Chapter 16
SIXTEEN
Ramsey
I’m in the middle of cleaning my saddle and the rest of my tack in the barn when Hazel bursts in, a bright red backpack flung over one of her shoulders as she roots through a cabinet and searches the wall where the keys are. She brushes a lock of hair back from her face as her eyes frantically scan it a second time.
“Looking for something?” I ask, pausing and adding more leather cleaner the rag as I watch her look through a basket on the counter.
She startles at the sound of my voice but barely spares me a glance. I start toward her just in case I might be able to help with the search.
“Do you know where the ATV keys are? It’s an emergency.” The anxiety seeps through her tone as she shifts the backpack on her shoulder again.
“I’ve got them in my pocket.” I reach back and hold them out for her. She whips around, a glare on her face as her eyes flash to the ceiling.
“You’ve got to put these back where you found them!” She snatches them unceremoniously from where they dangle at my fingertips.
“I’m sorry. I just finished up a few minutes ago. What’s wrong?” My brow furrows. I’d like to help if I can, but Hazel has always wanted to do everything herself, and I choose when and where to force the issue with her carefully.
“One of the guests fell off their horse. A rabbit ran out in front of them and startled the horse. It sounds like they broke an ankle. The ambulance is coming, but they’re delayed. I want to meet them, just in case, with the trailer and the first aid kit.” She talks just as quickly as she walks, and I trail behind her, following to the ATV.
“I took the trailer off this morning to get back into the wooded area. I can put it back on.”
“Fuck!” she curses, clearly frustrated that I’ve made this all harder than it needed to be.
“Just give me a minute, and I’ll get it together. I’ll drive us out there. Just take a breath.” I try to reassure her, but it’s a losing battle.
“Don’t tell me to take a breath.” She gives me a sidelong glare, but she tosses the keys back to me.
“You won’t be any help if you’re stressed too.”
“Kell called five minutes ago. I wanted to be on my way by now.”
“I’ve got you, Haze. Two minutes. Tell Kell we’re on our way.”
I hurry as fast as I can to get the trailer reattached to the ATV and bring it back around to where Haze is finishing her chat with Kell. Her face clouds with concern as he talks, and she shakes her head, her hand wiping at her brow as she stares up at the sky like something helpful might be there for her.
“Right. Right. We’ll be right there. I’ve got the first aid kit and water. The ambulance is on the way if we need it. Just let them know help’s coming and not to worry.” She waits for Kell’s response, and then she ditches her walkie on her hip.
“More than the ankle?” I try to figure out what has her looking so despondent.
“It doesn’t sound like it, but her friend is having a bit of an anxiety attack too. Doesn’t want to ride back. I just can’t believe this happened with new riders.” Hazel sounds defeated, and I’d give her a hug if I didn’t think she’d take one of my arms off in the process.
“It happens. There’s nothing you can do about it right now but get out there to help. Hop on, and I’ll drive us.”
“I can do it.”
“I know you can, but an extra set of hands won’t hurt either.”
She sees the wisdom in my plan and reluctantly climbs on the ATV behind me. She slides her other arm through the first aid pack and then wraps both around my waist before I gun it down the trail as fast as the trailer allows.
I’m not quite as worried as she is about the guest. I trust Kell in an emergency. He’s seen more than his fair share, and he has one of the coolest heads on the ranch. I’m fairly certain we’ll have this sorted quickly and be back to life as usual, but I don’t hate the idea of being able to help Haze out with something. Especially after she trusted me to help her last night.
When we get to the site of the accident, Kell has everyone comfortable in a nearby break in the woods, including the horses. They’re all having the snack he brought along for later in the ride, and he’s splinted the woman’s broken ankle. Her friend is currently sitting next to him, looking less frazzled and more captivated by whatever story Kell is currently telling her.
“I’m so sorry it took us a bit to get out here,” Haze apologizes to Kell and the guests.
“It looks like you’ve got everything under control though?” I look to Kell for the report.
“Yeah. We just need to get Samantha and Courtney back to the inn and see about Courtney getting some medical attention.” Kell stands and meets us to help assess the situation. Haze heads over to the guests and starts apologizing and asking what she can do.
“Do you want to finish out the tour with the other guests, and we can get Samantha and Courtney and their horses back?”
