed my purse, car keys, and cell phone to hurry out the door.

The screen lit up as it buzzed in my hand. Mom’s picture flashed on the screen.

“Hi Mom. What’s up?”

“Oh, just checking in on my little girl. How’s Texas treating you?”

A pang of homesickness hit me hard in the chest. I tried not to think about Iowa, my family, or all that I left behind.

“It’s going well.” I infused a cheery note in my voice. The front door closed with a click behind me. “Doc and his wife are great. They’ve been keeping me busy in the clinic and doing farm calls. I like the work. Everyone here seems nice.”

“Are you taking anytime for yourself?” Her voice carried a hint of worry.

“I’m actually on my way to a dance lesson.” I hurried to the Buick and opened the door with my keys. “I’m making friends.”

That was a fib, but I didn’t want her to worry about me. Besides meeting Katie and Viola Ann, I hadn’t made any friends. At this time, I was perfectly happy throwing myself into my work.

“Oh good. And Clifford?” Mom asked.

“He’s spoiled as always. The technicians bought him a dog bed so he can sleep in my office while I work.” I slid into the front seat and shut the door with a click.

“Oh good,” she said.

“How’s everything at home?” Was everyone alright? She was usually more talkative, and it made me worried.

“Dad’s getting anxious about getting in the fields. It’s been raining here non-stop since you left. They will take a while to dry up if the rain ever stops. Everyone here misses you.”

“I miss you too.” I put my hands on the steering wheel. A tear escaped and ran down my cheek. I brushed it away with my thumb.

“I ran into Milly at the library.” Mom broke the silence on the phone.

A rod of steel infused into my back, and I gritted my teeth. I didn’t say anything as there was nothing to say.

“She said that she’s been calling and texting you. But you haven’t contacted her back.”

My breath blew out of me. “Mom…”

“I know, honey. But she’s been your best friend since kindergarten and cousin since birth. Maybe you should call her back sometime.”

“Mom, I can’t.” I shoved the keys into the ignition. “I don’t have anything to say to her. She hurt me…badly.”

The words came out in a whisper and filled the interior of the car. My blood pounded within my ears and took over my other senses. Closing my eyes, I laid my head on the steering wheel. I’d been trying to escape from what happened, hoping that she’d stop calling and texting when I didn’t respond. Alas, that wasn’t going to be the case.

“Erin, I know this is hard and what happened was awful. Don’t you think you should hear her out? I taught you to forgive and forget.”

I swallowed and pushed back the tears that threatened to fall. This wasn’t going to ruin the evening I had planned. I turned the key in the ignition. My ancient car rumbled to life, idling roughly in the drive.

“Mom, I’m not ready to forgive either one of them. I don’t know if I could ever forget it, either. I need more time.”

“Okay, honey. I just wanted to let you know that your dad and I are here for you if you ever want to talk about it.” Her disappointment palpable from thousands of miles away.

“I’ll think about it.” I promised with my fingers crossed. The red lights on the dashboard clock ticked over another minute. “Mom, I’ve gotta go. I’m meeting some people tonight.”

She sighed into the phone. “Call me more often. We love you and worry about you.”

“I love you too, Mom.”

I hit the end button, staring out the windshield. Shaking myself, I placed the cell phone in the cup holder and backed out of the driveway. Viola Ann walked up the sidewalk to her side of the duplex. We waved to each other before I drove to San Antonio.

#####

The dance studio sat on a corner of an intersection. Its glass walls shone out into the darkening afternoon, showing off the people inside twirling and stepping together. The boutique shops on either side of the studio lit up the area with lights. People walked from one to another with large shopping bags and cups of coffee.

I circled the parking lot, looking for one smallish spot to squeeze my car into. Finally, there was one at the end of the lot next to a monstrous pickup truck. It sat with its passenger tires resting on the dividing line between the stalls.

It would have to do. The session started in a few minutes, and I didn’t want to be late. I inched the car into the spot with inches of room on the driver’s side. A sigh of relief escaped. I did it without scratching either vehicle, but there wasn’t any room to get out on the driver’s side. There wasn’t any other way out. I climbed over the arm rest, holding my skirt down with one hand to exit the passenger side. I swung my purse over my shoulder and marched to the dance studio.

