Page 11 of His Texas Claim

“My family raises horses,” he said.

“Like cowboys.”

“Stop.” He huffed. “It’s normal.”

“Okay.” I paused. “I suppose I should tell you that I’ve never ridden a horse.”

Stetson sighed.

He did that a lot. Mostly with me.

Still, we got in the car, my pack in tow, and drove the short distance over to the barn. I hadn't seen any horses on the way to the house in the first place, but I realized now they had at least twenty—beautiful and calm, flicking their tails to brush away flies. I tried to climb out when we got there, but Stetson grunted and grabbed my arm.

“You stay right there,” he muttered. “I'll get the horses ready.”

I stayed.

Looked back at Buck, who was being similarly obedient.

“Is he always like this?” I asked.

Buck huffed a long-suffering sigh.

“Guess so,” I replied.

Stetson came back leading two horses—one tall and dark, saddled for riding. The other was smaller, packs already strapped across its back with a space for what looked to be my backpack.

Yeah….I didn’t want to admit it, but this was going to be much nicer than walking the whole way on an injured foot.

I swung my legs out of the car and hobbled toward Stetson, who looked extremely annoyed that I was walking at all.

“That one’s Rowan,” he said, nodding at the dark horse. “You’re riding with me.”

“As in⁠—”

“As in you don’t know how to ride and I’m not teaching you.” He glanced at the other horse. “Packhorse is Copper. Buck will walk with us.”

I hadn’t even realized the dog was there, but Buck woofed softly right at my heel. I jumped a little.

“Wow,” I said. “He is sneaky.”

“He’s a good boy,” Stetson said. “Now…you stay right there. Stop movin’ on that damn foot. I’ll get your pack out of the truck.”

He did as he said, as usual. I just stood there. When he came back, he secured my pack to Copper and then came toward me with his hands out like he was going to⁠—

I lurched back a little. “Excuse me—what are you doing?”

“I’m lifting you onto the horse,” he muttered. “You wanna do this or not?”

“I can climb up myself.”

“You just told me you’ve never been on a horse.”

“I’ve seen it in movies.”

His eyes narrowed.

I sighed. “Fine. Lift me.”