CHAPTER FOURTEEN
“I still think you let me win.” My boots crunch on gravel as we cross the path and return to the barn.
Cassidy’s focus slides to me, a smile curling her pouty lips. “Is your pride wounded?”
A scoff spews from me while I flex my arms and chest. “Nope.”
She eyes me as I the test the stitches on my shirt seams. “Are you complaining about your prize?”
My stomach sighs in full-belly bliss. “Nope, I don’t regret my victory. You’re a damn fine cook.”
“Egg bake is easy.”
“Not for me. Take the compliment.” I trace the apple of her cheek with a bent knuckle before opening the door. “If only you’d let me act as sous chef.”
“I couldn’t risk a repeat of last time you were in my kitchen.” She flicks the lights on and twirls into the aisle.
“Can’t resist me, huh?”
Her gaze gobbles me from top to cock. “Which is a problem when my children are home.”
I adjust my hat, flipping the brim backward. “You keep saying that but I have yet to see them.”
“They’re sleeping late. Don’t complain.”
The wise advice prompts me to shamelessly ogle her instead. Snug jeans with bling on the rear hug her ass like a lover’s embrace. An athletic tank top stretches over her breasts, giving me a juicy shot of cleavage.
She cocks a hip. “What’s up, trouble?”
“Other than me?” My dick twitches behind my zipper for her approval. “This cowgirl uniform of yours is extremely attractive. Sexy and practical, beauty.”
“Lucky for you,” she drawls. “I wear this getup on the daily.”
My appetite rebounds as I give her another languid once-over. “How much longer will Mac and Cheese be snoozing?”
“I expect them to join us any minute. Add two or three onto that for breakfast.”
“Gobble and go types,” I praise.
“Especially if the twins recognize your truck.”
The fact that they might after spotting the pickup once or twice realigns my desires in this moment. “Will they ride with us?”
“If you ask them to.”
“I’d love that.” The image of us on a family outing along the trail pops into my mind as if it’s chiseled in stone.
Cassidy’s grin brightens. “Wait here while I get our horses.”
My devoted attention stays glued on her and her seductive self until she disappears into the tack room. I haven’t moved when she reappears with two halters hanging off her shoulder. Once she’s gone from view again, I decide to make myself useful. But a quick scan of the spotless barn mocks my intentions.
Chester and Cheeto zoom past me at a speed that suggests Cassidy left them behind. There goes my idea of playing fetch with the pair. Although, I’m not certain Australian Shepherds enjoy that sort of chase. That question gets stored away for later.
It’s too quiet. The squeak from the rusty windmill serenades the calm. Idle hands get me in trouble, even if I twiddle my thumbs. I’m about to wander outside when thundering footsteps approach. My heart rate spikes momentarily in fear that Billy and Gruff are about to have their way with me again. I’d barely dodged their earlier advances while feeding them.
Shrill giggles ease my concern and I turn toward the open door. Kenzie and Charlie dash directly at me, making no attempt to slow down until they crash into my legs. An exaggerated oomph wheezes from me strictly for their benefit.
“Pinkie Pie!” Kenzie’s squeal shatters the silence and my eardrums.
Charlie winces but recovers quickly. “Hi, Rake.”
“Hey, Mac and Cheese!” I rub their backs. “You’re the entertainment I’ve been waiting for.”
A twinkle shines in the little girl’s hazel gaze. “Can we turn you into a scarecrow?”
“Absolutely.”
“Yay!”
The synchronized cheer blasts to the rafters. They race to a nearby bale and begin plucking. It doesn’t take long before they’ve gathered fistfuls, waving the straw in victory while speeding back to me. I kneel on the ground and bend my arms in the standard position. Kenzie shoves hay under my sleeves while Charlie decorates my collar. Alfalfa and laughter buzz in the air. Once their stock is depleted, they rush to collect more. This cycle continues until I’m ready to be propped in the field.
I chuckle as stray bits of straw and dirt skitter down my back. “Have you done this before?”
“Nope,” Kenzie chirps while sprinkling my hat. Her auburn pigtails sway from the movement. “Mommy doesn’t like hay on her skin.”
I can understand why seeing as mine already itches. But it’s too late. I’ve already committed to the role.