The early evening air cooled my skin. The scent of popcorn hung on the air from the nearby movie theater. People called to each other with shouts of excitement over the noise of passing cars.

I pushed the conversation with my mom from my thoughts. I would have to face my feelings for Milly another time. Not tonight. Pasting on a smile, I opened the glass door to the brightly lit studio.

Soft music played in the background while twinkling lights hung from the ceiling in long strands, softening the overhead lights. On one wall, a floor to ceiling mirror reflected the room back onto itself. People chatted as they changed into their street shoes. A perky dance instructor sat behind a tall counter in the corner collecting release forms and scheduling the next session for students.

“Erin!” Katie called from the corner where she snuggled against her fiancé, Levi, on a couch. A few plush chairs were arranged in a half-circle around them. On the wall behind them, shoes and bags were neatly placed in cubbies. She waved and stood up. “Come over here!”

A tall man stood in the corner, trying to blend into the shadows. A scowl on his face and his arms crossed tightly over his chest, causing the muscles to bulge under his t-shirt.

I stepped around the dancers changing their shoes. Katie hurried toward me and wrapped me in a hug. She squeezed my ribs hard and trapped my arms against my side.

“I was getting worried you’d be stuck at work tonight and couldn’t make it.” Releasing me, she beamed. Her gold curls reflecting the lights. Her blue eyes dancing behind her frames.

“I’ve been looking forward to this all week.” I smiled back at her.

The man in the corner snorted. Katie threw him a look over her shoulder. She reached behind her, grasping Levi’s hand. She tugged him closer.

“Levi said you met a few weeks ago?”

I stuck out my hand and shook his. “Yes, we did.”

He pushed a shock of black hair out of his eyes. “I’m glad you could make it tonight. It’s almost time. Katie and I are paying for the lessons tonight. You just need to sign the liability release form.” He nodded to the desk.

“They’re expecting you.” Katie added. She squeezed Levi’s hand, gazing into his eyes. She bounced on the balls of her feet as she leaned into him. “This will be so much fun.”

The man in the corner snorted again. My eyes cut him. His blue eyes shot bolts of lightning at me. A challenge. Straightening my shoulders, I stared him down.

Katie frowned and turned to look at him. “It will be fun if you lose the attitude, Kaleb Kisment.” She glared at the large man. They communicated without words for a second before Katie spun around.

She linked her arm in mine. “Come on. Let’s get you signed in.” She dragged me toward the counter. “Ignore grumpus in the corner. That’s my oldest brother Kaleb and he isn’t happy unless he is on the back of a horse.”

I glanced over my shoulder at the man. He stared after us as Levi talked to the instructor. Something in his look tugged at me, giving me a thrill. A dangerous thrill.

“Can’t please all men.” I turned my attention back to where we were headed.

She laughed. “I knew that we would get along.”

She gave my name to the woman behind the desk while I signed my life away on liability release forms. The studio emptied as the people from an earlier class left the building, leaving the four of us and two instructors behind.

A tall thin man moved gracefully walked out to the middle of the open floor. He clapped his hands above his head.

“All right, peeps. Time to learn how to dance.” He pressed his palms together and twirled in a circle. “I’m your lead instructor, TJ. Let’s gather in the middle and talk.”

I set the pen down on the table and followed Katie out to the middle of the polished wood floor. TJ pressed one hand to his hip, pointing his black dance shoe out to the side. His button up shirt tucked in neatly to his black slacks with a thin black belt. A fuchsia tie was the only bright spot of color in his monochrome ensemble.

“Let’s start with Mr. Broody. Name and dance experience, please.” He waved his hand with a flick of his wrist.

“Kaleb Kisment,” his voice rumbled. “Only here because they made me.” He jerked his chin at the smiling couple. “I can do the two-step and a few line dances.” The furrow between his brows deepened at his last words.

A scowl seemed to rest permanently on Kaleb’s face. His T-shirt drawn tight over his bunched muscles of his pectorals and biceps. My eyes traveled down his torso to his faded blue jeans and scuffed cowboy boots. So, this was the man that ran the Kisment Ranch. Definitely a cowboy and a surly one at that. But he was pleasant to look at.

