Page 19 of Riding Into Love
“Hmm. I didn’t know she was even out this way. You know, last I heard, she was down south, running wild with those boys and chasing trouble.”
I have to force myself not to wince at the idea of her with someone else. Which is crazy, because it shouldn’t matter. She’s not mine. Not by a long shot.
“Last time I spoke to Thurston, he said she’d gotten herself into some trouble down there and was trying to clean up her act. That true?”
I shrug. “As far as I know. He asked me to give her a shot here on the ranch, and I owe him that much. He’s helped us all out in a bind more than once. Can’t say I was thrilled about hiring a woman for the job, but she’s proved me wrong so far.”
John nods and takes a sip of his coffee. “She’s a good worker, then?”
“One of the best I’ve seen. Smart too.”
“Well, good for her. I’m glad she’s found her way out here. Especially after what that boy put her through.”
I look at him and cock an eyebrow. “What boy?”
“Her ex. Heard he did a number on her. Ran her through the mud. I’m sure Thurston told you all about it.”
“She’s mentioned a bit of it, but I don’t know much of the details.”
John nods. “They were engaged. Young love and all. You remember what that’s like.”
I nod.
“Anyway, I guess he’d been stepping out on her for a while. When she found out and tried to hightail it outta there, he did a number on her. Her father said she had to get a restraining order against him.”
I try not to let my face betray my reaction, but my blood is boiling. That son-of-a-bitch. He had her and treated her like shit. And he deserves to be castrated for it. “Did he now?”
“Yeah. From what I’ve heard, that boy was bad news. Thurston was just glad to see her get out of there. Figures there’s no way that little shit will come looking for her way out here.”
“Well, if he does, we’ll deal with it.”
John laughs. “I’ll bet. She’s safe and sound with you, my friend.”
I nearly choke on my coffee. If John only knew how safe and sound she was with me. He’d have a heart attack.
“Well, anyway, enough of that.” John takes a big bite of his bread and washes it down with a sip of coffee. “We’re going to need some more help over on our side of the fence come calving season. My foreman is working his last season. He’s looking to retire, and I’m not sure what I’m going to do without him.”
“You thinking of hiring?”
“Thinking about it, but no one around here seems to want the job. I was hoping you might have some leads.”
“I could ask around,” I offer. “See if anyone knows someone with experience under their belt who is looking for work.”
“I’d appreciate that. We’ve got a few hands already, but they’re green. Couldn’t find their ass with both hands. They’ll learn the ropes, but they’re not ready to take over yet. I need someone who’s got their shit together.”
“I’ll keep my eyes and ears open.”
John squints as he looks out the window, where River is busy working with Linux. “That horse looks like he’s taken a shine to her.”
“He has. It’s like the two of them are joined at the hip. Never seen anything like it.”
“She’s got a way with animals, then?”
“Seems that way.”
“That’s a good skill to have. Don’t suppose you think she’d be up for the job? I’d bet her father taught her plenty. She’s gotta have experience.”
My face goes numb as the blood trickles down to my toes. I didn’t even consider that, but if I’m honest, she’d be a damn good candidate. But the idea of her working for someone else, of not getting to see her every day... It’s not something I like. In fact, it’s a thought that makes me sick.
