Loving Kai (The Buchanan Brothers: Mercy Ranch #5)

Chapter one

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

Abe was closing down Rocco’s by himself because Maggie had asked to leave early. She’d been reluctant to tell him why, but he finally got it out of her that she had a date. He was wiping down the tables and stacking the chairs on them when someone knocked on the front door.

Maggie waved at him through the glass, and he went to unlock it for her. “What happened to your date?”

“I’d rather not talk about it. Do you need help closing down?”

“Um…sure. Not much left to do. You can sweep and mop.” She scowled, and he smiled. “If you sweep, I’ll mop.”

“Deal.”

“Man, I gave in too easily, didn’t I?”

“I know you like to mop.” She shook her head. “Weirdly enough.”

“That’s not…” He sighed deeply. “Just get the damn broom.”

He finished with the tables, then went to get the mop and bucket. He filled it with hot, soapy water, then rolled it out to the front of the restaurant.

Maggie was done sweeping, and she looked at him for a moment. “Have you closed the register yet?”

“No.”

“Go do that. I’ll mop.”

“Are you sure?”

She went to him and took the mop. “Go.”

By the time he finished counting the money and preparing the deposit, Maggie was done with the floor. He went to the beer cooler, took out two beers, and walked over to her.

“Are you drinking both of those?”

“Only if you won’t drink one with me.”

She raised an eyebrow. “You want me to drink a beer with you?”

“Sure. Why not?” He went to a booth and sat down.

Maggie followed him, then stood for a moment.

He looked up at her. “This isn’t a trick or some sort of test. Just sit down and have a beer with me.”

She sat and picked up the beer. “You’re being weird, Abe.”

He took a drink. “What happened with your date?”

“I’m not telling you that.”

“Who was it with?”

“I'm definitely not telling you that.”

He studied the label on his bottle. “Let me try to guess.”

She smiled. “Wow. Okay. Go for it.”

“Hmm.” He took a sip of beer while he thought about it. “Bruce.”

“The tow truck guy?”

“Yeah.”

“He’s married.”

Abe laughed. “Like that’s the only reason you wouldn’t go out with him.” He took another moment. “Deputy West.”

“No.”

“Hmm. The janitor at the high school?”

She kicked him under the table. “You think the only men who would consider going out with me are old, recently divorced, or married?”

Abe took another drink. “I’m just messing with you. I can keep going, though.”

Maggie sighed. “Larry Springer.”

“The laundromat guy?”

She cocked her head. “His family owns the two laundromats and dry cleaners, yes.”

“That’s right. They have a monopoly on clean clothes in this town.”

“What’s wrong with Larry?”

“Well, you’re here instead of out with him, so I’m guessing there’s some sort of issue.”

“He canceled.”

“Why?”

“He didn’t say.”

Abe pointed his bottle at her. “You need to raise your standards.”

“Anyone worth spending time with in this town is already in a relationship.”

“Hmm. Wow, and ouch.”

“You don’t count.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re…you. I work for you.”

“Okay.” He took another sip. “So, you’re desperate.”

“That’s not what I said.”

“It kind of is.” She glared at him, and he laughed. “I’m sorry. You’re right. The dating pool is somewhat limited.”

“Why aren’t you rushing off to a Saturday night date?”

“I have an early morning.”

“I thought Gentry opened on Sundays.”

“He does. I’m meeting up with Elias. He’s going to let me ride the racehorse he brought back with him when he liquidated the family stables.”

“A racehorse? You’re going to ride a racehorse?”

“Yeah.”

“Where?”

“He has a place on the ranch. I’m meeting him there first thing tomorrow.”

“Well, be careful.”

He grinned. “I didn’t know you cared.”

“I don’t. I just don’t want Gentry and Luke to have to cover for you.”

“Ah.”

She drank some more beer. “I believe this is the longest conversation you and I have ever had.”

“You could be right.”

“I am right.”

“So, aside from the fact that you work for me, what makes me…me, and in your eyes, undatable?”

She cleared her throat. “You’re a…” She shook her head. “I don’t want to hurt your feelings.”

“You can’t hurt my feelings.”

“You’re a player.”

Abe laughed. “Says who?”

“Everyone.”

“Hmm.”

“See, I hurt your feelings.”

“No. You didn’t. I just think you’re wrong. First off, I don’t go out on a date with a different woman every night. Even if I wanted to, which I don’t, it would be impossible in Bridgeport.”

“Okay. Still. You date a lot.”

“By whose standards? You’re going out with Larry the laundromat guy.”

“Fine. You’re not a player. I misjudged you.”

“Honestly, I’d much rather be racing motorcycles, or riding horses with Luke, or even working here than sitting across the table trying to make small talk with someone.”

“Like this?”

“No. This isn’t small talk, and we’re not on a date.” He finished his beer. “And on that note, I’m going to go home and go to bed. Alone. Which happens more often than it doesn’t.”

“I don’t want to know that.”

He pointed at her. “I think you kind of did.”

“Go home.”

He stood up. “Are you staying here?”

“No.” She got to her feet, took the two empty bottles to the kitchen, and then handed Abe the bank deposit. “Don’t forget this.”

They went out the front door, and Abe walked Maggie to her car. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

“Sorry. I won’t do it again.” He backed up a few steps. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Be careful on the horse.”

“I will.”

“Goodnight.”

“Goodnight, Maggie.”

Abe circled around the thoroughbred and ran a hand down its leg. “So, she’s an actual racehorse?”

Elias tightened the cinch on the racing saddle. “She was bred to race. She never competed, though. I moved her here before she had a chance to.”

