Page 29 of Cowboy Mountain Man

I tighten the cinch, check it, then lead him beside the mounting block.

June shifts in the next stall. I hate leaving her. But whoever came here used a truck, and I’m betting they’ll check the roads before the trails. Buck can get us through the timber to the ranger cabin on the north ridge. There’s a gate below it. One way in by vehicle, and I have the key.

Alden will meet us there.

I turn to Hope. “Left foot here.”

She looks at the stirrup. Then at me. “Do you want the purse first? It feels unfair to make him carry all my emotional baggage.”

“Give it to me.”

She does.

I secure it with the rest of our things, then put my hands at her waist. Her gaze lifts to mine. Even now, standing in a cold barn with my shoulder bleeding, I notice how easily she fits between my hands.

“You’ll sit in front of me,” I tell her. “Hold the saddle horn if you need to. Keep your feet clear of his shoulders.”

“And if I fall?”

“You won’t.”

“You say that with impressive confidence.”

“I’m holding you.”

That quiets her. I help her up, then swing into the saddle behind her.

Buck shifts beneath us. Hope grabs the horn. “Oh, I hate that.”

“Just settling.”

“I’m going to need everyone to settle less enthusiastically.”

I gather the reins. She leans back against me as I guide Buck out of the barn. The contact sends heat through my chest.

I try to keep my mind on the trail. At the edge of the clearing, I stop and listen. Water drips from the branches. Somewhere downhill, an engine works hard enough to carry through the trees.

Hope hears it, too. Her back goes rigid.

I bring my mouth close to her ear. “Stay with me.”

“I’m trying.”

“I know.”

We enter the woods, and for the next ten minutes, she doesn’t say a word. That worries me more than the jokes did.

I take the narrow trail west, then cut north above the old quarry. Buck knows the route. I let him choose his footing over the wet roots and loose stones.

Hope’s hands stay locked around the horn.

“You can lean on me,” I tell her.

“I’m already making him carry two people.”

“He’ll be fine.”

“Is this bad for him?”