The clop of hooves echoes from the opposite end of the barn. Cassidy falters at the sight of me. “How long was I gone?”
“Rake is a scarecrow,” Charlie announces.
“I can see that.” She ties the horses to the front of two stalls, looping the ropes in a strange knot. “He’s supposed to have his first riding lesson but I guess we’ll reschedule.”
“What can I say?” Dried grass and debris rain off me as I rise to my feet. “I got stuffed for a change.”
“How does it feel?”
I wipe at my prickly nape. “Uncomfortable.”
“You don’t have to agree to everything they ask,” she reminds me.
“Eh, this was an easy decision. I need to shower anyway.”
Her gaze roves over me. “They’re taking advantage of your inexperience.”
“Meh, what’s the worst that can happen?”
Cassidy’s eyes widen. “You should never ask that.”
Kenzie sticks out her bottom lip. “Why can’t Pinkie Pie get his lesson?”
“You already taught him one. He’s turned into a scarecrow. They’re packed with straw and not so many brains. He might fall off.”
The little girl blinks at her mom before glancing at me. “Just hold onto the horn. Really super tight, m’kay?”
“I won’t let go.” My fingers curl as if already getting a grip.
Kenzie’s focus returns to Cassidy. “See? He’s listening.”
“Shocking.” The snarky redhead winks at me.
“We wanna ride too,” her daughter adds.
“Uh-huh,” Charlie chimes in.
“Should I get Snowball or can you take turns riding Fire?”
There’s no hesitation in the kids’ reply. “We can share.”
“That’s probably best. Not sure what state I’d find Drake in if I leave again.”
“Maybe short a few more brain cells,” I tease.
“Can’t risk that.” Cassidy rolls her lips together to trap a cackle. “Hey, moo-boo?”
“Mommmmmmy,” Charlie wails. “That’s for babies.”
“Ah, right.” She winces and begins to count on her fingers. “I forget how old you are.”
“So big!” He spreads his arms wide.
“Is monkey moo still okay?”
Charlie nods. “Yep.”
Cassidy slides her focus to Kenzie. “And bunny boo?”
The little girl hops dutifully like the nickname. “I’ll always be your bunny.”
“Thank goodness.” She wipes fake sweat from her forehead. “How about you brush Fire while Drake helps me with Leita.”
The twins trot off to follow directions. They retrieve a wooden box from the tack room that appears to be overflowing. I’m still picking hay out of my shirt when Charlie hands me two different brushes. One is round and the other has long bristles. The little boy disappears before providing instructions. Logic dictates and I begin sweeping the clingy bits from my body.
Cassidy doesn’t stifle her giggle. “You’re adorable.”
“Thanks, beauty. You’re not too bad yourself.”
“Those are actually for the horses.” She points at the brushes.
“Obviously,” I snort.
“Mhmm, right.” Amusement embellishes her tone. “We use the curry comb first to loosen the dirt.”
I study her circular motions with the rubber disc on Leita’s hide. “Do they like this?”
She nods. “Especially under their belly and withers.”
Confusion puckers my brow until she points to the slight bump between the mare’s neck and back. “Gotcha.”
“Go ahead.”
I accept the curry comb from her and copy the technique. Leita begins rubbing her nose against the stall. “What’s she doing?”
“Giving back.” Cassidy grins at my dumbfounded expression. “That’s her way of saying it feels good and she’s trying to return the favor.”
“How sweet,” I croon. My focus centers on that area and the horse’s nose moves faster against the wood.
Cassidy uses the bristled brush, following behind my strokes to remove the dirt. “She’s such a good girl.”
“Don’t think I missed the fact that you chose to ride her first.”
“She’s somewhat of a favorite. Not that I’m getting attached,” she rushes to add.
“But you could get attached.”
“I already have trouble chasing me around.” She nudges me.
“That’s fair.” I laugh, but don’t believe the excuse. “When are you planning to sell her?”
“September at the latest. Otherwise people go on a buying freeze for winter when it’s expensive to feed them.”
“But that’s next month.” August just wandered into town, chasing off July.
Cassidy shrugs. “She might go even sooner. That’s how the business thrives. I can’t keep them all.”