“Sounds like a plan. I can get Lady Luck to ride with me, but if you or Haze wanna ride Teddy back, that’d make it easier.” Kell pulls his cowboy hat off to smooth his hair back underneath it, and then places it back on his head.
“We can do that.” I nod, watching with concern as Haze tries to help Courtney stand, and she falters, unable to balance well.
“I’m sorry,” she apologizes to Haze. “I kinda twisted this one in the stirrup wrong when I slid off and then landed hard the other. I don’t think this one is broken, but it doesn’t feel good either.”
“Oh god. Don’t apologize. You’re hurt! We’ll figure it out. We’ve got the trailer, so we can get you back to meet the ambulance, and they can take you into town,” Haze explains.
“Can I ride with her? I don’t want to get back on a horse.” Samantha looks skeptically back at Lady Luck. She’d honestly be a better ride back than the ATV, less bumpy and more careful about dips in the road, but I’m not about to argue.
“Of course.” Haze gives her a reassuring smile and then turns to Courtney. “Do you think you can make it that way if you lean hard on me?” I’m already seeing visions of them both going down and Haze feeling guilty or getting hurt herself.
“I can carry you.” I look to Courtney, and her eyes are glued on her ankle.
“Oh, I don’t think that you should—I mean, I’m not light and—” She finally looks up at me, and her lashes flutter, sudden recognition in them. “I guess that could work if you don’t mind.”
“Not a problem. It’s just a few feet, and I’d rather you not do more damage to that ankle.” I walk over and pick her up; her hands wrap around my neck, and I can feel her eyes studying every angle of my face.
“I appreciate it.” She smiles. “You’re good at this whole hero thing.”
“Just trying to help.”
“Do you work at the ranch? Is that what you’re doing now?” She’s inquisitive as I carry her back to the trailer.
“It’s my family’s ranch. I grew up here.”
“Oh wow. How did I not know that? That should be part of your marketing. I think more people would visit if they got to see you in a cowboy hat like this.” Her tone is decidedly flirty, and I’m just glad it’s keeping her mind off her ankle. It’s already swollen and looks painful as hell.
“I’ll have to take that into consideration.” I smile at her as I get her into the trailer, hoping it doesn’t cause her too much discomfort on the ride back. She settles in and leans back against the short wall. I’m just grateful this hadn’t happened on one of the steeper inclines on the trail or we’d have been at a loss to get her out easily .
“Thank you. I appreciate this so much. When we get back from the doctor’s, you’ll have to let me buy you dinner or a drink or something for the rescue. I’d love to hear all about the ranch and your family.” She beams at me.
“Well, let’s get you fixed up first.” I flash a polite smile back at her and turn to Hazel to see her talking to the woman’s friend.
Hazel looks back at me, a blankness in her expression that seems practiced, before she starts working to calm Samantha and give her reassurance.
“I promise that sort of thing with horses is rare. Especially trail horses. Teddy is an angel; he just got a little startled and didn’t want to make a misstep. Lady Luck will get you back safe and sound if you want to go back with the group.”
“I don’t think so. I just… I wouldn’t feel safe. No offense to you or your horses, of course.”
“No offense taken. I know it’s scary to see someone take a tumble.” Hazel gives her a soft smile, but I can tell it’s killing Hazel that someone got frightened by horses on her watch. She turns to me, though, all business. “Can she ride back with you? I’ll take Teddy back.”
“Of course.” I nod and turn to Samantha. “Have you ever been on an ATV before?”
“No. But I hope it’s safer than a horse.” She laughs nervously.
“Just as safe. Hazel’s right. The horses are very safe, but I can understand not being sure around them if you’re not used to them.”
They’re safe as hell, especially Haze’s trail horses. They’re just like people, though, bound to get startled once in a while if something happens they weren’t expecting—like a scared rabbit hopping out underfoot.
“It’s just, it was our first time. Not my idea. I know I’m a city girl, but I didn’t want to be a killjoy. Just watching her fall like that… I have visions of breaking my neck on the ride back.” Samantha lets out another self-deprecating laugh.
