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“Really? You’ve ridden before, that’s obvious, so I’m sure it wouldn’t be a big deal to make your horse rear up and have the handsome cowboy save you.”
Eden chuckled. “You sound jealous.”
Bonnie sat up and glared at her. “I have my eyes set on Ian, and I don’t need you getting in the way.”
“First off, read the damn brochure. You’re not allowed to get involved with any of the staff or other guests. Second, I am not into the…handsome cowboy, as you put it. I happen to be into white-collar men, but if you think Ian will get involved with you, you’d better think again. He’s been here ten years, and I’m sure he wouldn’t be, if he got involved with guests. Quit acting so damn desperate and leave the manalone.”
Bonnie gasped, stood, grabbed her towel, and stared at her.
“Rules are made to be broken. I’m not giving up on him, and you’d do best to remember that.”
“Why in the hell should I remember that? I told you; I’m not interested. If you want to go for it, then do it, but when he shoots you down, don’t come crying to me.”
“I won’t be crying to anyone. A man can take only so much.”
Eden laughed. “I bet that man has more willpower than you give him credit for. Good luck with that, though. Now, go away. You’re blocking the sun.” She put her sunglasses back on.
She closed her eyes and refused to open them until she heard Bonnie move away. Some women, like men, couldn’t seem to take no for an answer. Poor Ian. He was in for it with that woman.
****
As Ian walked from the barn, he swore as the heat of the day slammed into him. He’d love to go home and take a cold shower. This had to be one of the hottest days on record for August.
He glanced in the direction of the pool and would love to jump into it, but he had one at home. No staff were allowed to swim in the guest’s pool, which was fine by him. He’d rather just float in his own pool. No one to bother him and if he wanted to get in it naked, he could. It wouldn’t be the first time.
Later, when he finished his chores for the day,he climbed into his truck, drove out to the road, and headed home. He lived in Clifton, close to the Spring City limits. He wasn’t far from the ranch. He’d been offered the manager’s cabin, but he liked having his own home. He wanted privacy when he was away from the ranch.
He drove to his house, parked beside the porch, stepped out, then entered the kitchen. The cooler air felt great, and he sighed as he removed his hat, hung it on a peg, then pulled out a chair, sat, and took off his boots.
Pushing to his feet, he picked up his boots, and set them inside the mudroom. He stripped off his clothes, then walked to the bathroom to shower. He’d been hoping to take a swim, but he was so tired. He just wanted to shower, eat, hit the sheets, and get up and do it all again.
Thursday they were moving the cattle to another pasture and guests signed up for that. It involved an overnight camping trip. He wondered when he’d see Eden Fairchild again but shook his head. He could not get involved with her. Besides, he didn’t even know if she was involved with someone or not and he never stepped on another man’s toes. He sure as hell wouldn’t want another man after his woman, so he left women in relationships alone.
It had been so long since he’d been in a relationship, that he was sure he forgot how to act in one. He hadn’t reached the age of forty-two without a few heartbreaks along the way. He’d broken a few hearts too. That was something he wasn’t proud of, but it happens in life. It was never intentional. The relationship just didn’t work. He liked to think that any woman he’dbeen involved with thought of him in a good way, as he did them. He’d love to find that one special woman, settle down, and have some kids, but so far, he wasn’t having much luck in that department.
He entered the bathroom, reached into the shower stall, turned on the water, and then stepped inside. He picked up the soap and scrubbed his body clean and watched the day’s dirt and grime swirl around the drain and disappear.
God! He was tired, but he had to eat before going to bed or he’d be hungry later. It was never good to go to bed hungry.
After forcing himself to eat a sandwich, he cleaned up the kitchen, and headed to bed. He had to be up at five.
****
It was pouring down rain Thursday morning, and Eden was supposed to go on the cattle drive/camping trip. She didn’t know if they still went or not. She wasn’t looking forward to getting soaked, but she had signed up and wanted to go.
She picked up her cellphone and called Cammie.
“Do you think the cattle drive is still on?” she asked when Cammie answered.
“The brochure says, all activities take place, rain or shine, so it sounds like it will be happening.”
“Are you still going to go?”
“I want to. Let me call the lodge and ask themto make sure. I’ll call you back in a few minutes.”
“Okay. I’m going to grab a cup of coffee. I’ll talk to you soon.”
Eden made her cup of coffee, sat at the counter, and waited for Cammie’s call. It didn’t take long.
