by Loraine, Kim
“Sore?” he asked.
“I’m fine.”
“You don’t have to play tough, you know. There are nights I’m so sore all I want to do is sit in a trough filled with ice.”
I winced when my lower back pulled. “I’m a little sore.”
“Come here.”
He took off his gloves and settled his hands on my shoulders before turning me around so my back was to him. Then strong fingers were kneading the tight muscles at the base of my spine, and I was fighting the urge to moan and lean into his touch.
“Where did you learn to do that?”
He chuckled. “Lots of years of mucking out stalls.”
“You do this for all the ranch hands?”
“Only the pretty ones.”
My heart fluttered, and I started to turn toward him, but stopped when I caught sight of Tristan standing at the door to the tack room, a grin on his lips. “We’ve been spotted,” I murmured.
“Shit, he’ll never let me live this down.”
“What? I thought this was normal.” I was only teasing, but he tensed.
“You’ve got tack to clean. I’ll see you at supper.”
Then the man was gone, and I was left staring after him as he walked away, hands in his coat pockets, shoulders tight.
“What’d you do to him?” Tristan asked, sauntering up to me.
“I don’t know. He’s…confusing.”
“He’s carrying a lot right now.”
“That’s what your mom said. Did Jess break his heart or something?”
He jerked his chin toward the tack room. “We’ve got lots of tack to clean; I’ll fill you in while we work.”
* * *
Clint
I was nervous. Fucking nervous to see her again after this afternoon. Why? Nothing had changed, but everything had. Mama invited her to supper, which meant something. It meant she liked her. It had taken her six months to invite Jess to join us, and even then, I got the sense she’d been hesitant. Sure, she’d fallen for her just like the rest of us had eventually, but Mama’s intuition was rarely wrong. We all should’ve known something was up with Jess.
“Settle down, Clinton, you’re like a cat on hot bricks.” Mama put the finishing touches on the table while I poured myself a second beer.
“When’s Sera supposed to get here?” If I could play off my nerves as related to my baby sister coming home, I would.
“Buck’s on the way home with her now. She’s had a hard time, and I don’t want you giving her any grief.”
“What happened?”
Mama’s eyes were steely, and I knew it was bad. “That asshole was hitting her.”
I flinched. Mama never swore. Never. “He what?”
“She said it was just once, but I know it happened more than that. We’re lucky if it was only twice. We’re lucky she was able to leave when she did. Some women never leave even though they know they should.”
“I’ll kill that son-of-a-bitch.” My nerves were forgotten at the thought of Sera being hurt by someone who claimed to love her.
A knock at the front door had me shoving off the kitchen counter and moving through the house faster than I should have. But it had to be Ever. No one else would use the front. I pulled open the door and my mouth watered at the sight of her standing there dressed in a green sweater and a pair of dark jeans. I didn’t even look at her shoes. Her long hair was piled on top of her head in a large bun. It made her eyes look even bigger, but I couldn’t tear my gaze from her red lips. They were perfectly full, and I let my mind wander to what they might look like after I’d kissed them.
“You look…wow.” I sounded like an idiot, but I couldn’t find words to describe her that would have done her justice.
“Thanks.”
“Why didn’t you use the kitchen door? You don’t have to knock anymore.”
She shrugged. “I didn’t want to assume. I was invited as a guest. Figured I should use the front.”
I wanted to take her hand in mine and lead her somewhere quiet, somewhere we could be alone, and I could have her all to myself. But that wasn’t a good idea. Just because I felt a connection with her, that didn’t mean she wanted more. She was polished and beautiful; I was dirty and rough. It’d never work. Jess had been the perfect example.
“Clint?” she asked, eyes searching mine. “Where’d you go just now?”
I shook my head to clear my racing thoughts. “Sorry. There’s a lot going on right now with my sister. It might get ugly when she arrives. Just let me know if you’re uncomfortable, and I’ll see you home, okay?”
