Chapter 9
“The food smells great.” Bear set the takeout bags on the kitchen nook table, Rae following in his wake, her unfamiliar boots clunking on the tile floor.
“Try driving for twenty minutes smelling that.” She placed two Styrofoam cups filled with Coke on the table. “My stomach was rumbling the whole way.”
Rae greeted Arthur, who was in his kennel. Bear let him out and Rae crouched to give Arthur the hug she’d promised him. She was careful not to grip too tightly to make sure she didn’t hurt him.
She smiled up at Bear. “Arthur looks like he’s doing well.”
“He is.” Bear rubbed Arthur behind his ears. “He’s well-trained, which makes me certain he has or at least had a family somewhere.”
Rae gave Arthur another affectionate hug before getting to her feet. Arthur plopped down on the dog bed near the old-fashioned coat stand.
She went to Mervin and peered in at the macaw. “How are you, Mervin?”
Mervin scooted on his perch, closer to her. “Hi, pretty lady.”
Rae laughed. “You’re such a cute bird.”
“Cute bird,” Mervin said. “Cute bird.”
Still smiling, Rae faced Bear as he got a couple of forks out of the silverware drawer and took them to the table. They seated themselves and Bear opened the containers, each one filled with an enchilada, a taco, and a tostada.
She took the container he offered her and cut into the enchilada. “Marlee raves about this restaurant.”
“Ricardo’s is one of those hole-in-the-wall places you can’t beat.” Bear crunched his taco and chewed before drinking his Coke.
Rae munched happily on her lunch, her heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time. Bear made her feel that way, her past seeming so remote that it couldn’t touch her when she was with him.
He finished his taco. “Are you ready to ride Angel?”
Rae stuck her foot out to the side. “I’ve got Marlee’s boots, so that part of the equation is there.” She lowered her foot before picking up one of the paper napkins that had been in the takeout bag. “I loved being in the saddle last time, but I’m nervous about going outside of the corral.”
“We don’t have to,” Bear said. “We’ll stay in the corral or in the pasture and let you ride Angel until you feel confident. Then, we’ll go from there.”
Rae took a bite of her tostada. “I enjoyed my time with Angel last weekend, so I think I’ll be okay. I just want to make sure I can handle her.”
“She’s a good horse, and you did well with her,” Bear said. “You’ll be just fine.”
They finished their lunch and put the container with Rae’s leftover taco in the fridge. After deciding to save dessert for later—whatever it was Bear had gotten—they put Arthur in the kennel and headed out to a grassy pasture, where Angel and Roxie were grazing.
The day was hot again, but clouds gathered over the Superstition Mountains. Being monsoon season, they could end up getting a good rain, even if the weather report claimed it would be hot and sunny. The weather reports were less accurate during monsoon season in Arizona.
When they reached the pasture fence, Rae climbed onto the bottom rung and put her arms on the top rail to watch the beautiful and majestic creatures. Bear whistled and both horses looked up then trotted toward Bear and Rae.
Roxie reached Bear and bumped her nose into his hat, knocking it back, but not off. Bear adjusted it before stroking her forehead. Angel snuffled Rae’s hair, the mare’s warm breath tickling her scalp. She laughed and patted Angel’s nose.
Bear grasped two nylon lead ropes hanging from a hook near the gate. “Let’s get these girls saddled up.”
Rae couldn’t help feeling a bit nervous about getting on the back of such a huge animal again. It had been exciting, but she still had her reservations.
He clipped a lead on Angel’s halter and handed it to Rae. She led the palomino to the barn while Bear followed with Roxie.
Once in the barn, Bear observed while Rae saddled Angel. He answered her questions and made encouraging remarks as she did her best to follow the instructions he’d given her last weekend. When she finished, he looked over her handiwork, made a couple of adjustments, and told her she’d done a great job. Rae glowed under his praise, not sure why it made her feel as good as it did.
Bear saddled Roxie, then boosted Rae up into Angel’s saddle. Her foot did feel more secure in a boot as she slipped it into the stirrup.
He handed her the reins and she gripped them ’til her knuckles ached as she tried to pull her nerves together.
Bear rested his hand on her thigh and smiled. “Ready to go out for a little ride while I’m on Roxie?”
Rae tried to ignore the tingling in her belly from the way he had his hand on her thigh, just like last time.
She focused on her current position. It was so high, sitting on Angel, and a long way to the ground. Last time Bear had been standing beside the horse the whole time she’d been in the saddle. It would be different with him sitting on Roxie.
