Page 11 of Ethan

“Not well, but we’ve met.” Serena smiled over her cup. “I have to say, they’re just as good looking as he is.”

Naomi laughed. “I can imagine.”

“Ethan sets a high bar though. Don’t let the easy manner fool you.”

“I figured as much. His horses come from good lineage and sell for serious money. He’s not going to settle for anything less than the best.”

“Exactly.” Serena nodded. “But if you’re good at what you do, he’ll never give you a reason to complain. Have you met Johnny yet?” Serena asked. There was something just slightly too casual in how she’d said it.

“Not officially. I saw him working a horse yesterday, but we didn’t speak.”

“You’ll like him. He’s funny. Keeps things from getting too serious around here.” She turned her cup in her hands. “He’s been here the longest of all of us.”

“He seems good with the horses.”

“He’s good at everything he does,” Serena said it quietly, then looked up with a small smile like she’d caught herself. “Anyway. Where are you from originally?”

“Kalispell. I worked for a ranch there for years until the owner passed and his wife decided to sell.”

“That’s hard. Especially when you love what you do.”

“It was. But it brought me here, so I can’t complain.” Naomi looked out the window at the pastures below. “I have a mare back there I’m trying to get here. Ethan offered to take me to pick her up.”

“That sounds like him.” Serena smiled. “He’d never say it, but he’s a softie underneath all that quiet.”

Naomi said nothing, but she filed that away.

“Have you had a chance to explore Clifton yet?” Serena asked.

“Not yet. I drove down Main Street on my way in and wanted to stop at every shop I saw.”

“Then we’re going.” Serena set her cup down. “I’m off today. I’ll show you around.”

Naomi looked at her. “You don’t have to do that.”

“I know I don’t.” Serena stood and grinned. “Finish your coffee.”

They rinsed their cups and headed downstairs. As they crossed the yard Naomi spotted Ethan coming out of the barn, a rope in his hand.

“Morning,” Serena called out.

He nodded. “Serena.” His eyes moved to Naomi. “Settling in alright?”

“I am, thanks.” She fell into step beside Serena. “We’re heading into town. Serena’s going to show me around.”

Something shifted in his expression, gone before she could read it. “Good idea. You’ve got a few days before you start.” He looked at Serena. “Have her back before dark. I need you both fresh Monday morning.”

Serena gave him a salute. “Yes, boss.”

The corner of his mouth lifted. It wasn’t quite a smile, but it was close, and Naomi found herself storing it away like something worth keeping.

“Have fun,” he said, and walked back into the barn.

Serena leaned toward her as they headed to the truck. “Told you. Softie.”

“He told us to be back before dark,” Naomi said.

“Because there are a lot of dark roads. He’s being cautious.” Serena grinned. “Trust me.”