A pull answered deep within me. I shut it down. I wasn’t going to give in to it. It had only been a couple of months since my cancelled wedding. No, I didn’t need even the distraction. And this man was one of Doc’s biggest clients. No dating clients, even if they were handsome

“Alright then. Thanks for sharing with the group your feelings.” TJ clapped his hands together. His eyes lighting up when they fell on me. “How about you?”

“Erin,” I said. “I’ve been dancing since I was little and can do most of the steps.”

“I didn’t know that!” Katie punched Kaleb in the arm. “See you’ll learn fast.”

He scowled at me.

What was his problem? I shot him my best no-nonsense look right back.

“Katie and Levi, I already know.” TJ waved his hand at them. “Let’s get started.”

“We’ve been taking lessons with TJ for a couple of months,” Katie said to me.

TJ led us to the center of the room. The girl from behind the counter strode to stand next to him. “This is my assistant, Mirena. We will demonstrate the steps and you will give it a try. We will start with something easy and move on from there.”

Mirena floated to the stereo system sitting in the corner. She pressed a few buttons and music played from hidden speakers around the room.

Mirena and TJ stepped together as he explained hand placement and where to look. They demonstrated the first step we were going to learn tonight. I studied Kaleb out of the corner of my eye as they danced.

His scowl sat firmly on his face and his arms were tight across his chest. When he looked at Katie, it softened. He turned his gaze toward me and frowned even more.

I quickly blinked and brought my attention back to the dancing couple.

“That is your basic box step. Let’s start there.” TJ separated from Mirena. “Face your partner.”

Kaleb turned toward me, uncrossing his arms. He looked like he’d rather hold an alligator than dance with me.

Mirena came up behind him. “We’ll start in an open position. Extend your arms forward and rotate your palms up.”

I placed my hands in his. The minute our hands touched a warm sensation flowed through me causing my heart to pitter patter out of control. Seriously, Erin, I told myself. Hold it together. He’s not the first attractive man you’ve danced with. Breathing deeply, I glanced up into his stormy blue eyes, trying not to lose myself in them. His frown lines deepened and he loosened his grip on my hands.

Mirena went on to explain the first step of the dance. “Got it?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Kaleb’s voice deepened.

TJ pressed the small remote he held in his hand. Music played a couple of bars.

“I’ll count down from three. Three – two – one.”

Kaleb didn’t hesitate. He stepped right into the first step, leading me like we’d been partners for years. I glanced at him. His gaze fixed solidly over my shoulder. His hands lightly clasped my mine. The calluses on his palm rubbed against the skin on mine. His broad shoulders tensed as he led me in the box step. The music continued to play, and we danced a box step a few more times.

“Perfect” TJ paused the music. “Everyone that was good. Now we are going add on.”

Over the next hour, TJ and Mirena coached us through the next beginner steps. The steps eventually added together to a dance which I was familiar with. My partner didn’t speak or look at me once, which was fine with me. I didn’t have time to block advances of attracted men. Instead of dwelling on his coldness, I focused on losing myself in the steps and in the music. It was the first relaxing day I had since moving to Texas.

“Alright, that’s it for this session. Great job! See you next week.” TJ clapped his hands together. Mirena turned off the stereo.

Kaleb stopped my next step by squeezing my hands. His brows drew together as his gaze locked on mine, sucking me into their depths. The sole of my shoes skipped on the dance floor, and I stumbled forward. His arm snaked around me, catching me. My front bumped into his hard chest. My heart beat wildly at way his arm felt around me, pressing me into his chest.

A corner of his lips pulled up. “You alright?”

I blinked widely, trying to gain control of my runaway emotions. “Um…” I swallowed.

His hands slid up to my shoulders and set me back on my heels. His touch left tingles on my skin. He stepped back and glanced toward the door. My body mourned the loss of his body heat.

People for the next session chatted quietly by the door. They tied on their dance shoes and stowed their belongings in the cubbies. Katie bounced over to us, dragging Levi by his hand.