She met his gaze. “If something happens, will you be able to help me while you’re on Roxie?”
He gave a single nod. “I’ve been riding my whole life. You’d be amazed what you can do from the back of a horse.”
“Okay.” Rae took a deep breath. “I’m as ready as I think I can get.”
“Remember the instructions I gave you on controlling Angel?” Bear asked.
“I think so.” Rae stared at the reins she held so tightly. “I could use a refresher.”
He went over everything again with her, to make sure she had it. “Angel will stay close to Roxie, another reason why I’m not concerned about her taking off on her own.”
When they both felt confident about the basics of her learning to ride, Bear gripped the bridles of both horses and walked them outside the barn. He closed the barn doors, then mounted Roxie.
Rae’s stomach flipped. “Are we going to the corral?”
“Let’s try the pasture.” He tipped his head in that direction. “Ready?”
She nodded.
He clicked his tongue and Roxie started forward. Angel fell into step beside Roxie as Rae made the correct movement with her reins.
She was amazed at the smoothness of Angel’s gait, despite rocking in the saddle. When they reached the pasture, Bear dismounted, opened the gate and let them in before closing the gate behind them.
He mounted Roxie in an easy movement. “How’re you doing?”
She smiled. “I think I could get the hang of this.”
“That’s my girl.” He returned her smile. “Why don’t you start first?”
Rae clicked her tongue like Bear had at the same time she signaled with the reins that she wanted Angel to go forward.
The horse started moving. A surprisingly triumphant sensation went through Rae at the fact she was controlling the animal, or at least felt like she was.
Bear clicked his tongue and kept his horse alongside hers. “You’re looking good.”
She stared ahead at the expanse of the grassy pasture. “Maybe I’ll be able to go a little faster.” She glanced at Bear. “In the future, I mean. I’m not feeling that confident yet, mind you.”
“All in good time.” He looked ahead. “Clouds are building over the Superstitions.”
She looked in the same direction. “It’s such a beautiful mountain range. Like the Almighty planted them in the middle of the desert for the spectacular view.”
Bear chuckled. “That’s a good way of describing it.”
“I like it in this part of the state.” Her gaze swept the scenery from one side to the other. “The Coyote Lake City area is beautiful, too.”
“Why did you leave?” Bear asked in a low tone.
“I needed a change.” She cast him a quick glance before looking away again. She knew she should tell him why, but she didn’t want to taint the beautiful day and her time with Bear.
Another thought sobered her. Bear was such a sweet man. Was she tainting him with the darkness surrounding her? He didn’t deserve to be caught up in what she was dealing with.
“Rae?” Bear’s concerned voice drew her out of her dark thoughts. “Are you all right?”
She turned her attention to him and forced a smile. “I’m fine.”
“If you need to talk, I’m a good listener,” he said.
“I’m sure you are.” She looked ahead. “But really, I’m okay.” She met his gaze again. “Can we go faster?”
“Do you remember how to tell Angel you’d like to pick up speed?” he asked.
She nodded and he told her, “Go on, now.”
Rae used the reins just like he’d shown her, and Angel started moving at a faster pace. The exhilaration Rae felt surprised her. A breeze from movement stirred the warm air and caused tendrils of hair to rise from around her face.
She grinned at the feeling of excitement that coursed through her. She glanced at Bear, who smiled at the enjoyment that had to be clear on her features. “This is awesome.”
“I think you’re ready to go for a ride outside the pasture,” he said. “We can save it for next time. What do you think about a ride and a picnic?”
“Sounds like a lot of fun.” She relaxed in the saddle. “What a difference in how I feel now than I did last weekend. It’s like a switch inside me flipped from terrified to excited.”
“You look more confident.” He swept his gaze over her. “You’re more comfortable on Angel’s back and your posture is excellent.”
She basked in the warmth of Bear’s praise and observations. He was the expert and a man who wouldn’t say anything he didn’t actually feel. She could read people, and Bear was an easy man to understand.
The man she’d killed had been an easy read, which was why she hadn’t wanted anything to do with him. She just hadn’t counted on him following her home to get even with her for telling him to take a hike.
The pleasure she’d been feeling slipped away at the memory. A burst of anger flared through her that the man had made ruins of her life, even though he wasn’t around anymore. She’d picked herself back up, but she faced uncertainty in her future, all thanks to him.
