Yes, she rode in college, but not like a beginner. She was an equestrian show jumper with years of training. Of course, she couldn’t tell anyone. If she chose to practice jumping now and then, she’d have to do it in the black of night where no one could see. Obey the rules…
Zach drove down the road out of sight, then she left the security of the corral and galloped into the desert. What people didn’t know, didn’t hurt her. “Hoooo, boy!” On a slow ride back, she took a deep breath and thought about the long night alone.
She got off the horse in the barn. In the tack room, she caught a glimpse of herself in the old mirror over the washtub. She barely knew her own face without the mole. Her body looked different. Jogging and working out made a difference in her muscle tone. Her arms were strong now. Kimber glanced down at her tight jeans. Tressa had known how to work her curves, but rarely wore jeans. Tressa’s gone. Kimber, wherever she may be, was the future. “Ready for a good brushing, Major, boy?”
Chapter 6
After viewing the beautiful sunset-filled evenings, it was a wonder to wake to another gorgeous sunrise. The clinic classes began today. Tires crunched outside her window, and then it was quiet. Zach had arrived. It was seven o’clock. She put on her jogging pants and went down for coffee. A tap on the back door broke her musings. She pulled the curtain then opened it to let Zach in.
“Mornin’.”
This morning had brought a pleasant mood. She felt good about the day. “Good morning. Coffee’s ready. If you want to take some to the barn, you can. I’ll pour it in the—”
“No. I’ll drink too much if I have it out there.”
“I’ll only fill it half full.” The grouchy cowboy grinned.
“Thanks, anyway.”
He had a mood this morning. She didn’t miss his gaze lowering as he spoke. Why would he be different than other men who noticed her breasts first off? Kimber wanted to scream at him that yes, they were real and a curse.
“Are you going to the clinic today? I might see you over there. Randy asked for my help.” He lowered his eyes farther before meeting her gaze. “You shouldn’t need me here. I’ll get the horses out and make sure they’re fed and watered if you want to bring them in.”
She came to the realization that he didn’t even know he ogled her. It was a part of his make-up like his long hair. “Fine. No problem. You don’t have to ask for permission—”
“I wasn’t,” he snapped.
She hadn’t meant it to sound controlling. “Your schedule is yours until I decide what to do with you.”
His posture became rigid, and he pressed a fist to his chest. “You do nothing with me, Kimber. I’m not a damn dog at your feet.” He left the kitchen faster than he came in.
“Zach? Wait. That isn’t… I meant…well, until I decide how to work this ranch, I-I don’t know… Chill.”
He whisked his hat off to wipe his forehead. “Got it.”
“Truly, I’m sorry. It was a bad choice of words.” She didn’t miss the way his thick hair tumbled loose with the removal of his hat. “I’d appreciate one thing though.”
He faced the door with his hand on the knob. “What is it?”
“If you aren’t going to be here, please let me know.”
“Sure. Thanks for the coffee.”
“But you didn’t…” The door slammed behind him.
Before running, she took him out a cup of coffee, setting it down without saying anything. She locked the door and walked down the road a little way then broke into a jog, increasing her pace as she went. She turned left onto the path right of the driveway. The morning was peaceful though hot. At home, she’d have her lush green hometown to look at. She checked her time and increased her speed.
Why did Zach have an attitude? Why did she? Their chemistry plainly didn’t mix. She continued on her run for a mile and a half then turned and came back home, and slowed to a walk when in view of the house. Zach’s truck wasn’t there.
Kimber entered the barn and spoke to the horses. The coolness swathed her sweat-laden skin. The smell of horses brought back the memories of riding. “Can you jump, Honey?”
“I don’t think so.” Zach stated in a high, whiny voice as he came from the tack room.
Kimber brought her hand to her mouth and whirled around. “I thought you were gone.”
“Randy came to get his truck. He dropped his motorcycle off for me.”
“Oh, I bet that’s fun.”
He grinned and wiggled his eyebrows. “It is.”
“You don’t think Honey is a jumper?”
“Nah, I don’t have any idea. Your question needed an answer.” He gave a genuine kind of smile, like he meant it.