She took her plump lower lip between her teeth and nodded. “Is she okay?”
“Not sure. She’ll be better for being home, though.”
Then I held out my hand against my better judgment. Ever hesitated for a fraction of a second, but took my offer and threaded our fingers together. It felt right. It felt like my future. Fuck.
10
Clint
We sat at the dining room table. Ever took the place across from me rather than at my side, and I wasn’t sure how that made me feel. I wanted her near me, but now I could look at her without an excuse.
“This is amazing chili, Mama,” Ever said, scooping up another spoonful.
Mama smiled. “Been making it since before these boys were born. In fact, it’s one of the recipes I tried when I was working on getting Clint to make his appearance in the world. I kicked up the spice a lot for that one.”
Ever chuckled. “Did it work?”
“Nope. Stubborn boy came on his own time. Three days late. All the chili gave me was heartburn.”
I loved this. All of us sitting together and talking. We hadn’t really had this since Dad died. There’d been too much going on. Chaos.
“Tristan was the early one. He came out three weeks before he was supposed to, lungs strong, legs kicking like an angry colt. Suppose that’s fitting for both of you.”
“What do you mean?” Ever asked.
“Clint’s a thinker. He doesn’t do things by half, but he also doesn’t rush into anything. He’s got a purpose for every choice he makes.” My cheeks heated at her assessment of me. Then she turned her mischievous eyes on Tristan. “Then there’s Tristan. Impulsive, wild, spirited. I think it’s why he’s so connected to that horse of his. They’re kindred.”
Tristan sat back in his chair and took a long drink of his beer.
“Have you decided what’s going to happen with Wildfire?” Ever wouldn’t look at me as she spoke.
“We’re keeping him. Tristan’s right, he needs time and training. It wasn’t his fault the ranch hand didn’t follow orders. He shouldn’t be punished because his handler was an idiot.” Ever’s gaze locked on mine and brightened with each word that left my lips.
She opened her mouth as though she was going to say something, but the kitchen door opened and slammed closed, stopping all conversation.
“I said, I’m fine. I’m not hungry, just let me get to my room.” Sera’s voice was high and thin. She was annoyed. I knew this version of my sister well.
Mama stood and intercepted them before Sera could escape to the stairs. I couldn’t see them, but I sure as hell heard them. “Baby girl, don’t you dare try to hide from me.”
“Mama, I’m fine.” Sera’s voice wobbled.
“Oh, my God. What did he do to you?”
That was it. I was out of my chair and rushing to the two of them before the last syllable was uttered. Tristan followed behind, and Buck was already there, Sera’s duffle bag in hand. My sister looked from Tristan to me, her bruised cheek angry and swollen.
“I’ll kill him,” Tristan muttered.
“We will,” I corrected.
“No one’s killing anyone.” Sera’s protest fell on us like a hammer. If she thought we weren’t going to defend her to the ends of the earth, she was wrong.
“He hurt you, Ser.” I fought to control my anger.
“And I left his ass. I report
ed him to the police, got an order of protection, and am pressing assault charges.” Her gaze left mine and flicked to the spot behind me—the pass-through to the dining room. “Who is she?”
Mama took her hand and pulled her out of the circle of her hulking brothers. “This is Ever. She’s the producer I told you about.”
“The reality TV producer? Why is she here?”
Ever stepped into the hall. “I’m learning the ropes. So I can make sure we do this right. The people who are on this show are going to be learning how to really work a ranch, not just pretend.”
“You know how to ride?”
“Tristan’s teaching me.” Ever flicked her gaze to Tristan and jealousy unfurled in my chest.
“She’s been working hard, Ser,” I said. “You should have seen her get back up after Skye threw her on the first day.”
Sera’s eyes widened with surprise and admiration. “Even I didn’t get back on the first time I was thrown. I waited until the next day.”
“Cause you were mad at the horse, not because you were afraid.” Mama’s tone was warm and loving.
“True.”