“That was so much fun. I know it was pretty basic, but TJ said that was a good place to start to get everyone on the same page.” She dropped his hand and wound her arm within mine. She pulled me over to where we left our purses and shoes. “Will you come back next week?”

“Sure, my dance partner was surly, but I don’t think that had anything to do with me.” I glanced over toward Kaleb.

His scowl was still in place, but the creases weren’t as deep. His eyes weren’t shooting daggers at people, anymore.

“I wouldn’t worry about him.” She shrugged. “He’ll come around. He’s just annoyed that he had fun.”

“You think?”

“Definitely, any man would love to dance with you,” she whispered in my ear.

I laughed. “I’m not anything special. Just a girl at a dance lesson.”

“Ladies, ready to go.” Levi held out an open knit sweater for Katie to slip her arms in. His fingers brushed her arms as he shuffled the sweater over her shoulders.

“Where did you park?” Katie entwined her fingers with Levi’s.

“At the end of the lot. Next to some person with a big truck that can’t park.” I rolled my eyes. “The spot next to his was the only one open. I had to climb out the passenger seat to get out.”

Katie laughed and shook her head. “I’d love to see that.”

“It wasn’t graceful in a skirt and all,” I muttered.

We walked out the glass doors. Katie and Levi stepped out on to the sidewalk, first. Kaleb followed me, holding the door for the next few people coming in.

The night air brushed cool against my skin. A slight breeze rustled through the newly planted trees. A few stars sparkled in the inky sky. Buttered popcorn drifted on the breeze from the movie theater.

My stomach grumbled. I rubbed it. I’d forgotten to eat dinner before I left my place and now I was starving.

“Well, we are this way.” Levi pointed toward the side lot. “We’ll see you around.”

Katie waved as they walked away to their vehicle.

Kaleb and I stood awkwardly in silence at the edge of the curb. A crush of teenagers surged around us, pushing us closer together.

He cleared his throat. “Where are you parked?”

“In the lot across the street.” I motioned to the cars across the street.

“I’ll walk you to your car.”

“Really? Why?” Startled, my gaze locked with his. The swirling blue depths of his eyes drew me in. My feet drew me a step closer to him, like the pull of two magnets.

“Make sure you get to your car safely.” His expression was unreadable.

A laughing couple passed by us, breaking my trance.

“That’s chivalrous of you, but I’ll be fine.” I tucked my hair behind my ears.

“I’m heading that way anyway.” He grabbed my elbow as we crossed the street, avoiding on-coming traffic. His touch was firm and warm. I pushed against him. I didn’t need him dragging me around. He held on and hustled me to the parking lot. Once there, his hand fell away from my elbow like it was a hot potato. He shoved it into his pocket.

“I’m over there.” I led the way to my ancient Buick.

The poorly parked, overly large truck still sat in the spot next to my car. I groaned, not wanting to crawl over the passenger seat again.

He drew out his keys and beeped the unlock on his key fob. The taillights flashed on the truck.

“It’s yours?” I raised my eyebrows at him. “Don’t you know how to park?”

He shrugged. A ghost of a smile played on his lips. “It’s a small lot.”

I rolled my eyes and groaned. “Whatever.” I unlocked the passenger door to my car and hit the unlock button.

“Give me a second.” He climbed into the cab and backed out of his parking spot. The truck backed further down the lot. A large black Rocking K was stenciled on the side of his truck.

“Kisment Ranch. How did I miss that?” I wondered as I unlocked my car. I sunk into the front seat. Turning over the engine, I backed out of my spot. Kaleb flashed his lights at me as I drew away.

My Cowboy of Convenience: Chapter 4

Chapter Four

Kaleb

I pulled my truck into a parking space in front of Coffee and Cakes. The parking area in front of Coffee and Cakes was empty. It was after the morning factory rush and before the late morning coffee drinkers club arrived.

There was so much work to be done on the ranch this morning. Fences mended, cows moved, and weeds mowed. A new string of young horses arrived last night, and I wanted to see them settled.

But Levi was my best friend. I couldn’t say no when he asked to get a cup of coffee. Why he didn’t just come over to the ranch house and have one, I had no idea.