“Giving me a hard time again?” She lifted a brow then smiled back.
“Yeah, maybe.” He chuckled. Laughter brought out a new look to his manliness. She’d like to see more of it instead of the frown and flat lips.
Kimber gave Honey and Major a treat. “Do you have a girlfriend?”
Zach picked up a rake and entered Major’s stall. He walked him out to the back corral then returned. Before reentering the stall, he asked, “You talking to me or the horse?”
She rolled her eyes at him. “You.”
“Do you have a boyfriend?”
“No. At least I can give a straight answer.” Kimber pulled her hair out of the ponytail and let it fall loose. That got his attention. It became apparent he didn’t have a girlfriend.
“I don’t, Kimber, not that it’s any of your business. I’m not from around here. Besides, I haven’t had time.”
“Me neither. I’m taking a shower.”
“You have my permission. Enjoy yourself…ma’am.” He grinned as if he pictured it.
She gave him an evil eye as she slid the door closed. What would he do if she slapped the smirk off his face? Not that she would do such a feat. Why’d she tremble inside when around him? He got to her in both positive and negative ways, she couldn’t yet explain.
***
Kimber donned and tied a blue robe before leaving the bathroom. The knob in the shower had been so hard to adjust the water temperature, for her skin either burned or froze. She swore, it took five minutes to find the right spot. The house looked fine at first glance, but there was work to be done here.
Would the ruggedly handsome cowboy be up to doing inside work? It needed new faucets in the bathroom and kitchen. The creaky front door? The cracking caulk around the tub, or peeling melon green paint in the bathroom?
She liked her bedroom with the large windows, big walk-in closet, though the bi-folding closet doors needed to be fixed so they slid all the way closed.
Glancing at the old bed made her miss her bedding from… Say it. “From home.” She sighed and peered closer at the bed, nightstand, and dresser and mirror. Each piece of furniture had what looked like a metal inlay trim with nail heads along the top and bottom molding for decoration. In fact, the head and footboards appeared to be elegantly crafted, but not old at all. It wasn’t a style she would’ve chosen, but it worked here.
The coverlet had a vintage palette of teal, reds, gold, and dark green in a southwest pattern, which also wasn’t something she would’ve purchased, but again, it fit in. The alabaster walls and sheer curtains helped to brighten up the room filled with dark furniture and bedding. Drapes at the side of the windows might’ve been room darkening. They’d need to be kept closed come July when the temperatures scorched the sand and adobe.
She stopped daydreaming and yanked a pair of dark blue Wrangler Jeans from her closet and paired them with a lavender tank and a short sleeve, deep purple button-up blouse, she’d leave unbuttoned. She sat on the bed to pull on the flat-heeled, black western-styled ankle boots, zipped them up, and headed to the clinic.
***
She turned onto the highway at the corner like the GPS system directed. Ahead, she recognized the grocery store she’d visited on her first full day here. In her rear view mirror, she noticed the light b
lue car behind coming closer. She sped up not paying attention earlier to what her speed was, but she drove over the speed limit. Had the car behind her trailed close on purpose? Her hands sweat. Stop being irrational. You’re far away from danger now.
Ahead, she came upon a cream-colored four-wheel drive pickup barely moving. Kimber hit the brakes. She didn’t like the looks of this. She gripped the wheel tighter and the skin over her knuckles stretched at the clench.
All she had to do was go around the slow mover when it was safe to pass. Her heart pounded a rat-a-tat in her ears. Alone for the second time in her new location, perspiration built up on her forehead and palms. If no one from her past knew she was alive why should she worry?
Traffic cleared. She hit the gas to go around, but the pickup pulled out to block her way, leaving her no choice but to fall in behind him. Now she clenched her teeth and almost bit her tongue. The rat-a-tat-tat stopped, and maybe her heart did. Uh uh, she wasn’t doing this. It’s a coincidence. The driver must’ve been texting. The hell with them and the hell with being frightened.