“Come on, now. We’ve all seen the damage; there’s nothing to hide. Come sit and have some supper.”
Buck hefted Sera’s bag over his shoulder and started up the stairs. He shot me a knowing glance, and I nodded and followed. When the two of us arrived at Sera’s door, he looked at me and sighed. “It’s bad. She could barely move when I picked her up from the airport. I think she needs a doctor.”
My stomach turned to a cold stone. “Are you serious?”
“We need to keep a close eye on her.”
I nodded. “I’ll let Tristan know. Let’s put her on coaching duty for Ever’s riding lessons. Set her up with a chair and give her some power. She can make sure Ever’s ready to go but take it easy at the same time.”
“Good idea. She’ll go stir-crazy if we leave her in here with Mama for much longer than a day.”
I didn’t tell him it wasn’t just because I wanted to keep Sera occupied. Our sister was a champion barrel racer, she’d shown horses for years before she went off to college. She’d be a perfect trainer. It made sense. But it also got Tristan away from Ever. I didn’t like the way he looked at her.
The two of us headed back down to the dining room and found Sera sitting next to Ever, chatting softly. Ever’s gaze lit when she saw me, and I couldn’t fight the swell of need that ran through me. “All set,” I said, looking to Sera.
“Thanks. Ever was just telling me all about what happened with Skye. What’d the x-ray say?”
“No break. Skye will still be isolated at least a month. That kick did enough damage; he’ll need to stay away from the others until he’s fully healed.”
“Who am I going to ride?” Ever asked.
Me, I thought, but banished the notion as quickly as it flashed in my brain. I opened my mouth to answer, but Sera butted in.
“Midnight. You should totally ride him. He’s spirited but well trained, and he’ll give you the challenge you need if you’re really going to be a solid rider. How long have you been riding each day?”
“Um, about three hours, I think.” Ever glanced at Tristan, and he nodded.
“Good. Are you loping yet? Have you taken Skye up to a gallop?”
Tristan laughed. “We’re getting there. She’s got the trot and posting down, and her control is solid.”
“If she’s only here three weeks, we need her to be up to speed by tomorrow. How else can she learn the rest of the ranch?”
I smiled. There she was. Our bossy sister was back. “You know, Sera, why don’t you take on Ever’s training tomorrow? You can get her going on Midnight. I want to take her for a trail ride tomorrow afternoon.”
Sera grinned, and I knew I’d been right. She needed purpose, a distraction, and to feel normal. “I can do that. We’ll have you barrel racing before you leave here, Ever. I guarantee it.”
Ever’s eyes widened, but I didn’t see fear there. She was excited. “Sounds like I’m going to need a hot bath and plenty of Epsom salts tomorrow.”
“Yeah, your ass is going to be sore by the end of the day.” Sera’s tone was teasing.
I couldn’t help myself. I had to add one promise to send her home with tonight. “I’ll make sure it is.”
* * *
Ever
The heat in Clint’s gaze had things low in my belly clenching. All he’d done was promise I’d be sore tomorrow. It wasn’t salacious or even innuendo-filled. It was a simple statement that by the end of the day, after hours in a saddle, I’d be sore. But, damn, it made me hot. Maybe I could just kiss him once and get it out of my system. Just a quick press of my lips to his to get rid of this ache.
Standing, I took my bowl to the sink and rinsed it out before adding it to the dishwasher.
“You might want to take a couple ice packs from the freezer for tomorrow. I’m planning to work you pretty hard.” Clint’s voice sent shivers down my spine.
“What?”
“On the trail. It’s not easy, and after a day getting used to Midnight, you’ll already be tired.”
Calm down, libido. He wasn’t hitting on me, and I needed to remember that. “I think I’ll spend most of these three weeks in a state of constant soreness.”
He laughed and came up next to me, rinsing his own bowl. “Probably. You’ll get used to it just before you leave.”