The place smelled of freshly brewed coffee and blueberry muffins out of the oven. Levi claimed at a table by a window. Two steaming cups of coffee along with two pieces of coffee cake sat in front of him. Viola Ann waved to me as she refilled coffee beans into a grinder. I wove between the tables and pulled out the chair opposite of him.

“What’s this all about?”

“I got you coffee, just the way you like it. Black.” He nodded to a mug in front of me.

“Thanks.” I wrapped my hand around it and brought the steaming mug to my lips. “She does make some good coffee.”

“She does. Better than yours.” He grimaced.

“You’ve been drinking mine for years.”

“Yup, I figured it was part of my pay when I worked for you.” His lips twitched up in the corners.

“I paid you fair.” I frowned. I paid my cowboys better than most ranches in the area.

“Sure, but Kade pays better.” He lifted one shoulder and reached for his mug.

I snorted. My youngest brother was a champion bull rider. He started to plan for his retirement from bull riding by buy a ranch with his fiancé, Delilah, and raising bucking bulls.“He should. He’s making money hand over fist this year on the bull riding circuit.” I drank the coffee and ate a hunk of cinnamon apple coffee cake. “But why here? This morning?” I asked.

The door opened and Damien Allen strode in. He was decked out in his customary black cargo pants and black button up shirt rolled up to his elbows. He nodded a greeting to us before turning to Viola Ann.

“Well,” said Levi pulling my attention back to him. “I wanted to ask you something important and I wanted your full attention.”

“You’ve got it.” I leaned back in my chair.

“Katie and I are getting married in July.”

I nodded. This wasn’t news to me. “Ma and Pa are coming home from their mission trip for the weddings.” Both Katie and Kade were getting married this summer.

“You’ve been my best friend for years.” He swallowed and his eyes held mine. Surprisingly, he was nervous.

I waited.

“I’d like you to be my best man,” he said.

“Yes, but we didn’t have to come into town for that.” I sipped my coffee, trying to figure out what he really wanted.

“That’s not all.”

Why wasn’t I surprised? “Of course not.”

A grin broke over his face. “Katie and I want you to take dance lessons with us.”

Startled, I choked on the mouthful of coffee and sputtered. “What?”

“Katie wants to do a couples’ dance for our first dance. Her maid of honor is learning the same dance in Denver.” His smile grew wider like the Cheshire cat.

I frowned at him.

The coffee shop’s door opened. My other brother, Kurt, escorted a smiling Lindsay into the shop. They stopped at the counter and placed their order. Meanwhile, Damien left with his cup of coffee.

“What do you say?” Levi drew my attention back to the table.

“Um…” My forehead creased even more. What more could I say? That this sounded awful? But this was my best friend and little sister’s wedding.

“Don’t I need a dance partner to learn all the moves.” There, I had him. “I don’t know of any women to take.”

“We’ve found someone perfect to be your stand in partner.” His teeth flashed into a grin. “Think of it like a blind date.”

“I don’t date.” I growled through my clenched teeth. “I’m not interested in dating.” Dating never ended well for me. I didn’t need the headache.

“But you’ll do this for us? Right? Katie is your baby sister.” Levi’s eyes grew wide and serious.

I ran a hand through my hair. He laid on the guilt trip thick. I didn’t want to take dance lessons. I didn’t have time. I absolutely did not want to go on a blind date with anyone. Why couldn’t they just be like any other couple and want to do their first dance by themselves? I sighed and frowned at the smile that grew wider on Levi’s face.

Lindsay and Kurt approached the table.

“What’s going on?” Kurt asked. “Kaleb, you never come into town for coffee.”

“I don’t, but this fella thought it would be nice to go somewhere special for this conversation. Probably, so I can’t get mad and walk away.” My eyes shot daggers at Levi, who smirked.

“Oh yah, what was that?” Lindsay slid her arm into the crook of Kurt’s elbow and leaned lightly into him.

“I asked him to be my best man for our wedding.” Levi leaned back in his chair. A smug smile still in place.

“Why does he look like he just stepped into a rattlesnake nest? That doesn’t seem so bad.” Lindsay tilted her head, studying my face.

