Austin
Securing a broken bit of wire in the fence along the back paddock, I’m alone with my thoughts. I always like this part of the day. Most of my work is done, and the cattle are in a new grazing field, so I have a moment’s pause. And the first thing I do with that pause is think about the woman from the diner yesterday. Harper.
I’m not sure what it is about her that’s got my mind in a whirl. As far as women go, I’ve never been much of a player. I’ve always preferred the company of animals and books over humans, but there was something about the way she held herself as she entered that diner. She knew everyone was looking at her and judging up a storm, but she held her head high anyway. It was beautiful to watch—shewas beautiful.
Most other people would get their order to go, get out of there to avoid being scrutinized, but she sat upon that stool like a Viking queen, which is why I was surprised to see a blush in her cheeks when I spoke to her. A tough exterior and a soft heart. It’s something my mother has always said about me.
At six foot four, I’m bigger and broader than almost every other man or woman in Cedarwood Valley. In fact, we even had to procure a Shire draft horse so I didn’t look like I was riding a pony on the back of a Pinto. I named him Atticus, and we’ve been the best of companions ever since.
“Do you hear that?” I ask as I lift my head and pocket my pliers. There’s a rumbling sound that seems to be drawing closer—an engine, I think. Amotorbike engine.
I push to my feet, and Atticus snorts and stomps.
“Yeah,” I say, placing my hand on the bridge of his nose. “There’s someone on the property.”
Feeding off me, or perhaps sensing something bigger coming, Atticus grows increasingly agitated.
“I agree. We should go and check that out.”
The cows are now agitated too, if their high-pitched moos are anything to go by.Shit.
I’m quick to jump on Atticus’s back and ride toward the sound. A sound that’s too deep to be a dirt bike from one of the ranch hands. No. That rumble is the unmistakable sound of a Harley Davidson Motorcycle, I’d bet my life on it.
I’d also bet that if Harper has managed to find her way onto the back roads of this property, she’s about to come face to face with a very angry bull. I just hope I can get to her before Big Barry does.
