“I think the older we get, the worse it’s going to be. My joints feel like rusted hinges some days.”
“Speak for yourself, old man.” Seth’s lips curved into a lopsided grin that crinkled the corners of his eyes.
“I’m two months older than you... old man.” Cull’s voice carried the comfortable rhythm of an old joke.
Seth nodded, the brim of his hat catching the golden shaft of morning light streaming through the hayloft windows. “True, but you’re still older.”
Cull chuckled as he shook his head, his breath puffing out in small clouds. “Whatever. I’m heading to the north pasture. Ringo said the fence is down. He’s up there now, but I want to ride along it to make sure it’s still intact in other areas.”
“Yeah, sometimes that wire loosens up enough to either sag or fall down completely. Wolves will find any weakness.”
“Where’s Ryan this morning?”
“She went with Red to the oat fields. He told me he stopped up there yesterday, and some are a little yellow on the tips, so he’s going to see what he can do about it and took her to show her how we save them. When we can.”
“Alright. I’m heading out. Radio me if you need me.” Cull swung onto his horse with the grace of decades in the saddle, touched the brim of his hat, then rode out of the barn, the horse’s iron-shod hooves clip-clopping rhythmically on the cement, echoing through the space.
Seth walked to the arena to get the chestnut filly out, her copper coat gleaming like a new penny in the morning light. He chuckled when she pranced along behind him, her slender legs dancing with barely contained energy.
“You’re ready, aren’t you girl?” He rubbed her velvety chin, and she nuzzled the frayed sleeve of his faded flannel shirt, her warm breath leaving damp spots on the fabric. He knew he’d be removing it once he started working. He always worked up a good sweat and so did the horse, muscles rippling beneath her glossy hide, but he knew it would all come together. This girl here, with her intelligent eyes and willing heart, was going to be a champion one day.
Chapter Eight
When Ryan returned to the barn, she was greeted by the earthy scent of hay and leather. The morning light streamed through the high windows. The barn stood empty except for the horses, who shuffled in their stalls, their occasional snorts breaking the stillness. She glanced around, wondering where everyone had disappeared to.
She turned to walk outside when she heard her name called, the voice sharp and familiar. Sean was hobbling toward her across the floor. His designer jeans looked absurdly out of place against the rustic backdrop, and she had to bite back a grin at his obvious discomfort.
“Good morning, Sean. How are your feet?” she asked, noting the unnatural stiffness in his step.
“Sore as hell. I don’t know how anyone can wear these torture devices,” he grumbled, gesturing down at his boots, that still looked new.
“Mine don’t hurt my feet at all,” she said, glancing down at her own pair, the leather creased and molded perfectly to her feet after weeks of daily use.
“Why would you do that? You’ll never wear them again once you leave here,” Sean snarled, his face twisting with contempt.
“How would you know? I happen to like them.” The leather felt right against her skin now, like they belonged there.
Sean leaned close enough that she could smell his expensive cologne, out of place among the honest scents of the barn. “You’re just trying to impress Harrison. You already got him in bed, Ryan. You can let up now.” His voice was low, meant only for her ears.
“Fuck you, Sean.” The words felt clean and sharp on her tongue.
His perfectly groomed eyebrows shot up. “Nice mouth.”
“I hear it several times a day, so I guess I just picked it up.” Ryan shrugged.
“You only have, what? A week and a half left?” His eyes narrowed, calculating.
“Yes, why?” She crossed her arms defensively.
“Maybe we can drive back to Kalispell together and take the same flight.” His tone softened, attempting charm.
“No.” The word fell like a stone between them.
“Come on, Ryan. Can’t you just get over it?” He reached for her arm, but she stepped back.
“Get over it?Ibroke up withyou. Not like you told Seth. I never knew you were such a liar, Sean. Oh, wait. Yes, I did. You lied to me every time you looked at me.” Her voice echoed slightly in the space.
“He told you I said that?” A flush crept up his neck.