“That’s not the part I have a problem with.” My jaw clenched and narrowed my eyes at my best friend.

“The suspense is killing us.” A grin spread over Kurt’s face.

I shot him a dark look and stared into my mug.

“He’s taking dance lessons with me and Katie.” Levi beamed.

Kurt laughed and Lindsay frowned.

“Don’t you need a partner to do that?” She asked.

“Yes, this fool is setting me up on a blind date.” My hands clenched and my teeth gritted.

Kurt broke into laughter. He bent over, clasping his sides, trying to catch his breath. Levi smirked. Lindsay’s lips pressed into thin lines.

Viola Ann approached with a tray carrying the two coffees and muffins. Kurt took it from her.

“We are going to enjoy our breakfast. Nice seeing you, Levi.” Kurt nodded to me and Levi.

I scowled at his back as they made their way to a table on the opposite side of the coffee shop.

“So what do you say? Will you do it?” Levi’s lips pressed over his teeth into a line. I knew he was suppressing a smile.

I sighed. Could I say no? Could I disappoint Katie like that? “Fine, I guess I will do it.”

A smile broke through as he raised his mug to his lips. “One more thing, you’ll need to bring a date for the wedding.”

“No.” I narrowed my eyes at him. That was the line. I didn’t date. “I thought I’d dance with the maid of honor?”

 Levi leaned back in his chair. “The choreography requires two other couples.”

I groaned. I wasn’t going to get out this one. “Fine, I’ll take dance lessons, but I’ll find my own date to the wedding.”

The mug lowered a few inches. A smirk played on his lips. “I’ll tell her. First class is next week. Katie will send you the details.”

My gaze narrowed at him. Would he tell her? Or will I be breaking someone’s heart before the end of the month? I didn’t date and yet I had to find one for my little sister’s wedding.

#####

Later that day, I sat in the office of the ranch going over bills and receipts. Running the ranch was a full-time job. Some days, I found myself missing my parents, and this was one of those days.

A couple of years ago, they decided to fulfill their dreams of being missionaries, leaving me in charge of the ranch. They appeared happy in their letters, emails, and video calls when they had a chance. They traveled the world. I wasn’t sure where they were, but Katie kept track of them.

It left me with all the responsibility of keeping things running. A headache brewed behind my eyes as I balanced the checkbook. Some of the numbers weren’t adding up. I thumbed through the carbon copies of checks. They were all accounted for but why was the bank balance not what the book said. I rocked back in my office chair until it hit a wall. Placing my hands on top of my head, I closed my eyes. What was I going to do about the accounting?

A voice cleared from the doorway. Setting my feet down, I turned to the cowboy blocking the light.

“Boss, Bobby sent me to tell you he’s got those colts ready for you to look at.” Shorty’s voice rumbled.

We called him Shorty because no one knew his real name. He looked and moved like a bear in jeans and a T-shirt. Tall, blocky, and hairy. He was a good worker, never complaining and always early. I didn’t ask to many questions.

“Sure thing.” I grabbed my hat from the top of the table and followed him out to the round pen behind the barn.

The six new additions to the ranch stood tied to the rail within the arena fence. They pawed nervously and danced back and forth. A dun colt hopped up and down on his front legs, testing the strength of his rope.

Bobby had a sorrel filly in the middle of the round pen. She circled him at a trot. Her back hunched and her tail clamped tight against her rump. The saddle creaked and squeaked with each stride. Bobby’s hat sat back on his head as he squinted at the filly. The long line rested in his opened hand.

Shorty and I stopped at the fence. The filly circled a few more times. Bobby stepped backward and to the side coming even with her shoulder. She halted and faced him. Her neck tense and ears pricked forward.

He cooed to her and stepped slowly toward her. She lowered her head and worked her jaw as his hand came to rest on the center of her forehead. He rubbed her head and neck. His mouth moving with words I couldn’t hear. Then, he turned and led her toward us.

Resting my foot on the lower rung, I rested my elbows on the top of the fence. The filly fell in step behind him. Her ears flicked back and forth with each step.

“What do you think, boss?” Bobby came to a stop a little way away. The filly flung her head up and snorted but stayed still.