“She’s a beauty.”

“She’s a handful. Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

Abe nodded. “If Justin can ride her. I can ride her. Luke and I spent a lot of time racing around the backcountry when we were a little younger. We still ride, but not as much as we used to.”

“Okay. I’m trusting you to take care of the horse and not get yourself killed.”

“I can do that.” Abe motioned toward the other horse. “And who do you have there?”

Elias patted the horse’s neck. “This is Leonidas, ex polo pony, that Lucia introduced cross-country steeplechase to, and now that’s all he wants to do.”

Abe studied the small saddle with no horn and high, narrow stirrups.

“This will take some getting used to.” He approached the saddle from the horse’s front shoulder instead of her rear, put his foot into the stirrup, tightened the reins, and grabbed Sally’s Girl’s mane.

He then pushed off the ground and leaped into the saddle, just like he knew what he was doing.

“Son of a bitch.”

Elias laughed. “Good job.”

Elias mounted Leonidas much the same way, but with a little more confidence, then pointed down the road.

“This road follows the property line for five miles before we reach the Forest Service gate. When you see the aspens, start slowing down. The gate is a hundred yards past the trees. She’s liable to jump the gate and keep going if you don’t stop her. ”

“And we don’t want to do that?”

“No. Not the first time out, anyway.”

“Got it. Are we going to put some money on this?”

Elias shook his head. “Let’s keep it friendly.” He moved Leonidas next to Sally’s Girl. “Go on three.”

Elias counted down, and on three, both men kicked their horses into a run.

Sally’s Girl’s muscles were like coiled springs, and her raw power and speed were exhilarating.

Abe leaned forward, putting his head over her neck, moving in sync as they raced down the road.

Dirt flew up from her hooves, and her breathing was deep and almost mechanical.

Abe glanced back to check on Elias. Leonidas’ nose was at Sally’s Girl’s shoulder.

He squeezed a little tighter, and the horse’s speed increased, leaving Leonidas behind.

The aspens came too soon, and Abe was reluctant to stop, but he began reining the horse in.

She was at a trot when the green iron gate appeared in front of them.

He turned her away from the fence and Leonidas and brought her to a stop.

Elias came up next to him. “Damn, man.”

Abe grinned, then shouted. “Holy crap, that was fun.” He yelled again, then patted Sally’s Girl’s shoulder. “A hell of a horse.”

Elias laughed. “You are fearless.”

“Fifteen years of racing motorcycles. Can we race back?”

“Let’s walk it. These guys need to cool down.”

They walked back to their starting point, where Abe had left his truck. Elias had ridden Leonidas and led Sally’s Girl from the ranch.

Abe got to the ground and patted Sally’s Girl’s neck. “I will see you again.” He looked up at Elias. “I hope.”

“Anytime. I exercise them as much as I can, but letting them race each other is good for them. If you’re ever up for a trail ride, I’m game for that, too.

Until Seraphina has the baby, she won’t be riding, and Dayton has discovered sports in high school, so he’d rather do that than take a ride with me. ”

“That baby is coming soon, right?”

“Yeah. Next month.”

“Damn.”

“Slightly terrifying.”

Abe shook Elias’ hand. “I’ve got to get to work. Thanks again.”

“Anytime.”

“Bring the family in for pizza on the house.”

“I just might do that.”

Abe got into his truck and headed for the highway. When he reached it, he turned right and headed for Bridgeport. He would be a few minutes late, but Sunday mornings were slow, so Gentry and Maggie would be fine until he arrived.

A few miles from town, a familiar old Toyota sat on the side of the road, steam rising from under the hood. Maggie stood a few feet in front of the car, talking on her phone. Abe pulled over and parked in front of her car.

He left his truck and walked back to her. “Are you okay?”

“Do I look okay?”

“You do. Your car, not so much. Who are you calling?”

“Gentry.” She ended the call without getting through. “He’s not picking up.”

“He won’t answer the phone until eleven.”

“Do you know anything about cars?”

“Yeah.”

“Is she dead?”

Abe went to the hood and lifted it, releasing a fresh cloud of steam. “I’d say it’s touch and go at this point.”

“So, I should call Bruce?”

“Yeah, you’re not driving it anywhere.”

“Dang it.”

Abe smiled. “Wow, potty mouth.”

“Shut up.”

“Get your purse or whatever. You can ride in with me.”

“And leave my car?”

“Even if the car were working perfectly, no one would take it.”

Maggie sighed. “Fine. I’ll call Bruce on the way.”

“Leave your keys in it for him.” When she started to protest, he added, “It’s perfectly safe.”

She dropped the keys under the floor mat, then grabbed her purse and sweater. She closed the door, then patted the hood. “I’m sorry.”

“You’re sorry? The car should be sorry for stranding you on the side of the road.” They got into his truck. “Call Gentry again. He should pick up now.”

She made the call, reached Gentry, and told him they were on their way. She ended the call and turned to Abe. “How was your ride?”

“Awesome. The horse is crazy fast.”

“I’ve never ridden a racehorse, but galloping across a field is—”

“Hold on. You ride?”

“Yes.”

“How come I didn’t know that?”

“Maybe because you’ve never asked.”

“Do you have a horse?”

“Yes.”

“The hell you say. Are you…good?”

“I’ve been riding since I was five. I even competed in the junior rodeo for a couple of years.”

“Damn. Barrels?”

“Yes.”

He grinned. “Were you a rodeo queen?” She looked out the window, and he laughed. “You were. Holy shit.”

“What else don’t I know about you?”

“Quite a bit, I imagine.”