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I’m supposed to meet Diesel on the far side of the ranch at the corrals built for this very thing. I make a quick cup of coffee, then head out. When I take the steps off the porch, I notice something unusual in the bed of my truck— there’s a high pile of rotting cow shit, and it stinks.
“What the hell?” I curse aloud, searching around and waiting for someone to jump out. But it’s quiet, and the sun has barely risen over the horizon. Knowing I don’t have time right now to drive to a barn and empty it, I decide I’ll have to deal with it after work.
As I travel down the gravel road, I see some of it settling in the back as some fall out. I look in the rearview mirror and see fresh cow patties layered on top.
I grit my teeth, knowing there’s only one person who’s out to get me—Kenzie.
It’s been a month since she’s told me our little war wasn’t over. After a few weeks had passed, I assumed she changed her mind or wasn’t bothering with it. But doing this on a day like today is a low blow. Then again, publicly embarrassing me is her style—always has been.
I make my way to the area where all the ranch hands are meeting. As soon as I pull up, it’s more than obvious I’m hauling crap around. I get out of my truck, and Diesel walks over.
“What are...?” He shakes his head. “Why are you carrying a load of shit in the back of your truck?”
I glare at him. “You tell me. I found it there this morning.”
He smacks his hand on his leg. “The only thing I’m mad about is that I haven’t thought of doing that to someone yet.”
“Yeah well. By the time I’m done with branding today, it’s gonna be absolutely rancid. I’m pissed.”
Diesel nods. “Yeah, sittin’ out in the sun like this. You’re gonna have a full-blown mess on your hands.”
“When I find out who did this…” I grind my teeth, already imagining my revenge.
With a lifted brow, Diesel puts a hand on my shoulder. “I think we all know who’s responsible.”
“Kenzie,” I answer.
“Yep. She’s the only person who’s out to get you right now. Especially after you cuffed yourselves together. Rowan thought it was hilarious.”
I grin wide. “I did too. But lord she was angry all day. And she had a helluva hangover.” I keep the bucket incident to myself though I should tell everyone after this stunt.
“You’re terrible, man. Wouldn’t be surprised if the cow shit ain’t the worst of it. You know she’s a Bishop. They can be…a lot.” He’d know, considering he’s married to one of them.
We make our way over to the main area. “You gonna tie or ride today?” he asks.
“Oh, I have a choice?”
“Yeah, you’ve been doin’ it for a few years. Thought I’d give you dibs.”
“I wanna ride.”
The horses are already saddled and tied to posts along the corral. A smile hits my lips, and I choose one of my favorite Palominos named Striker. I put my foot in the stirrup and grab the horn, then swing my other leg over. Once I’m settled, I enter the cow pen, where they’re letting them out of the chute. Once I rope one, two ranch hands tie their feet, then a couple of others brand them. It’s a quick process, but with so many animals, we’ll be working until sunset for the next four to five days.
It’s almost like a game, choosing a calf, roping it, then letting the guys handle the rest. We’re zipping through the herd like it’s nothing.
Six hours later, Diesel pulls me out for lunch and to give the horse a break.
As soon as my feet hit the ground, my legs feel like gelatin, and I make a mental note to start riding more. Our lunch is delivered to us where we’re branding so we don’t waste precious time. I scarf it down quickly, not realizing how hungry I was. However, skipping breakfast will do that.
Our break ends, and I get back to work. I’m in my element, and it reminds me of why I left San Antonio. I’m lucky as hell I found something I like doing because ranching was never on my list, but it’s changed my life.
The rest of the day flies by, and when I head to my truck, I had nearly forgotten all about the mess until I smell it.
I’m exhausted from being in the sun and sore from riding, but I’m also starving. So instead of dealing with the shit—literally—I stop by the B&B for some chopped steak and potatoes. When I walk in, I can smell myself from sweating all day, but I don’t care.
I walk straight to the buffet and pile some food on a plate, then cover it all with brown gravy. After grabbing a glass of sweet tea, I sit at an empty table in the corner and dig in. When I look up, I see Kenzie. Her eyes meet mine, and she gives me her signature sarcastic go to hell smirk.