She stomped on the accelerator to spin past the truck in front. One lone driver sat behind the wheel tipping a bottle in a brown bag. He attempted to pull out around the car in front of him. The blue car that had been behind her, sped up and waited beside the truck, blocking their passing until she got ahead and around a couple more cars. Oh, God. What brought that on?
She peered in the mirror. The blue car nearly caught up to her. “Turn right” squealed her GPS. She braked and turned sharp, driving beneath a signpost so fast, she didn’t get a chance to read the name, and she came to a stop on the edge of the driveway. Both vehicles kept going.
***
She stepped out and walked around her SUV a few times. She tucked her fingers into her front pockets and strolled under the sign to read it. The place looked different from the evening Zach brought her here. Another truck pulled in behind her, but this one had a horse trailer attached.
Yet another truck and trailer pulled in while she looked up at the sign. A little voice within said to call Jerry. No, she had to do this alone.
She got back in and waited while another pickup arrived. She followed it up the road, turned left at the house like Zach had showed her. A cowboy waited at the barn directing patrons where to park. She pulled up when it was her turn. “David?”
“Hi there, Ms. Sinclair. Glad to see you here. You’ll have a good time.” He directed her to park in an area away from the trucks and trailers. There was no sign of either the truck or blue car. She set her hand over her heart. Calm down. David knocked on her window, and she nearly choked on her own saliva. She opened the door and got out still breathing hard.
“Sorry, ma’am. Why don’t you come with me? I’ll introduce you to Judy.”
Catching her breath, she muttered, “Okay. Who is Judy?”
“Aw, jeez, everybody knows Judy. She’s the boss, but don’t tell her boys I said that.”
Kimber observed many other cowboys with horses coming and going, dust kicking up behind hooves and boots. Her gaze rested on a tall, handsome man with broad shoulders and long legs. “Sure, but how will I know who her boys are?” She got a quart size bottle of water then clicked the fob.
As they walked, David pointed, “Right over yonder is Jase. He’s the oldest. He has a spread out that’a way.” He nodded off past the large barn. “Hey, Jase.”
He was the cute cowboy she’d noticed. Kimber gasped. “Oh, no, you don’t have to—”
Jase sauntered over. “Yeah?” He glanced at Kimber.
Goodness, but he had absorbing blue eyes. She stuck out her hand before David introduced them. “I’m Kimber Sinclair. I moved into—”
“Ah, yeah, Frank Brook’s Adobe Sunset Ranch. Zach Bryson mentioned something about a new owner.”
Oh, he did, did he? “I’m not the owner yet, but working on it. My ranch has a name? The sign’s broken. I couldn’t tell.”
“Get Zach to fix it. Make the dude earn his money.” Jase laughed. “Welcome to the Double Dutch. This clinic Randy Drake’s putting on should be good. Go on over and have a seat on the bleachers.” He turned to David. “Isn’t Chloe helping out today?”
“She’ll be around after she does her hair.” David used his finger in a swirl around his head, and laughed.
Jase nodded then strutted into the house.
David nudged her. “Chloe’s my girl. Maybe you’ll meet her before you leave. Come on. I see Judy over by the big barn.”
Kimber smiled to hear David mention his girl. They walked on a little way, and an older woman with strawberry blonde hair looked up when they neared.
“Howdy, Davy.” Judy wiped her hands on her jean-clad thighs and came to them. She gave a welcoming smile toward Kimber. “Delighted to have you join us.”
“Hey, Judy, this is Kimber Sinclair. She’s new in town and came to check out the—”
“Make yourself at home, dear. We’re all like family around here.” She smiled at David and took Kimber’s arm. “I understand you own the Adobe Sunset Ranch? It’s been vacant a little while.”
“I’m working on buying it. Someone did some work to fix up the house to make it look presentable, but the barn needs some work, as well as a couple updates in the house.”
“What are you going to do with the place?” Judy asked with a cock to her head as they walked.
Kimber half-ass chuckled, lifted her hands, and answered honestly, “I don’t know yet.”
“She’ll turn it into a cattle ranch before long.” Zach winked, strolling past them with another dark-haired guy. David bumped Kimber’s arm before leaving for the parking area. “See ya later, ma’am. Judy.”
