“That’s so young. I’m so sorry to hear that.”
“Don’t mention it to him that I told you. He doesn’t like to talk about it.”
“I won’t.”
Seth nodded, then walked toward her.
“I hear the UTV. Once Ringo gets here, he’ll take samples and see what’s going on. We can head back after I talk with him.”
“Alright. I’ll wait here.” She tugged her gloves on.
Seth walked toward the UTV when it stopped behind them while Ryan continued to take pictures.
As she watched Seth stride back to his horse after talking with Ringo, she looked up at the sky when she swore she felt a drop of rain, then she looked at Seth.
“Is it starting to rain?”
When he chuckled, she narrowed her eyes.
Seth vaulted into the saddle, looked at her, and grinned. “It’s starting to snow. Let’s head back.” He rode past her as her mouth dropped open, then she glanced around and saw the tiny white flakes falling from the sky.
Chapter Four
When they arrived back at the barn, Seth heard Ryan’s sharp intake of breath followed by a muttered curse when she spotted the man standing outside the barn doors, gesturing animatedly with two of the ranch hands.
“Damn it,” she hissed.
“Is that him?” Seth asked, noting the way her shoulders tensed beneath her flannel shirt.
“Yes, that’s the asshat,” she replied, a muscle twitching in her jaw.
Seth chuckled as they rode closer to where the men stood on the gravel path. He reined Zephyr in with a gentle tug, the horse snorting softly in response. He folded his arms on the saddle horn and fixed his gaze on the man who stepped forward with a too-wide smile that didn’t reach his calculating eyes as he extended a manicured hand toward Seth.
“Mr. Harrison?” His voice carried the practiced smoothness of someone used to getting his way.
“Yes, sir.” Seth removed his glove, shook his hand, noting the limp grip and the lingering scent of expensive cologne.
“I’m Sean Hayes. I’m a journalist with Western Living magazine. I hope you don’t mind that I came today. I know you didn’t expect me until Monday.” He adjusted the collar of his crisp button-down shirt; a flash of gold cufflinks peeked out from under his jacket sleeve. “I’ll be asking questions about how you plant and how’s it harvested. I’ve already interviewed Mr. Evans and Mr. Maddox. We can either do the interview in your office, or I can follow you around, but it depends on what you’re doing.”
“You’ll have to follow me, Mr. Hayes. I’m a busy man. I hope you can horseback ride.”
“I have before,” Hayes answered.
Hayes’ gaze slid to Ryan then back to Seth, his expression shifting subtly like a chameleon. Seth mentally shook his head, the muscles in his jaw tightening. With this slick character here, Seth would need to ensure Sean didn’t think he could use this time to harass Ryan.
“Hello, Ryan.” Sean’s tone dripped with false warmth.
“Sean.” Her voice was as cold and hard as January ice.
“Ryan and I used to be an item,” Sean announced with a self-satisfied grin aimed at Ryan, rocking back on his polished loafers.
Seth barely suppressed a laugh when she rolled her eyes, nudged her horse and rode Pearl into the shadowy barn, dust swirling in her wake. When he looked back at Hayes, he caught the man staring after her.
“Mr. Hayes,” Seth said, his voice deliberately measured, “is there going to be any problems with you two being here together?”
“No, of course not.” Hayes looked at Seth, smoothing a hand over his gelled hair. “She doesn’t care for me since I broke up with her.”
Seth sat up straighter in the saddle, leather creaking beneath him. “You broke up with her, huh?”