The other young horses danced, pawed, and neighed. A few tossed their heads fighting the restriction of the halters.

“They look a mite green and rangy.” My eyes scanned the rest of them. “I was told that they were broke.”

Bobby ran a forearm over his brow, mopping up sweat. “Nah, they ain’t broke like we need. Them is fresh off the range with a halter slapped on them.”

I swore under my breath. “Just what I get for taking the horse dealer’s word for it. He said his cousin trained these horses.” I thought I bought broke ranch horses. Not a bunch of young ‘uns that need training.

A bay filly danced from side to side and set back on the rope. Zack walked behind her and waved his hat. She leapt forward, releasing the pressure on her head.

“Nope, thems as squirrely as a caged jackrabbit and know very little about being a riding horse.” Bobby squinted at the line of young horses.

“Have you gotten on them?”

“Nope.” He chuckled. “That wife of mine would kill me if I broke my neck falling from an unbroke horse.”

I rubbed the back of my neck. “Do you think they are something you can work with this summer?”

He shrugged. “I ain’t a professional trainer. I haven’t come across a mean bone in any of them. As long as you don’t mind.”

I shook my head and slammed my hat back on. “I don’t have time and the last bunch we sent to a ‘professional’ trainer came back with torn up mouths. I paid a lot for this group. Take as much time as you need to get the job done, right.”

“Boss, could I get Grayson to help me? He’s a good hand with the horses just green.”

“Yes, hay is done for a couple of weeks and the rest of the work we can handle.” I turned to go. “Shorty and Zack, take the feed wagon out to the south pasture and feed those cows.”

“Yes, sir,” Shorty said. Zack nodded. They pushed off from the fence they were leaning on.

“When you see Adam in the machine shed, have him check the engine. It was making a horrible noise last time I drove it.” I reset my hat on my head.

Shorty paused and turned toward me. “Yes, sir. He looked at it yesterday and said he had to order a part.”

“Good. I’ll be in the office if you need me.” I turned back to the barn.

Bobby went back to the horses as Shorty and Zack walked to ancient red flatbed truck that we fed cows from. It was over twenty years old and made more noise than a passing train. All the cows knew the engine and came running.

Back to the check book and bank account that won’t balance. I needed to decide if I was going to call the horse dealer about the green horses he sold me. It wouldn’t change anything, right now, but cause more headaches. They were at my place, eating my hay, and being trained. Hopefully a few will turn out to be something special.

The barn was dark and quiet when I entered. The stalls were cleaned, and the barn aisle swept clear of debris. The saddle horses were turned out for the day as they weren’t needed. The cowhands were busy with their tasks to keep the ranch running.

The office sat at the back of the barn. I swung open the door to find Kurt in my chair. His feet clad in expensive loafers with those ridiculous tassels rested on the edge of my desk. He frowned at the ledger in front of him.

“Can I help you?” My voice clipped.

His head jerked up. “Your accounting is a mess.”

“I know. What do you want?” My patience for the day was in short supply.

His eyebrows raised an inch. “My unruffled brother is a little testy today. I just stopped by to tell you my plans.”

I closed my eyes for a minute, willing myself to calm down. None of the things going on was Kurt’s fault.

“And those are?” I opened them to see a smirk pulled up at the corners of his mouth.

“I’m heading back to Dallas for a few days to tie up loose ends.” He flipped another page in the ledger. “Then, I’ll be back to Sunnydale for good, it looks like.”

“Is that so? What about your law firm in Dallas?” I leaned against the door frame, crossing my arms over my chest.

He closed the ledger book and set his feet back on the ground. “I’m selling my share to my partner.”

Surprised, I nodded for him to continue.

“Then, I’ll move back to Sunnydale for good. Mr. Philips and I are in negotiations about his law practice in town.” His hazel eyes studied me for a minute. “Lindsay sold the Wilson Ranch this morning.” His face impassive when he dropped that bombshell on me.

“What? No. Lindsay would never sell the ranch.” I shook my head and frowned. She loved that place with all her heart.

He shrugged. “There were circumstances, and we made a deal.” He shrugged, but the corner of his lips pulled up.

