That’s it? Just yep? I gave him something real and he gave me one word. Why does that make me want his approval more? This man makes me work for every inch, that’s for sure.
When we reach the barn, he stops and turns toward me. “Go get Shadow. Bring him out here and tie a quick-release knot to this post.”
I nod like I know exactly what that means and head for Shadow’s stall.
“Hey, handsome,” I whisper, petting his nose. He nudges me like we’re already friends. Still this is a huge animal and my nerves haven’t kicked yet. I grab the reins, and he follows me easily out to the post.
Cole nods when I finish tying the knot. “Come closer.”
He shows me the rope. “This is how you tie a quick release. It’s easy. Now you try.”
I copy his movements carefully, fingers clumsy but determined. He watches me closely. Chewing his toothpick.
“Perfect,” he says.
The word lands heavier than it should. I shouldn’t care this much but coming from a man of few words it feels earned.
He grabs a bucket filled with different brushes. “This one’s a curry. You use circular motions. Neck, shoulders, sides, hindquarters. Watch me do it on Magic, then you try Shadow.”
I follow him, watching intently as he works on his horse.
“Easy, girl,” he murmurs. “Gotta get you cleaned up.”
Then he glances at me. “This is Layla.”
My chest warms. So this is how he lets people in, through the things he loves. He introduced me to his horse. And he didn’t call me city girl. That shouldn’t mean anything but it does. It shows me his gentle side. Not the tough and gruff exterior he puts on.
I listen as he explains each step, trying not to stare, but it’s hard not to. His eyes are impossibly blue up close. His blond hair is sun-lightened, his beard flecked with a little red. He’s tan from working outside every day. His lips look soft—which is honestly the only soft thing about him. I bet he’s a good kisser. The way he rolls that toothpick around he’s got to be.
“You listening?” he asks.
“Huh?” I blink. “Yeah—sorry. I’m just… in the zone.”
He smirks. “Alright. Your turn.”
We move back to Shadow.
“Curry first,” I mumble to myself. “Circular motions.”
“Yep. Just like that. Now the dandy brush.”
I start brushing, and suddenly his hand covers mine, guiding the motion. I stop breathing for a moment.
“Like this,” he says quietly. “Follow the direction of the hair, especially where the saddle sits.”
“Oh,” I breathe.
He’s close. Too close. I can smell him, leather, sweat, something warm and familiar. My breathing gets heavier, and I hope he doesn’t notice. It’s getting very hot out here.
We finish brushing, then he nods toward the mane. “Just run your fingers through it gently.”
I do, feeling strangely proud.
“Now it’s time to saddle.”
We walk over to the tack area.
“Grab your pad,” he says.
