Chapter Ten
CHAPTER TEN
“Good news!”
Turning around Blake saw Buck marching towards him carrying two plastic blanket bags.
“Great, thanks, Buck!”
“I remembered seein’ them in Courtney’s trunk when the sheriff searched it. They have Henry’s name written on them so I know they’re his. There’s a heavy and a light. I assume she’ll be back at some point to get her things and I’ll let her know you have them.”
“Did the sheriff give you any news about her?”
“Just that she’s facin’ a slew of charges, but her lawyer’s on his way so I guess we’ll have to wait and see where that goes. Regardless, she’s locked up for the moment.”
“What about her rig?”
“They didn’t find anything but he said he wants to do a more thorough search. We can house it for a week or so, then it will have to be moved.”
“If it ends up at an auction or put up for sale I’d be interested. Anyway, thanks a bunch. We’ll be here in the mornin’.”
“Maybe I’ll see you then. If not I’m sure we’ll bump into each other at some point.”
“I’m sure we will. Bye, Buck.
As Blake carried the blankets back to the stalls he was delighted to see Henry with his head over the door, but as Heather lifted her arm to stroke him the horse jerked backwards.
“Poor guy,” Blake remarked as he approached. “I guess I don’t have to tell you not to make any sudden movements around him for a while.”
“He’s so nervous. I’m sorry,” Heather said with a sigh. “I should have realized.
“It’s okay, hon, stuff happens. The good news is, these are his blankets.”
“Really? How did that happen?”
“Buck remembered seein’ them in her trunk.”
“That’s fantastic.”
“Yep. It’ll be cold tonight so I’m puttin’ the heavy one on him. I see you’ve already taken care of Apollo so as soon as I do this we can go.”
* * *
After laying the blanket over the stall door, Blake stepped inside, and talking softly as he approached the big grey, he slipped on the halter. As he moved Henry from side to side, it was only a moment or two before he lowered his head and snorted.
“Good boy, that didn’t take long,” Blake remarked. “But you already know me from this afternoon, don’t you fella?” Staring back at Blake, the horse began licking his lips. “We’ll get along just fine,” Blake continued, reaching across and picking up the blanket. “There you go, big fella,” he murmured, placing the cover over the horse’s back and removing his halter. “You have a good night, and tomorrow you’ll be taken to your new home.” But as Blake moved to the door, Henry took a step towards him and lowered his head. “You’re one smart horse,” Blake said with a smile. “You and Heather will be great together.”
“He’s already relating to you,” Heather remarked as Blake stepped into the barn aisle. “It’s amazing. I can see it in his eyes.”
“It doesn’t take much, but then again I rescued him this afternoon. That’s how he sees it.”
“He’s right, you did. Can I have a hug?”
“Any time,” Blake replied, wrapping his arms around her. “But we should get goin’. It’s already gettin’ cold. Butch! Come on, boy. Time to leave.”
But the dog was fixated on Henry’s other blanket sitting on top of Heather’s trunk.
“That’s weird,” she remarked. “Come on, Butch, come with us. Do you want a treat?“
Butch barked, then trotted over to her.
“Bribery and corruption,” Blake said with a chuckle as Heather gave him a horse biscuit.
“It works every time, although once an animal gets your number they can be very manipulative.”
“This is true,” Blake agreed, taking her hand and moving down the aisle.
But as they stepped outside she was suddenly engulfed by a wave of emotion.
“Are you okay?” Blake asked as she sniffled.
“Yes, it’s just the cold air. It makes my nose run sometimes.”
Though she didn’t want to lie to him she had no choice.
How could she admit she’d fallen in love with him.
Totally and hopelessly.
She knew he liked her but there were no guarantees.
He was a hunky cowboy with several very attractive clients.
And she was scared to death.
* * *
Though it was a short drive back to the ranch Blake turned on the heater. The sun was disappearing behind Smoky Hill and the air seemed to be growing colder with every passing minute. Rolling down the driveway and pulling to a stop, he glanced across at Heather and felt his heart swell. He wanted to wrap her into his arms and never let her go.
“What is it?” she asked, staring back at him.
“I was just wonderin’ if you’d like to come in for a while.”
“Don’t we have to check on the horses?”
“Doug’s here so we don’t have to worry about that,” he remarked, seeing his foreman’s SUV parked next to the barn. “I’ll give him a hand finishin’ up. It shouldn’t take long.”
“Normally I’d love to join you, but I’m wiped out. I think I need an early night.”
“You’re right, it’s been a pretty crazy day. Besides, I probably wouldn’t let you leave,” he added, lowering his voice and shooting her a wink. But as they stepped outside a frown crossed his brow. The icy air felt more like early winter than fall. “Damn, it’s cold,” he muttered. “I’m glad we put that heavy blanket on Henry. Text me when you arrive home so I know you got there safe,” he continued, opening her truck door and watching her climb behind the wheel.
“I will. Thanks for everything.”
Stepping back, he stared after her as she drove away and took in a cold, heavy breath.
He had wanted her to stay.
And never leave.
He was in love with her.
All he could do was pray she’d one day love him back.