“I don’t know if I want to know what kind of deal you made with her. As long as you aren’t going to hurt her or her mother.” I narrowed my eyes at him. Lindsay and her mom, Candy, lived on the Wilson Ranch next door for years and I felt protective toward the two women.

“Nah, I’m going to marry her someday.” The chair creaked with the movement of his weight as he stood up.

“Does she know this?” I raised an eyebrow.

“She’s coming around to the idea.” He stepped around the desk. His hand still resting on the ledger book. “Anyway, when I come back, we are going to get you into the twenty first century with some decent accounting software.”

“What do you know about accounting or software?”

“I know that you need professional help getting organized and I just happen to know people good at doing it.” His eyes twinkled when he was happy with himself. He clapped me on the shoulder and walked past me into the barn. “I’ll be back, sometime.”

His whistling faded as he walked down the barn aisle, leaving me standing drop jawed in my dusty corner office.

I couldn’t believe that he’d negotiated the sale of the Wilson Ranch. I walked around my desk and sunk into the chair. It creaked with my weight as I rocked back, placing my boots on the desk. I knew that there was some circumstance in Old Man Wilson’s will. What it was I had no idea. But then again, it wasn’t my business. I made a mental note to check on them either this afternoon or tomorrow.

I frowned at the ledger book, flipping it open to the latest page I was working on. Maybe Kurt was right, I needed a professional. I had a tax accountant I took the book to in San Antonio, and he never made a comment. If things were more organized, I could figure out what was going on with the ranch’s checking account.

At least this was a problem I could work on. Not like the dance lessons with a strange woman. No matter how I thought about that, there was no way to get out of it.

A day in the life and a cover reveal

Hi Dear Reader,

Can you believe that October is creeping in? Literally. Some days it is hot and sunny and other days it is obvious fall is here, especially with the shorter days and cooler nights.

With the shorter days, I feel like I have to pack everything into the daylight hours. Work has been super busy this week. In my practice, I do a lot of performance horse work. What that means is that I get to work on horses that are athletes and help them perform their best.

For example, a client will say that when they ride their horse at trot to the right the left hind leg feels like it isn’t “swinging” like it should. The horses aren’t lame in the traditional sense where they are limping. They have some sort of body discomfort that I need to find and fix. It is like doing a puzzle or reading a good mystery book. The horse gives me and the owner clues. We put them together to help the horse.

I usually start with watching the horse on the lunge line. As he or she walks, trots, and canters around in the circle, I can see how they are moving. Also, the horse will land heavier on its good legs so I listen too. Then, comes the a very thorough physical exam where I feel the horse’s legs, neck, back, and hindquarters. The next part is flexion tests where the joints are put through their full range of motion and then the horse trots off. If anything is bothering, it shows up. Think of it like sitting on the floor and then getting up to immediately sprint across the room.

So this week, I had a client that was worried about her horse. They had an accident and she wasn’t sure if the horse needed help. She thought something was wrong but she doubted her intuition. So I did all the above steps and found a sore spot. It was so sore that when I got close to the sore spot on its leg, the horse jumped away. The client was relieved that she “wasn’t going crazy”. Those were her words.

We came up with a treatment plan that involved rest, icing, pain relievers, and exercises. Just like with us. The body needs exercise to get stronger. Now, it is a waiting game to see how the horse does.

On the writing front, I have been able to write a tad bit more since the days are shorter and the littles go to bed when it gets dark. Yah! I have about 34,000 words written for Cassandra’s story, which is about halfway.

Drum roll, please!

Next week, we will be starting a new story on my Substack newsletter. Yah! It is My First Kisment Christmas.

Book Description:

Judy is coming home to Sunnydale, Texas for Christmas. Pregnant and widowed, she is looking forward to spending a quiet holiday with her aunt and uncle.

That is until she comes across a stranded cowboy with a trailer full of horses. The cowboy is none other than her high school sweetheart whose heart she crushed when she left for college.

Now that boy is a man with all the love he had for her years ago. He has three days to convince her that his love is real before she heads back to the East Coast.

Is three days enough time to rekindle the love they shared? Stay tuned to find out!

Happy first week of October!

Hugs,

Allie