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“Even if it was somewhat my fault,” she told the animal grudgingly. The mare tossed her head, looking like she was nodding vigorously. Goldie twisted toward Aiden. “What does that mean?”
“She likes you.”
“No, it doesn’t.”
He stepped near her and held out his linked hands. “Probably saw a bee.”
“In December?”
“Just step up.”
She put her dirty shoe into his hands, and he heaved her into the saddle. This time she knew to tighten her core, so she didn’t go off the other side. He didn’t get back on Bonanza, just kepthold of the reins and led her off in a different direction from the one they’d come.
“Where are we going?”
“To talk to Buck,” he held up one finger, not looking behind him. “For you to talk to Buck.”
Her heart rate sped up for good reasons. “All right!”
“Don’t sound so happy about it.”
She scoffed. “I can be nice.”
“I don’t think so.”
“I am very nice.”
“No, you aren’t. Thank god,” he added so quietly, she almost didn’t hear him.
She was trying to decide how to think about that when the path opened up to a view down the valley between two mountains. The clouds hadn’t completely burned off, and one whisped through the valley over long fields full of horses, a huge barn, and an old house. It was one of the most beautiful sights she’d seen in her life.
As they drew closer, she could see that the field closest to the barn was a racetrack, and what she took for a bumpy fence was actually people standing at each fence post. Her throat clenched, and she despised her weakness. They would not harm her here.
As they drew closer, she could see that the people were standing between a chain link fence and a wooden fence. She’d never seen anything like it. They pivoted to stare at them, or more accurately, at their feet. No one would meet their eyes.
“Where’s Buck?” he asked a man sitting on the fence.
The man twitched. “Should be mucking out about now.”
“Should be?”
“Ain’t.” His eyes darted up and away. “But should be.”
Aiden surveyed the others. Most were drifting away now that he was in striking distance. “I know where he ain’t, but does anybody know where he is?”
Heads shook.
Aiden peered up one side of the valley and then turned to her. “Stay here.”
Goldie’s rage surged. “I am?—”
“I won’t say a word to him, and I’ll bring him right to you.”
“Why can’t I?—”
He pointed up the hill where she saw houses amongst the trees. The path was steep.
“Fine, but this is still my dramatic confrontation. Got it?”
