Home > Take the Reins (A Cowboy's Promise Book 2)(9)

Take the Reins (A Cowboy's Promise Book 2)(9)
Author: Megan Squires

A soft laugh slipped through Josie’s lips before she drowned it with a swallow of beer. She cocked her head and gave him the most peculiar look when she said, “I meant, why didn’t it work with the horses?”

“Wow.” Seth had to laugh at himself because that was the only real option here. “Right. Sorry. That was a lot of unnecessary self-disclosure. A horse at the sanctuary was diagnosed with strangles, so they’re currently on complete quarantine. I’m hoping once these mustangs are gentled, things will be operational again and she can take them off my hands. I don’t have any real use for them here.”

He raised his eyes to Josie’s and she held his stare as she said, “It’s good you’ve given them a soft place to land, even if it’s only temporary. I’m sure they’re very grateful for your generosity, even if they haven’t shown it yet.”

Seth smiled. He had a hunch—and maybe a little hope—Josie referred to more than just the animals.

 

 

6

 

 

Josie

 

 

The hot snort of air was a warning. The pinned ears were a threat. Flashing eyes revealing a thin edge of white cautioned her to keep her distance. She would respect those cues. This was their space now.

“Morning, Bruiser.”

The stallion stomped a hoof, dirt puffing up around his front legs in a dusty cloud.

“Don’t worry. I’m not here to round you up again. Go on and eat your breakfast with the others. Don’t mind me.”

Josie propped a leg up onto the pipe panel to peer into the paddock. The horses grouped together in mother and foal pairs while the stallion stood watch from the side, their protector even in this new, safe location where they no longer had a need for one. Sure, he was thin, but nothing some consistent meals couldn’t fix. He still had an impressive conformation, even in his current condition. Josie had a feeling he’d one-day live up to the name she’d given him. He was the most beautiful blue roan with a black base color and long, dark mane with a swishing tail that dusted just above the ground.

Black and blue. Bruiser.

Josie slipped the borrowed halters and lead ropes from her arm and looped them onto the gate. They wouldn’t get any use for several days and she knew that. She had once attended a mustang breaking event where three contestants selected, halter-broke, and eventually saddled and rode a previously wild horse, all within the span of three short days. In her opinion, all that was good for was a weekend of entertainment. It certainly wasn’t good for the horse. A solid, slow and steady foundation was infinitely more important than hastily getting a horse under saddle. For that reason, she’d take whatever time necessary to get there.

For today, she’d wait on this side of the fence and she’d be plenty content in doing so.

Stifling a yawn, Josie scanned the ranch. Hills dotted with cows undulated in the distance. She didn’t know the exact size of the farmland, but she had a feeling she couldn’t make out the property lines from her vantage point in the valley. She’d likely need the help of binoculars to fully take in the entirety of the ranch, its spread wider and more vast than any other acreage she’d been on.

The Ford’s were well-known cattle ranchers in these parts. Chances were, if you had a tri-tip grilling on the barbecue, you had the Ford’s to thank for it. The farm was a generational one, which was why it surprised her that she’d never heard of Seth before. She knew of his father, Mitch. Even his brother, Tanner. But Seth was a perfectly good stranger and she wondered why he’d suddenly been placed at the helm with the others nowhere in sight.

That information wasn’t hers to know, but she had a hunch he’d fill her in if she just asked. After all, he spilled much more than that last night. It wasn’t any business of Josie’s if Seth was single. It also shouldn’t have affected her the way it did. He was good looking, there was no denying that. And he made the best chocolate chip cookies she’d ever eaten, no question. But he was her landlord and that was that. Plus, relationships didn’t bode well for Josie. She had come to terms long ago that she’d likely live out her days alone. Honestly, she preferred it that way. Cowboy’s company was often more than she needed. Some people were extroverts and got their energy from the people around them and needed companionship to survive and thrive. Josie was an introvert in the deepest part of her being and while some saw that as a fault, she was just fine being labeled one.

She was independent, self-sufficient, and didn’t need anyone. Except when it came to a place to park her trailer. Until she could amass the money necessary to purchase her own modest plot of land, she’d be at the mercy of people like Seth who gave generously without expecting anything in return.

Oddly, being at that man’s mercy wasn’t such a terrible thought.

Josie shook her head briskly, scolding that shocking idea right out of her brain. But not effectively enough, because when she heard his low voice at her back, the flutter in her stomach returned at full force.

“How are things coming along this morning?” He maneuvered the buckskin beneath him as he collected the reins to side pass closer. “Just finished checking the cows and thought I’d swing by to see if you needed anything. Looks like they’re settling in well. That stallion isn’t quite so high strung this morning, huh?”

“Bruiser’s only snorted at me once. I take it as a win.”

“Bruiser.” Seth tapped his horse’s belly with his heels and moved up to Josie. “I like that. Suits him.”

“Maybe not yet, but I think he’ll get there.”

“Nah, I can see it. It’s a good name for him.” He smiled. “Hey, I’m headed into town to do a little grocery shopping and wanted to see if there’s anything I could pick up for you. They’ve got a sale on sugar and I want to stock up on some. If you’ve got a list going, I’d be happy to grab the items on it.”

“Thanks, I’m good, but I appreciate the offer. Honestly, I’m not sure when I’ll be able to drive Marcie’s car without getting lightheaded.”

“Still airing it out?”

“I am, but I think that nauseating perfume stench has marinated in those seat cushions so long, it’s become a permanent part of the fabric.”

“You know, Josie, you’re welcome to borrow my truck anytime you need it. There’s a spare set of keys hanging in the tack room. Don’t even have to ask.”

The man had already done so much for her and now he was offering the use of his vehicle when she had a perfectly good—albeit stinky—one in her possession. Josie wondered when she would no longer feel like such a leech, constantly sucking his resources without offering anything in return.

“Thank you, Seth. Appreciate it.”

His horse started to jog in place, growing restless with their conversation. Seth tightened his grip on the reins. “You got lunch plans?”

“You’re looking at it.”

“How about I pick us up some sandwiches from the deli? Turkey good for you?”

She wanted to tell him that he didn’t need to keep feeding her—first with the cookies and now with lunch—but found herself saying, “Turkey would be great,” instead.

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