Snagging her around the waist, I pull her to me and dip my head. My mouth hovers above hers. “You bet your ass it is.”
Closing the distance, I drown myself in the feeling of her lips on mine. Her hands fly into my hair, knocking my hat off my head, and I don’t mind it one bit. The amber and vanilla scent on her skin is another reminder of what I love.
Blake slows the kiss, bringing it to an end. The bright smile she flashes up at me is one that I’d do anything to see every day for the rest of my life.
“Well, if you’re going to be here, then…” I nod my head toward the horse stalls.
She nods her head, understanding my implication. “Put me to work. I am yours to command.”
I shoot her a suggestive look. “Are you?”
Blake takes a step back and shoves her shoulder. “You know what I mean.”
I stumble a step back, letting her think she actually pushed me. “I could use some help feeding the horses and cleaning the stalls.”
“I want to see Shadow anyway.” Blake walks right past me, heading toward the horse that has become her friend.
I follow behind her. “Thanks. I’m down a man today.”
“Oh? Is everyone okay?” Blake doesn’t stop until she’s feeding Shadow a sugar cube.
“Manny left,” I explain.
Blake pauses, her hand halfway to her pocket, probably to fish out another sugar cube. “Did you…”
“Did I what? Kill him?
Blake whirls on me and quirks a brow, her question clear.
“No,” I scoff. “After our little talk, it was his choice to leave entirely.”
“We’ll pretend I believe you,” she replies, half in teasing and half in candidness. “Let’s get to work,vaquero.”
I show her how to brush Shadow’s coat, comb her mane and tail, and check for ticks and scratches. She doesn’t waste any time diving in and getting the work done.
Around midday, I have to drag her away for lunch. I made us simple deli sandwiches and a bowl of dog food for Bear. We enjoy them together under heat lamps on my porch. I may not have the cooking skills of a five-star chef like Walker, but I know the basics.
We are close to finishing when one of the younger wranglers, Todd, comes running up the steps to us.
In spite of the cold, sweat drips down the side of his face. “Boss!”
Todd's frantic energy has me jumping to my feet. “What’s going on?”
“Shadow got out, and she’s going crazy.” He informs me, out of breath.
In lieu of a verbal reply, I take off jogging toward the barn. Footsteps follow behind.
Blake catches up to me quickly. “I’ll help.”
Rejecting her offer, I reply, “Nope. Too dangerous. Go back inside the house.”
Blake doesn't argue with her words. Instead, she displays her defiance by continuing to tag along.
On the backside of the barn, Shadow bucks wildly. Four of the workers, including Javier, attempt to grab hold of Shadow's reins. Skidding to a stop, I glance around to assess the situation.
Javier directs some of the more inexperienced wranglers. “Get your asses away from her hind legs. Are you trying to get yourself killed?”
“Get back,” I shout at everyone. The last thing we want is for Shadow to traumatize herself or us. The men do as I say, backing away slowly, giving Shadow her space.