“What’s wrong, Rae?” Bear’s tone was firm this time as he asked the question. “You were as happy as anyone I’ve seen, and then ten seconds later, you’re clearly upset.”
Her throat worked as she looked away from him. “I’m sorry.”
“About what?” Bear asked. “Talk to me.”
“I don’t want to ruin the day.” The words that came out surprised her. She met his gaze. “I promise I’ll tell you about it. Just not today. Okay?”
He gave a slow nod. “I don’t want to pressure you, but I know you need someone to talk to, and you know I’m here for you.”
A lightening of the pressure of telling him made her relax a little. “Thank you.”
“Want to move a little faster?” he asked her. “As long as you stay focused on the horse, I think you’re ready.”
She smiled. “I’d love that.” She used the reins to give Angel the signal to pick up her pace. Angel did, and for a moment, Rae wondered if she’d pushed herself too far too fast. But then she started to enjoy herself again. She shoved away all thoughts that weren’t good ones.
The beautiful day was filled with sunshine, a sexy man, and a gorgeous horse. Life couldn’t get any better, could it?
In between Rae practicing commands with Angel, they chatted and laughed as they rode, talking about family and also about the regular and more unusual people she’d met so far in the bar.
“There definitely are a lot of characters in this town,” she said.
Bear nodded his agreement. “And you’ve only met a few.”
She studied him for a moment. “I still think that was amazing, how you handled Bill. He was in again on Saturday night, and he was as nice and respectful as he’d been after his sort-of fight with you.”
Bear shrugged. “I think you handle yourself well in that bar. Bill just needed a wake-up call when it came to you. I don’t know that it’ll make him any more respectful with other women, but at least he shouldn’t bother you again like he was.”
“You don’t know how much I appreciate what you did,” she said.
“It was no problem,” he said.
Rae shifted in the saddle, leaned forward, and patted Angel’s neck.
“We should probably call it a day,” Bear said after riding for some time around the pasture. “You’re going to be sore as it is since you’re not used to riding yet.”
“Okay.” She guided Angel toward the gate. “I’m looking forward to the ride and picnic.”
He glanced at her. “How’s next weekend?”
“Sunday would be good.” Rae brought Angel to a halt at the pasture gate. It was starting to feel more natural riding the beautiful mare.
He brought Roxie to a halt beside Angel. “Ten sound good to you? That’ll give us a chance to ride some before we have lunch.”
She nodded enthusiastically. “Perfect. I can make lunch.”
He shook his head. “You brought lunch today. I’m handling lunch on Sunday.”
Rae smiled. “Then it’s my turn for dessert.”
“Deal.” He swung down in a graceful movement then opened the pasture gate.
Rae encouraged Angel to walk through the gate and brought her to a stop on the other side. She waited for Bear to bring Roxie through and close the gate behind him.
Bear mounted his horse again. “You’ve come a long way in learning how to ride,” he said. “You should feel proud of yourself.”
“I have a fantastic teacher,” she said, while wondering if she deserved to feel this happy with a man who didn’t deserve to be marred by the ugliness she faced.
Again, she threw off the feelings. Today was for fun. She’d worry about the bad when she was alone.
Rae enjoyed brushing down Angel after removing her saddle and blanket, and it seemed that Angel liked it, too. Rae talked with Angel, telling her what a good horse she was and that she was looking forward to their ride next time.
After she’d been talking to the horse for a while, she realized Bear wasn’t talking to Roxie anymore. She glanced in his direction and found him watching her.
Sweet heat and more flowed through her as his lovely hazel eyes drank her in. “Are you finished with Roxie?” Her voice sounded throaty as she spoke.
“I am.” He patted the mare’s neck. “Looks like you’re about done with Angel.”
“Yes.” Rae wrapped her arms around Angel’s neck and rested her face against her. “She’s a lovely animal.”
Bear moved to Rae’s side and she tipped her head back to look into the tall man’s eyes.
He lowered his head and brushed his lips over hers. When he drew back, he said, “You did great today.” The husky note in his voice sent a shiver through her.
“I feel like teacher’s pet,” she said, and he laughed.
They put up and fed the horses, and then she helped him take care of the ducks, chickens, and rabbits.
The cattle showed up while they were feeding the other animals. She hadn’t had a chance to meet any of the cattle.
“They’re Herefords,” Bear explained as they stood outside the eastern pasture, as opposed to the southern pasture where she’d ridden Angel. “Herefords have red coats and white faces.”
