Page 9 of Ethan

Naomi took the card. “Thank you, Ethan.”

He nodded, walked to the door, and paused with his hand on the knob. He looked back at her over his shoulder for just a moment, then walked out and pulled the door closed behind him.

She stood there staring at the door long after his footsteps had faded down the stairs.

Chapter Two

Ethan entered the barn and headed for the corral. He rested his arms on the top rail and watched one of his trainers work a horse through the pattern. He used to love this part of the job, but somewhere along the way it had gotten buried under bookkeeping, scheduling, buying, and selling. He didn’t get much free time anymore.

He kept his eyes on the horse as Johnny maneuvered Roscoe around the barrels. Three years Johnny had worked for him, and he’d never given Ethan a reason to complain. Serena McKay was coming up on two years, and she was just as solid. Three trainers now. He hoped it was enough.

He wasn’t sure how long he’d been standing there when he heard footsteps and looked up to find Naomi crossing the barn toward him. He watched her for a moment, then looked back at the corral.

He didn’t understand why she appealed to him the way she did. Serena was a beautiful woman, and he’d never thought twice about it. Something in the chemistry, maybe. Whatever it was, he didn’t have time for it.

“Hi.” She stopped beside him at the rail. “I finished unpacking and thought I’d take a look around, if that’s alright.”

“It’s fine.” He kept his eyes on Johnny.

“Is he another trainer?”

“Johnny Melvin. Been with me three years. I have another one too. Serena McKay. She’ll be in later.” He looked at her. “I’ll get you three on a schedule so you’re not stepping on each other’s toes.”

Johnny put Roscoe through another run and Ethan watched without really seeing it. He was too aware of her standing beside him, close enough that he caught a trace of her perfume every time she shifted her weight.

“He’s good,” she said.

“Yes, he is.”

She was quiet for a moment, her eyes on the horse. “What’s his name?”

“Roscoe. He’s been here about six months. Still working out some rough edges but he’s coming along.”

“He drops his shoulder going into the second barrel.”

Ethan glanced at her. She was right. “Johnny’s working on it.”

She nodded and said nothing else. He appreciated that. She’d made her point and let it go. That was the mark of someone who knew what they were doing.

They stood in silence for a while, watching Johnny work through the pattern. It should have been comfortable. It wasn’t, at least not for him.

He needed to get a handle on this. She worked for him now, which meant whatever this was had nowhere to go and no business starting. He’d seen what happened when lines got crossed on a ranch. It never ended well for anyone.

“I’ll let you get back to it,” she said finally, pushing off the rail. “I thought I’d take a walk, get a feel for the property.”

“Trail runs along the east fence line. Takes you past the creek.” He kept his voice even. “Don’t go past the tree line on the north end. That’s Cole’s property.”

“Got it.” She smiled at him and he looked back at the corral. “Thanks, Ethan.”

He listened to her footsteps fade toward the barn door, then let out a slow breath.

Johnny brought Roscoe around and pulled up at the rail, swinging down from the saddle. He caught Ethan’s eye and grinned.

“Shut up,” Ethan said.

Johnny looped the reins over the rail, still grinning. “I didn’t say anything.”

“Keep it that way.” Ethan stepped into the corral and ran a hand down Roscoe’s neck. The gelding shifted but settled. “He’s dropping his shoulder on the second barrel.”