“You’re not keeping any.”
“Hush.” Cassidy swats away my argument. “We have Fire and Snowball. The others come and go.”
Yet the way she interacts with Leita seems special, even to a clueless novice like me. Even a simple task such as brushing her coat is done with careful consideration and precision. The horse obviously respects her in return. She stands politely while we finish grooming her until not a speck of dust lingers.
Cassidy’s touch is gentle while she combs through the roan’s mane and tail. “Done.”
“Teamwork makes the cheese churn.” I hold up a palm for her to slap.
“Ummm…”
“Just go with it.” The unmistakable noise of goofing off snags my attention. I peek over and spy the twins lifting Fire’s leg. “Are they okay over there?”
“They’re picking his feet.” Cassidy demonstrates on Leita, scooping muck out with a handheld tool.
“That doesn’t hurt them?” I don’t bother asking about the metal shoes nailed into the hoof.
“Not if you do it right. Just avoid the frog.” She points to a triangular section that sticks out.
“I have so much to learn.”
“Only if you’re interested. Most of it isn’t necessary if you’re just riding once or twice for fun.”
“Your passion ignites mine,” I rasp.
Her throat works with a thick swallow. “Are we still talking about horses?”
“And everything else you’re passionate about.”
More giggles from the kids knocks Cassidy from her stupor. She blinks and the heat clears from those green depths I love drowning in. “You don’t have to worry about them with Fire. He couldn’t hurt a fly. That trusty Appaloosa is the reason I didn’t quit riding as a kid after a few bad apples almost ruined the experience for me.”
I release a low whistle. “Wow, he must be old.”
Cassidy smacks my abs, the back of her hand bouncing off the muscle. “Rude.”
“We’re the same age,” I drawl.
“Doesn’t mean you won’t trade me in for a younger model down the road.”
“I’d never. You’re it for me, beauty. Even when we’re wrinkled and gray.”
“We’ll see.” She twirls away, disappearing into the tack room.
A wool pad is in her grip, which goes on Leita’s back. I rush to carry the saddle for her and heft it where she instructs. She explains the process to me, but most of the equipment terms and purposes resemble gibberish. That doesn’t stop me from nodding along. Before I realize how efficient she is, both horses are ready to go.
“Question,” I pipe up as we walk our steeds to the arena. Fire allows me to lead him easily, which I appreciate.
Cassidy’s gaze slices across the yard to where Kenzie and Charlie are wrestling with the goats. “Just one?”
“For now. Doesn’t a bridle usually have a bit?” I’m purposefully putting my fresh knowledge to the test.
“Not always. We use hackamores while training.” She points to the curved rope on Leita’s nose. “This keeps her mouth soft. It’s a personal preference.”
“You’re my personal preference.” I dip toward her for a kiss. Instead of a romantic gesture, the helmet she insisted I wear smacks her forehead. “This thing is a menace. Why don’t you have one on?
She rubs at the bump. “I’m a professional.”
“With my penis.”
“You act like we didn’t have sex twice yesterday,” she mumbles.
“Can’t get enough.” I guide Fire into the large ring.
Cassidy shuts the gate behind us. “Keep it in your pants, trouble. You’ll be stiff after this.”
“Already am.”
She hangs her head but can’t hide the humor shaking her shoulders. “Do you want to use a stool to mount?”
“Can’t I mount you? The kids are nearby, but discretion is one of my many talents.”
“Good grief, just get on the horse.”
“Why didn’t you say so sooner?”
“I did,” she laughs. “But chose the wrong phrase.”
“Sex is on your mind again. Such a fiend.” I tsk .
Cassidy rolls her eyes and swings onto Leita in a fluid motion. “You’re on your own.”
“Don’t leave me hanging,” I whine.
“We gonna teach Pinkie Pie the lesson,” Kenzie calls while sliding through the fence boards.
“Good luck,” their mother responds. “He’s a tough student.”
“Hard,” I correct and blow her a kiss.
“Just for that, I’ll let the twins swoop in and steal my thunder.”
My eyebrows reach for the sky. “Is that wise?”
“Are you questioning my methods?”
“Of course not,” I scoff. “But I’m still on the ground.”