A sense of melancholy overtook me at the thought of leaving. Of going back to the constant lights and chatter and traffic. To the smog and toxic relationships I’d been navigating since moving to LA. “You know, this place is pretty magical.”
“Yeah?”
I snagged his dish and put it next to mine in the dishwasher. “Yeah. It’s pure and filled with love. Your family…they’re special.”
“This is what family is supposed to be. People who aren’t perfect but love each other anyway.”
“I don’t think I’ve ever loved anyone like that. I know for damn sure no one has loved me that way.”
His brows pulled together. “What do you mean? Your parents must love you.”
“They left me with my grandma when I was two and never came back. Then she died, and I went into foster care until I aged out.”
“Are you telling me you’ve spent your entire adult life dependent on yourself, and that’s it? No support?”
I nodded and shrugged, turning my attention to the kitchen window. The snow was falling in slow swirling flakes. “I did what I had to. Ran away to become an actress, ended up in a job that steals my soul a little more with every passing day.”
“You don’t like producing?”
“Not now that I’ve seen what this is like.”
He laughed. “It’s backbreaking work.”
“It’s something you can be proud of. It’s a legacy you’re building for future generations. When you have kids, you’ll be able to teach them everything you know, pass the ranch on to them, and ensure they know the value of caring for animals and people. My kids won’t have any of that. They’ll have a workaholic mom who has no time for them…if I ever get married at all.”
He was silent for a minute before he took my arm and turned me to face him. “Ever,” he whispered, leaning in, gaze locked on mine.
I wanted him to close the gap, to press his lips to mine and kiss me like he never wanted to let me go. But he released me and stepped back just as Buck came into the kitchen.
“Come on, I’ll follow you back to your place. The roads are icy.” Clint’s voice was hard, and there was no room for argument.
Buck simply winked at me as I followed his brother to the front door. I needed to figure myself out if I was going to make it another one and a half weeks. Clint was intoxicating, broody, and his heart was bigger than most. It was a deadly combination to my willpower.
11
Ever
Sera was true to her word. By the time we broke for lunch, I was already sore, but I’d
run Midnight around a set of barrels successfully three times and could mount and dismount without help. I finished clipping the last strap of Midnight’s blanket, then closed his stall door, before sighing and leaning my back against the wall.
“You gonna make it?” Sera asked, hands in the pockets of her heavy coat.
“Yeah, just needed a minute.”
She chuckled and tossed me an apple. “For Midnight. He likes treats, and if you’re going to be working him on the trail later, he’ll like you more if you’ve given him something.”
The horse stuck his muzzle through the bars of his stall and began lipping at the air. I laughed and held out the apple, letting him take it from my open palm.
“All right, get a good stretch in, and let’s go eat something before my brother shows up and stakes his claim on you for the rest of the day.”
Something about Clint claiming me in any way sent a wave of excitement through me. I forced the emotion back and followed her toward the main house. He wasn’t here yet, no reason to be nervous.
But time seemed to pass quicker than I expected, and before I knew it, lunch was over, and I was saddling up Midnight in preparation for my trail ride. I heard hoofbeats behind me, and my heart fluttered when I turned my head and saw Clint as he came riding toward me. God, he looked good on a horse. His leather chaps and the spurs on his boots just…did things to me.
“Hey, cowboy,” I said.
“Hey, yourself. How’s Midnight been treating you?”
I mounted the big black stallion and grinned at Clint. “Pretty good. We might be a little in love.”
Clint cocked a brow. “Really? Do I need to be jealous?”
“Maybe. Are you?” Reaching down, I adjusted my left stirrup before putting my gloves on.
Clint didn’t respond. Instead, he clicked his tongue, and his horse took off. I did the same, digging my heels in slightly. Midnight broke into a trot with one click of my tongue, and I sat back in the saddle with a confidence I hadn’t felt until today. The chill of the air bit at my cheeks almost instantly as I closed in on Clint. He glanced back, and the grin on his face made my heart flip.