“Thanks, David.”
Judy gave a little laugh. “No one calls him David, dear.”
She glanced back. “He told me that was his name.”
“It is, but no one thinks of him as David.” Zach and his partner stopped a few yards away, then Judy reprimanded Zach when they caught up. “You watch that teasing, Mr. Bryson.” Judy swatted him on the arm. “Randy, keep him in line now.” She laughed.
Zach grinned. “Yes, ma’am.” He tilted his head toward his buddy then introduced them.
“Nice to meet you, Randy. You’re the one doing the clinic.” Kimber smiled.
“Yeah, some of it.” Randy’s gaze flicked toward the empty ring.
Kimber followed his gaze. “I’m looking forward to it. I’ve been away from horses for a long time.”
Randy nodded. Zach’s friendly smile made her feel welcome. He was comfortable here at the Double Dutch. She didn’t know what to say about Zach’s comment, but, “I never said anything about a cattle ranch. Don’t make me enemies, Zach.”
Judy turned back to Kimber. “If he gives you any trouble, you give it right back. A cattle ranch might not be so bad around here. We all like steak. Besides, Zach’s a cattle rancher.” She wrapped Kimber’s arm around hers. “Come. Meet the ladies. You’ll fit in around here, and you’re welcome to visit and have a glass of iced tea or coffee, anytime. Would you like a glass of iced tea, dear? It’s better than that water you’re drinking.”
“Thank you but water is fine for now.” Not to be rude, but she wasn’t up to meeting a family of people right now. It only made her miss her own more, but it seemed to be out of her hands. Why not enjoy it while she could?
Judy directed her toward the back door. “Come on in. Everyone’s in here preparing lunch for y’all.”
Judy dragged her up the stairs and inside. She widened her eyes to see so many people, and her skin began to crawl with perspiration. Cowboys, pretty women, kids, a couple babies, and a big German shepherd all turned their eyes to her. She wanted to bolt. But wait. That was Tressa who would’ve run off.
Judy introduced her to her sons, Tristan and Dane, but when she got to Jase, he nodded saying they’d met moments ago. The ladies—Brenna, Nora, Grace, and Roxanne all came up to introduce themselves. Kimber had no idea w
ho went with who or what kids went with what parents. What a nice family. Then Zach barged in with Randy, who went up to one of the blondes and gave her a kiss.
“It was so nice to meet you all, but I’ll go find a good seat on the bleachers. I’m looking forward to the clinic.”
Randy and Zach went toward the door at the same time. “Speaking of,” said Randy grabbing the glass the blonde handed him. “We better get out there.”
“It was nice to meet you all.” Kimber gave a sincere smile and meant the words.
“Come back and see us, Kimber.” Nora, the redhead, now cuddled a cute little dark-haired girl.
Zach held the door, and she went down the steps. Randy rushed on ahead, but he walked with her. “Good people. None other like them around these parts far as I can tell. Enjoy yourself. See you around the ranch later.”
“Zach?”
“Yeah?” He came back and stood in front of her, right in her space, in fact. He removed his hat, and lifted the hem of his t-shirt to wipe his face. She got a quick peek at his tanned abdomen. Holy Cow!
That quick, her heart did a double beat. A part of her body wanted to reach out for him, like to touch his hair, smooth it back, finger the flesh of his abdomen… Longing for a drink, she licked her dry lips. “I found out my ranch has a name—Adobe Sunset. Could you put up a sign when you have time?”
He tucked his hat under his arm and threaded his fingers through his hair then eased it all back. “I’ll take care of it.” Zach walked on but he turned back and smiled—the same friendly smile she enjoyed seeing again. “Have a good time.”
Oh, brother. He could be sweet when he wanted. She fanned her face. She’d be watching more than Randy demonstrate horse care today. Maybe their chemistry began to meld.
Kimber made her way to the bleacher area that became more crowded by the moment. She took the first end seat at the top row. Whew, the day promised to be hot. Well, city girl, welcome to Arizona and the Sonoran Desert.
Finding Kimber (Canyon Junction; Hearts In Love Book 2) Page 8
