Page 48 of The Cowboy and the Stray

It felt strange and wonderful, this tentative unfurling of friendship. Scary, in a way, but exciting too. Like standing on the edge of a cliff and finding out you had wings.

I glanced at Ash out of the corner of my eye, taking in her easy smile, the wicked glint in her eye that promised trouble and laughter in equal measure.

I had a feeling that with Ash Navarro in my corner, I was in for a wild ride. But for the first time in a long time, I thought I might be ready for it. God help me.

24. CALDER

By the next day, Ash had helped patch a saddle, unpack a feed delivery, and cussed Gray into submission. All before sundown yesterday. I spotted her saddling a horse, hands moving like she was born in a tack room.

I crossed my arms. "I guess you planning on sticking around a while?"

She shrugged, grin crooked as a cow trail. "You got horses. I got hands. Seems like a good trade." She gave me a sidelong look. "That gonna be a problem?"

I studied her, wondering if she'd really meant to stroll in and shake us up this way. "What do you know about ranch work?"

"More than you think," she shot back, still working on the cinch. "You gonna take a chance, or am I wasting my time?"

Something in her gaze reminded me of a wild mare, half daring you to try and rope her, half hoping you don't.

"You good in a pack?" I asked.

Ash stopped, looked me dead in the eye. "Better than most," she said, and I couldn't tell if she was bluffing or telling the truth. She tipped her hat back, her smile sparking. "Anything else?"

I rubbed my jaw, feeling like I'd already lost control of the situation. "Just don't make me regret it," I warned.

"You already won't," Ash said, swinging up onto the horse like she'd been born in the saddle. She reined in, giving me a salute. "See you at supper, boss."

I watched her ride off toward the east pasture, wondering how one woman could kick up so much dust so fast. She moved like she'd always been here. Like the land had been waiting for her to come stomp across it.

As Ash disappeared toward the cattle, Tess headed down from the house, skittish as a yearling. I wondered if she'd make it all the way without tripping over air.

"You ready?" I asked when she got close.

She eyed the gelding I'd picked out for her, Panic, like it was life or death. "Ready as I'll ever be."

I lifted her up, hands on her waist. She grabbed for the horn like it was a lifeline, and Brimstone and Panic watched us with expressions that seemed as skeptical as mine. "Don't let him psych you out," I said. "He doesn't bite." Tess gave me a doubtful look, and I cracked a smile. "Often."

The gelding was already shifting under her by the time she settled in, his eyes on the horizon like he couldn't wait to get moving. I started him at a slow walk and kept one hand close to Tess, but her balance was steadier this time. Our horses moved together toward the far end of the pasture, and the longer she stayed on, the more I found myself hoping she might last the day.

"Back straight," I called as she wobbled again. Her spine snapped so rigid, I almost laughed. "Relax your knees and let him carry you," I said, pacing her from the ground. Her whole body was tense, and it was the damn cutest thing I ever saw.

Brimstone tossed his head like he thought it was funny, too.

"Easy for you to say," Tess said, fighting to keep her balance. "You're not the one about to get thrown."

I moved Brimstone closer to guide her legs into a more natural seat, my hands on her thighs, and her eyes went wide as the sky. The feel of her burned all the way to my bones. "Like this," I said, moving her gently. "Let him know you're in charge."

Panic snorted and picked up the pace. Tess flinched but held on, determination written all over her face. The sight of her up there, small but fierce, made me want to drop the horse in favor of more effective ways to hold her.

"Good," I said. She was already starting to smile.

We were getting back into a rhythm when Jace ambled up, seated high and easy on Vandal. The black horse danced under him like he had somewhere better to be, a scar curling down his hindquarter. "You sure she’s not safer walking?" Jace called, voice dry as the dust he kicked up. Vandal snorted like he agreed.

I shot him a look and brought Brimstone to a halt. Tess finally relaxed. "You offering to teach her?"

"I ain't no teacher," Jace said with a snort. He waved and rode toward the creek, the gelding eager to get moving.

"Why do I feel like I'm part of a conspiracy?" Tess said, her cheeks burning again.