Total pages in book: 104
Estimated words: 97836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
I unwrapped the sandwich, ripped off a large bite, and angry-chewed as I stalked down the street. I wondered if maybe asking Silas to stick around hadn’t been such a good idea after all. I felt even less in control of my life and everything in it than I had before my Vegas mistake.
Before I’d gone more than a couple blocks, Natana Whiteplume stepped out of my sister’s pottery studio across the street and gestured for me to wait for her.
“Just the man I wanted to see,” she said with a smile, flipping her long dark braid over her shoulder. “I was heading to your office next.”
The judge’s younger sister had always been one of my favorite people. She was a trick rider on horseback and was a fan favorite at our summer rodeo for tourists. ZuZu adored her and had spent the past several years trying to get me to ask her out. Natana fell into the category of women I definitely couldn’t date without the entire town knowing all about it, so I’d never even considered listening to my sister’s hints.
“What can I do for you? I’m actually headed to the sheriff’s office for a meeting, but we can talk while we walk if you don’t mind?”
She nodded and fell in step with me. “First of all, please thank Silas for his help at your place yesterday. I couldn’t get one of the paddock gates to stay closed, and he came along at just the right time. I worked with Letty for a couple of hours and would like to lease her this summer if that’s still good with you. She’s a quick learner, just like you said.”
It took my brain a minute to catch up with her request. Once again, here was someone thanking me for Silas’s help. It had become a little bit ridiculous. “Of course. Same terms as last summer. Shoot me an email, and I’ll get the paperwork together.”
“Great. I also wanted to let you know… I’m afraid I can’t help with roundup after all.”
I glanced over at her in surprise. Natana could always be counted on as a trusted rider during roundup. “Why not?”
“My great-aunt down in Lander is having a heart cath procedure, and there’s no one else to help her. Kush has court stuff he can’t leave, and my mom’s still recovering from her knee surgery.”
I blew out a breath. “Oh, shit. Is your great-aunt okay?”
She nodded. “Probably. But she’s old and scared. Doesn’t trust doctors much, so she’s looking for any excuse to get out of it. I promised my mom I’d go.”
“I understand.” I tried to imagine doing roundup without her help. “You know anyone else who’d want the work next week?”
“Possibly Taza if he can get Jenks to give him the time off.”
Last time I tried to borrow my neighbor’s best hand, Mr. Jenks hadn’t spoken to me for a month. I grunted.
Natana’s answering grin was bright and easy. “Or how about that handsome husband of yours?”
I let out a soft snort. “Silas doesn’t ride.”
Her eyes widened. “No shit?”
“No shit. He’s from New York. He rides the subway, and that’s about it.”
“Then it sounds like we have some work to do! We need to get that man on a horse. I’ll bet I can give him some lessons on Bunny. She’ll go easy on a beginner.”
The idea of Silas out of his comfort zone made me happier than I expected. “I would pay big money to see those lessons.”
We joked the rest of the way to Foster’s office, where I found not only my best friend but also my husband.
“God, he’s handsome,” Natana said on a soft sigh.
“No shit,” I replied without thinking.
Natana reached over and shoved my shoulder. “Lucky dog.”
We entered the office laughing. When Silas caught sight of me, his eyes darkened. At this point, that intense look had a one-way ticket to my dick, so I had to immediately school my thoughts to keep from embarrassing myself in mixed company.
“It’s about time,” Foster said, standing up and stretching. “I was ready to call Bernice and tell her not to bother sending you over since Silas here has already pretty much solved our dilemma.”
My mood soured again as I glared in Silas’s direction. “That so?”
His smile wavered. “I only made some suggestions…”
Thankfully, Natana didn’t notice the tension between us. “Silas, I’ve decided I’m going to teach you to ride. Can you meet me around three at Way’s barn? Wear jeans and shoes with a heel if you have them, and if you have something with a steel toe, even better.”
He looked surprised but nodded anyway.
“Great, see you then. Foster, always good to see you.” She waved before turning and leaving back the way she’d come. Just before exiting the doorway, she turned back. “Way, if I find anyone else who can help with roundup, I’ll let you know. Sorry to bail on you.”