I nod, thinking of the fancy Paint. It might not be a bad idea to add another one to our herd. With the Paint Barrel Racing Incentive, good racers are in demand. “They can be pretty as can be, as long as they’re good at their job, but the MacGregors will never sell. He’s one of their best.”
A flash of gold catches my eye from across the field. Speaking of pretty. You don’t get much prettier than Goldie, our gorgeous palomino, who’s popped her head up from grazing to look our way. It’s almost like she heard us.
“Well, rumor has it, Tad isn’t interested in taking over the farm and the MacGregors are looking to sell.”
I give my board a wiggle to make sure it’s solid, then prop my forearms on the top rail, staring off at the herd halfway across the field.
“That’s a shame. They’ve owned that property longer than we have.”
“I know. It seems to be the way, though. Not everyone wants to stay out here in bumfuck nowhere, sweating for our money.”
“That’s part of the fun. Getting our hands dirty. Working with the horses.” I wouldn’t have gotten through losing my parents without them. The lump returns to my throat.
“Don’t I know it. But times are changing. And they’ll be changing here pretty soon. Life around the ranch is not going to be quite so peaceful once they start production.”
A tingle of fear chases itself over my skin. “You’re not thinking of leaving, are you?” I’d hate losing my best friend.
“Me? Nah. Cowboy for life.”
“You don’t think about heading back on the road to chase buckles?” He was at the top of his game riding bulls when he just up and quit. Moved back to Balsam Grove. Seems like he hasn’t looked back.
“Never.”
I’m not sure I believe him, but I’m not going to push. Something happened to drive him away from the circuit, but he’s never shared.
He spins around, leaning his back on the fence. “So tell me about the star. She a diva?”
“Hollywood? No, she’s…interesting.” I smile, remembering how she looked when she started to get more comfortable with Flash. That guarded look on her face started to slip and she looked softer, more approachable. Although I haven’t seen a single side of her that isn’t perfection. She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. Just thinking about her face has that pulse of want building again. She’s not the person I thought she was. I guess you kind of think you know someone after seeing them on a screen, but now that I’ve met her, I know those were just characters. Not the real her.
“Oh, shit. I’ve seen that look on your face before. Don’t go falling for her.”
“You sound like my sister.”
“Your sister’s a smart woman.”
“So she thinks. You know you can admire a woman without falling for her.” The sharp ring of my hammer sounds out as I go back to my work, trying to drown out my attraction to Aura and the hint of worry riding me at the thought of her staying at that skeezy hotel. There’s not much crime here in Balsam Grove, so we do hear about every little thing that happens, and that includes a good number of fights and police appearances at the Lone Pine. Its location on the highway means a lot of strangers pass through. What if someone recognizes her? Or sees her alone at night? The thought sends a shiver down my spine.
“I can. Most people can. But not you, you’re a hopeless romantic.” Dean’s words pull me back into the moment.
I ignore his comment, focusing on my hammer. “Get back to work. We don’t pay you to flap your mouth all day.”
He laughs, but goes to haul another board out of the truck.
The afternoon passes in a blur of chores, leaving my muscles aching and my body exhausted as I walk up the stone path to the guest house. My house, now.
A warm glow lights up the cozy surroundings as I head for the shower to wash off the layer of dust and sweat covering my body after a day of hard work. And as the hot water runs across my skin, a picture of our new guest pops into my head and my dick responds in the most inappropriate manner. Shit. I let out a low groan, sliding my hand down to grip the hard length. This could be a problem.
Chapter 7
Quint
Mystomachisalltwisted up in knots the next morning. A splatter of sizzling oil leaps out of the pan I’m frying eggs in, almost like it’s punishing me for the dream I had last night after I finally fell asleep. It’s like now that I’ve thought of her in that way, I can’t get my head out of the gutter. I curse under my breath.
Heavy footsteps announce the arrival of one of my siblings. My older brother from the sounds of it.
“Morning.”
“Quint. Tired of your new place already?” It’s Caleb.