She leaned her hip against a fencepost. “Did you name all of them?”
He shook his head. “They’re not pets so I don’t give them names. I raise them for beef and to sell to the 4-H kids.”
Rae slowly nodded. “I see.”
He turned away from the pasture. “Let’s head back to the house.”
When they walked into Bear’s kitchen, he let Arthur out of the kennel. Rae got down and sat cross-legged, leaning forward to hug and pet the dog.
“He’s good-natured and friendly.” Rae looked at Bear who had squatted beside her. “I wonder what happened to his family.”
Bear shook his head. “No telling. I’ve put up signs in town and asked around, but no luck in finding any clues to who he belongs to. Like I said before, he’s thin and he was scraggly when you found him, so it’s likely he’s been on his own for a while.”
Rae stroked the dog’s head. “He’s looking so much better.”
“He’s resilient,” Bear said. “It’s hard to keep him settled down, but his injuries remind him.”
“You’re such a good boy, Arthur.” She held his head in her hands as she looked into the beautiful brown eyes. “Now you just need to prove you can behave around livestock and small stock, and you might find yourself the perfect home.”
“Ready for the dessert I promised you?” Bear asked.
She perked up. “Yes.” She scooted to her knees, then got to her feet as Bear stood.
Arthur followed her to the table and curled up at her feet as Bear finally unveiled dessert. He set it on the table between them. “Homemade cherry pie.”
“My favorite.” Rae clasped her hands. “I’m in love.”
Bear chuckled. “That was easy.”
“Oops.” Rae’s face warmed. “I’m in love with the pie.”
“Too late,” he teased.
“Seriously,” she said as she tried to recover. “You made this?”
“My sister-in-law, Kit, did.” He flashed her a grin. “Sorry to disappoint you.”
She rolled her eyes. “You couldn’t disappoint me if you tried.”
Bear took his seat. He cut slices of the delicious-looking pie and put each on a dessert plate.
Rae dug into hers. “This is amazing. I’m in love with Kit and I haven’t even met her.”
He smiled. “We’re all in love with Kit’s cooking and baking.” He explained how she was a chef in L.A. before arriving in King Creek. “You’ll have to ask her sometime how she ended up as a cook for a bunch of cowhands on Carter’s ranch.”
“Now that sounds like it could be an interesting story,” Rae said.
She finished her pie and looked at Bear, who was watching her. “I know we just had dessert, but would you like to stay for dinner?” he asked.
Rae wanted to say, “Absolutely, yes,” but instead she shook her head. “I have some things to take care of at Marlee’s.”
He looked disappointed but smiled at her.
She couldn’t help but smile back at him, while wondering why she was letting things go so far.
Not true. She knew exactly why—she was coming to care for Bear more than she’d cared for any man in her life. “I’m looking forward to our ride and picnic next weekend.”
“I am, too,” he said. “I’ll have our picnic lunch ready when you get here, and we’ll have a nice ride up into the Superstitions.”
She stood and picked up her plate and his. “I’d better get going.”
He took the plates from her and carried them to the sink before he retrieved her purse off the coat stand and handed it to her. She slung it over her shoulder and looked down at the borrowed boots. “I have to admit I’m looking forward to getting these things off.” She raised her eyes. “My feet are killing me.”
“Soak them in Epsom salts.” He walked with her to the door and opened it for her. “They’ll feel lots better.”
“I’ll buy some on the way home at the pharmacy,” she said. “Are they open on Sundays?”
“Yep.” Bear nodded. “I’d send some home with you, but I ran out. I need to pick some up.”
They walked side by side to her car. He opened the door for her, and she threw her purse inside.
Rae tipped her head to look into his eyes. “Thanks for the wonderful day, Bear.”
He rested his palms on both her shoulders. “You did great today. I think you’re going to enjoy the ride up into the Superstitions for our picnic.”
She smiled. “I know I will.”
He lowered his head and gave her one of the most amazing kisses of her life. Every kiss she shared with Bear was incredible, and she just couldn’t help but feel like they got better and better every time.”
When he drew back, she had a hard time breathing. “Bye,” she said softly.
“Be careful driving home.” He pressed his lips to her forehead before sliding his palms down her arms then letting them fall to his sides.
It seemed like she was always leaving. But the thing was, she kept coming back.
She climbed into her car, gave him a little wave, then drove back into town.