“Nah. The horses follow each other, and they’re so used to different riders and this trail that not much shakes them. The rabbit running out like that and him jagging off to the side was more about keeping your friend and Teddy safe. He doesn’t want to step on something, and you both go down hard, you know?” I try to give her my calmest tone like I’m talking to one of the rookies on the field who’s just been laid into by the coach.
“That makes sense. They’re just big, and I didn’t expect how it would feel to be riding downhill. It already felt like I’d fall off.”
“That’s what the saddle and the stirrups are for. To keep you fully seated in the saddle. I promise as long as you hang on, these trail horses have your back,” I explain, and Samantha seems to be taking it in earnestly.
“That makes sense, but honestly, I’m still nervous about heading back on one. Maybe I can hike? Would that be all right?”
“That’s a long hike, darlin’. It’ll take you two or three times as long as it will them to make that climb back up.”
“What about the ATV?” She nods at my ride.
“ATV’s just as safe as the driver, and I promise I’ll keep it slow and steady. I don’t want to jostle your friend and her ankle.” I look behind me at Courtney who flashes another flirty smile, and I avert my gaze back to Samantha.
“All right. What do I do?” Samantha looks skeptically at the ATV.
“Just hop on behind me and hold on to me. Like I said. I’ll keep it pretty slow, but it’ll be a little bumpy through some of these parts,” I explain, hoping that warning her will keep her calm rather than scare her off.
“Okay.” There’s still a wary tone to her voice, but she climbs on behind me.
“See you back at the ranch?” I glance at Haze, and she nods before she heads off toward Kell and the horses.
When I get back to the ranch, it’s a whirlwind of activity. Grace is waiting with the paramedics, and they help get Courtney loaded onto the ambulance and on her way to get evaluated. They let Samantha ride with her, and Grace promises to arrange a ride back for them whenever they need it.
I’ve parked the ATV and am back in the barn, puttering around, hoping to run into Hazel when she brings Teddy back. It doesn’t take long, and she’s working on putting Teddy back in his stall when I find her.
“You doing okay?” I ask, leaning against the post and keeping a safe distance in case she isn’t.
“I’m fine. It’s just another thing we didn’t need. You know?” She shrugs.
“I know.” I nod solemnly.
“We made a pretty good team taking care of it though. I appreciate your help. You and Kell were great with the guests today.” Half a smile appears and fades just as quickly. I have to tamp down the urge to preen a little over her praise, just thankful for once I’ve managed to line up a few things in a row that are putting me in her good graces.
“I was thinking maybe when things have died down tomorrow, maybe I’d take them out to feed the horses a snack or something. Show them that there’s nothing to be afraid of.”
“Sure. That sounds good.” She nods. “Just not Wolfsbane, maybe? They’ll never get on a horse again if they have to see him on a bad day. ”
“Nah. I was thinking Lady Luck and Admiral. But Wolfsbane can make friends when he wants to. He just needs a little extra encouragement.” I feel defensive of my old guy. He’s temperamental sometimes, sure, but he has a good heart.
“Yeah. I’ve noticed. A lot like his rider. He eats up the extra encouragement like it’s candy.” Hazel flashes me a look.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Her brow arches up. “’Oh, darlin’, I’ll take it niiiiice and slow. Wrap your arms around me.’” She rolls her eyes and loses the tone that mocks me for one higher pitch. “’Oh, Mr. Stockton, I’d just love to hear all about your ranch.’”
“I was just being friendly.” Seems Wolfsbane isn’t the only one who can’t catch a break around here.
“Uh huh…” She shakes her head, but a smile teases at her lips, and it’s hard to tell if she’s actually jealous or just teasing me.
“If you don’t want me to take them out to feed the horses, just say so.”
“Feed all the horses you like.” She dusts off her hands on her jeans as she finishes up. I close the distance between us, and her eyes fall to where my boots nearly touch hers.
“I got other cures for that brand of jealousy, Mrs. Stockton.” I tease her, and I watch as her shoulders roll back.
“Jealous?” She tilts her head, and then her eyes lift to meet mine in defiance. “Nah. Those kinds of women fawn too much. They don’t recognize when he’s the kind of horse that likes to be rode hard and put away wet.”
She flashes a bright smirk in my direction and then turns to saunter back out of the barn. And fuck, if she doesn’t have a point.