Page 41 of Pretty Little Scars

“I don’t know.” His voice is grim, and he’s definitely not happy.

The man, who’s muscular and fit, with salt-and-pepper hair and tanned skin, nods as he approaches us.

“Hey, Tucker,” he says, but his eyes flit to me. He offers me a smile and taps the brim of his hat. “Ma’am. George couldn’t get away from that emergency he was taking care of this morning, and he asked me to fill in for him. He said he sent you a message, Tucker.”

Tucker pulls his phone out of his pocket and checks it.

“I didn’t see it,” he murmurs, and then sighs when he checks a different message. “Fuck, I have to go out with my guys for a bit to check on something.”

He turns to me, and I see the uncertainty in his eyes. He doesn’t want to leave me alone with this guy.

“I’m Peter,” the man says, but doesn’t offer me his hand. “I’ll be taking care of the horses this afternoon. I’ve been out here with George before.”

“Hi.” I offer Peter a nod and then turn back to Tucker. “You should go. I’m fine here. I’m going to brush the horses after they get their manicures. They’ll feel shiny and new. A spa day.”

Tucker’s eyes soften and then he turns back to Peter. “I’ll be gone for an hour. You’re working on all of the horses in the barn today.”

“I have my orders from George,” Peter says with a nod, and then returns to his truck so he can get his things and dig in.

Tucker turns to me. “Do you want to go with me?”

I frown up at him. “I’m fine here. Really. Why, don’t you trust that guy?”

“It’s not that I don’t trust him, I don’tknowhim.” He lets out a breath. “I’ll take the side-by-side so I’m faster. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“I’ll be in the barn. Brushing horses. Perfectly safe.” I wink at him and walk away, making my hips sway a little more than normal. I can’t believe I told him so much about what happened when I was a kid. I can’t believe that Iwantedto.

But I feel better because now he knows everything, and he still wants me around. I don’t have to wonder or second guess, and that makes me feel better. Now we can just settle right into whatever this is that’s blooming between us.

Sex.

Hopefully it’s dirty, naughty, fun sex that’s blooming.

With a smirk, I get busy organizing the tack room while Peter gets started on the first horse. He watched me for a second, but then he got to work, and I chalked it up to us being strangers and general curiosity.

I don’t get the creep vibe from him. He’s handsome but doesn’t hold a candle to Tucker.No oneholds a candle to the sexy rancher. It’s not long before Peter’s done with the first horse, and I take her outside to brush her down and give her some love in the paddock. Ellie nudges my shoulder, and I give her a carrot, letting her munch while I brush.

Once we’re three horses in, and Peter has been respectful of my space, I return to the barn and watch him work, staying back, out of the way. It’s not an easy job, and I see why he’s in such good shape, having to hold onto those feet and legs, and the amount of force he has to use to clean out the hoof, take the old shoe off, and then apply the new one.

It’s a whole fascinating process.

With that horse finished, Peter passes him off to me, and I lead him outside but then discover that I’m out of carrots, so I walk back in and find Peter drinking some water, taking a break.

“That’s hard work,” I mention as I cross my arms over my chest. “How did you get into this?”

“I’ve been doing it since I was in high school. My dad was a rancher, and I learned from him.”

I nod and then turn toward the fridge, but his voice stops me.

“I haven’t seen you around town before.”

“Oh, I’m new to the area. I’m working as a vet intern for Tucker for the next year or so.”

He nods, and starts to walk toward me, and a little alarm bell rings in the back of my head. So, I step back, but that doesn’t make him stop advancing.

“Are you single?” he asks, his eyes drift down my body, and I immediately tense. Oh, hell no.

“I’m not interested,” I reply, any trace of friendliness gone from my voice. I want nothing to do with this guy. “You can stop right there.”