Total pages in book: 120
Estimated words: 112850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112850 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 451(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
“I didn’t cry, but it’s not off the table. I did get emotional. I wanted to be the one to show them their new home. And my dreams are comin’ true. Hope cracked this dried-up heart of mine.” My hand went to my chest, covered the organ that was set in overdrive since that trailer pulled up. “Thank you.”
He reached for my hand. “I watched you lead them. They followed. I think they know they’re in a place where they’re safe and cared for.”
I twisted my wrist to clasp his hand with my own.
“They’re gone,” Mike called. “I’m heading out. Kylie’s got this. I’ll be back later in the day if you need me.”
I lifted a thumbs-up to Mike.
“Thank you,” I said, taking a step or two that direction.
Slade finally had to let go of my hand as he hopped out of his truck.
“I appreciate you,” Slade said to Mike.
“Y’all didn’t need me. He’s got it down,” Mike called. He disappeared around the driver’s side of his large pickup, then his head popped over the cab, so he’d definitely stood on the side rail to be seen. “Besides Austin’s tryin’ to entice you exclusively over to his production company. I’m being well compensated to help convince you to sign it all with him.”
“Yeah, yeah, that’s what I hear.” Slade swiped a hand through the air, blowing Mike off. “Even if I suddenly freed up time, he has nothing for me until early next year.”
Mike tipped his cowboy hat, grinning, before ducking down into the truck. I pivoted to my guy. As far as I knew, what Austin offered was exactly what Slade wanted. The wink he gave me spoke of all the things I didn’t yet know that were moving pieces to making that exact thing happen. My actor knew his business and had no trouble constantly working the angles until he got what he wanted.
Actually, that described Slade in a nutshell. It was how he worked me, how this sanctuary got off the ground, and why I only worked at the bar two nights a week. I’d cut back to Friday and Saturday so I didn’t roam while Slade wasn’t here.
What a hilarious realization.
“Show me the animals. Introduce me,” Slade said. He reached out for my arm and guided us to the paddock where the horses were housed. “I feel like they might not be as docile as they seemed with you. So you go first.”
I didn’t confirm or deny because I was rusty as hell, but Whiskey, Willow, and I spent time together every single day. He and Willow were my buddies and I was theirs. I was lucky that way.
“Sadie’s malnourished but I sense more’s goin’ on with her. Dandy’s in pain. I suspect he’s likely the most volatile,” I explained, opening the first gate to Dandy’s paddock until he was cleared to go to pasture. We’d know more once Kylie was finished. These animals weren’t conditioned to stay caged. They required our help then needed to be freed to pasture.
“Proceed with caution,” I said, sweeping a hand for Slade to walk in front of me. Dandy did go on the defense, with pinned ears and a subtle weight shift to his non-injured leg. But Slade followed my commands exactly and the horse calmed again. He handled Dandy like a pro. I couldn’t be prouder.
Chapter 26
Mace
April, One Month Later
“I can’t get the hang of this,” Slade called atop of the stallion that he’d claimed and purchased on his own. Pepper was a prickly guy, beautiful, tall, and regal. The man sitting awkwardly in the saddle had all the same qualities. As far as a postcard moment went, the two were magnificent beasts. They fully fit one another, but the animal was on edge on the strange ground of his new environment and Slade’s lack of confidence no doubt radiated through the rein.
This was going to take both of them time to get comfortable.
To be an ultra-elite trained stallion, Pepper probably needed to become a gelding. Slade adamantly refused the suggestion. I grinned as I imagined my actor coming to this decision by thinking about his own balls being cut. But for Slade to be able to train Pepper, gelding him would sure make that process easier and safer. All that power would be a challenge to focus.
So, Whiskey and I waited. Every instruction I offered Slade, he ignored. Honestly, Slade wasn’t wrong. He and his stallion had to work this out on their own. The thirteen days between rides was a bigger problem for them than anything, but next week, if I was clever and quiet, I could sneak in a few training sessions to help Pepper to better fit Slade. Maybe.
When Slade’s horse suddenly bolted forward, I followed at a slowish gallop, not entirely sure whether it was the man or the beast in control right then.