Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 74968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 375(@200wpm)___ 300(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 74968 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 375(@200wpm)___ 300(@250wpm)___ 250(@300wpm)
“I’m sorry.” Adler’s greenish eyes sparkled at me. In the light of the bunkhouse, they’d appeared bluer. By the pond, they’d been a blue-green, and now, surrounded by all the dark wood of the barn, his eyes were decidedly green. I seriously needed to stop cataloging the man’s eye color and get on with the work at hand. Adler, though, seemed in no such rush as he chuckled. “Do your horses only like country music?”
“Can’t say as they’ve ever voiced an opinion,” I deadpanned.
“When do I get another riding lesson?” Adler leaned on his rake like an extra in an old-time musical. His joy for riding had been something to see, more of that childlike wonder of his, and I wanted more of that in the worst way. Which was why I shouldn’t have it.
“You here to work, or you here to play?”
“Would both be the wrong answer?” He rested his chin on his hands on the rake, another pose designed for maximum cuteness, but I refused to be moved.
“Yep.”
“Don’t hands need to know how to ride?” Adler added some logic to his ongoing efforts to charm me with big eyes and soft grins.
“There’s plenty that needs doing without tossing you in a saddle.”
“What if I finish early?” Adler used the same tone that had worked to get me to swim with him. He’d said he had a pack of siblings. I’d bet good money he’d been the one swindling the others via bets and dares. “Then can I get another lesson?”
I offered him my harshest stare. “You best be planning on impressing me with your quality, not just your speed.”
“Oh, I plan to impress you.” He licked his lower lip, pink tongue mesmerizing me with the memory of that day by the pond. He’d certainly been impressive then.
“See that you do.” I nodded sharply. “You get the rest of this row done well by lunch, we’ll talk about getting you up on a horse.”
“Good.” Adler beamed like he’d just beat the eight-second clock at the rodeo. Despite knowing he was likely an expert con man, I’d gone ahead and seized his bait. Damn it. I blamed that distracting tongue of his.
Chapter Eight
Adler
“All done, boss.” I grinned at Grayson because I knew damn well I’d done a good job with my row of stalls. He’d no doubt expected me to turn my nose up at the mere thought of mucking stalls, but the man had no idea the sorts of messes I’d cleaned at hotels. Horses were more considerate than a lot of guests. And I’d had my music for company while Grayson had gone to take care of other chores. Not a terrible way to spend a morning.
“Let me take a look.” He didn’t merely take my word for it, not that I’d expected him to. He went stall to stall, carefully inspecting my work. His stern countenance didn’t droop at all. “This stall needs more pellets, and the one on the end could use a bit more grain, but otherwise, not bad for a first attempt.”
“You don’t give many compliments, do you?” I teased because the memory of every compliment he’d ever offered me was seared onto my brain.
His eyes narrowed. No joking mood there. “Praise needs to be earned, not demanded.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” I gave him a pointed look to convey how very willing I’d be to do whatever he commanded. I quickly fixed his two complaints before asking, “Did I earn another riding lesson?”
“Yep. I keep my word.” He held out a paper sack. “Here.”
“What’s this?” I opened it to reveal a sandwich, an apple, and a bag of chips. I wasn’t sure I’d ever been so touched by something so simple.
“Lunch.” Grayson made an impatient gesture, oblivious to the way his thoughtfulness had made me melt. “Follow me. Gonna squeeze in your lesson over lunch and before a budget meeting with Maverick and the trust folks. You’ll be on tack inventory this afternoon while I’m gone.”
“Excellent.” Finally a task that played to my skill set. I beamed my approval at his back. We were close to the same height, but even with the limp, Grayson was faster. “I’m good at inventory.”
“See that you ask Kat or another hand if you don’t know what something on the sheet is.” He turned toward me as we arrived at the stall of a very tall chestnut mare.
“I will,” I promised before turning my attention toward the horse. “I’m not riding Magnolia?”
“Magnolia is older and slowing down some. Kat wants to give Cinder here some riding time, but Cinder’s a mite big for some of the kids. You’re taller than you look.”
“I’ve heard that before.” I winked, knowing full well Grayson wouldn’t laugh.
“Cinder is a rescue horse project of Kat’s. She thinks he might make a decent ride for some of your city slickers, but she needs some more practice with inexperienced riders.”