“Whose fault is that?” She pecks the air before trotting off.
I wait for Fire to get antsy about being left behind but he stays calm and still. “Guess it’s just us, dude.”
Charlie slams to a halt beside me. “You gotta get on, Rake.”
“How do you suggest I do that?”
“Put your foot in the stirrup.” Kenzie flanks my other side, pointing at the targeted spot.
“Seems easy enough.” I lift my boot.
The little girl squeaks. “Wrong one.”
I switch, managing to balance thanks to Fire’s patience. “Now what?”
Charlie frowns. “Do you need a boost?”
“Hoist yourself up, trouble. Use the horn for leverage,” Cassidy explains from across the arena.
The action breaks into simple steps. I stretch for the braided rawhide post, getting a sure grip. My pulse quickens as I launch upright and climb on. There’s no reason to fear. Fire stands like a distinguished gentleman while I bumble through getting myself astride his back.
“You did it!” Kenzie claps.
Charlie gets my right boot tucked into the stirrup. “M’kay, you can go now.”
“Just like that?”
Cassidy pulls Leita to a stop. Her stare is locked on me, roving over my flimsy attempt at playing a cowboy. There’s no disguising the desire smoldering in her eyes. A blast of warmth envelops me and sweat prickles my scalp. The blistering sunshine isn’t to blame.
“Are you good?”
“Couldn’t be better.” I relax my pose, the leather creaking beneath me.
“I wouldn’t have wandered off if I didn’t trust Fire to go nice and easy on you.”
“Don’t forget Mac and Cheese.” I hitch a thumb at the pint-size horse whisperers.
Kenzie huffs, crossing her arms. “Mommy, we’re the boss. You said we can tell Pinkie Pie what to do.”
Cassidy presses her lips into a firm line to trap a laugh. “If that’s okay with Drake.”
“As if I’d say no.” I chuckle, but the humor is strained. “Will you stay close, beauty?”
“Are you scared?”
“No,” I scoff.
“Good. You’re in very capable hands.”
“Am I?”
A snarky brow quirks at me. “Who do you think they learned from? Besides, what’s the worst that can happen?”
My brows spring upright. “I thought we weren’t supposed to say that.”
“This is different.”
“How so?”
“Buttons.” Her tone teases me.
“I see your point.” My palm cups around my mouth to muffle what I say next. “But they’re only five.”
She gets the message, shrugging the concern off. “They started riding at eighteen months.”
“Really? Wow. That’s early.”
“Advanced equestrians,” she praises.
“We’re the bestest,” Charlie boasts. “You gotta listen to us, Rake.”
“Just walk today,” Cassidy interjects. “Focus on your seat and getting acclimated in the saddle. Learn how to steer. Control the direction. Fire will go where you choose or wait for the next move. Take your time.”
I shift my ass that’s already half asleep. “Got it.”
“Don’t kick him too hard.” Kenzie wags her index finger at me.
“Why would I do that?”
“To make him go faster.” Charlie rolls his eyes as if I’m not catching on quick enough.
“Maybe we should shake a bag of treats for Fire,” the little girl suggests.
“And then he’ll chase after us like suuuuuper fast.” Which the little boy demonstrates by running in place.
“Yes!” The twins giggle, which sounds too much like a diabolic cackle for my liking.
“I’m fine standing,” I admit as Cassidy’s warning returns to haunt me.
Charlie smooshes his lips to one side. “You gotta walk. Mommy said. I’ll hold the reins and lead you.”
“Me too!” Kenzie grabs the excessive slack I haven’t picked up. “Ready?”
“Yup.” My response is far more confident than the drum pounding in my veins.
My chauffeurs set us in motion. The slow rock of Fire’s gait tips me forward at first. I overcorrect and lurch myself backward. This might be considered a strike but I’m still swinging for a home run. The horn anchors me, stabilizing my position. There’s a shift where the riot in my bloodstream calms to a dull roar. Our steady pace begins to feel natural. It’s a consistent sway that lulls me into a sense of safety.
“I’m doing it.” My fist pumps the air.
“Don’t let go,” Kenzie scolds.
“Whoops.” But I’m starting to realize a death grip on the horn isn’t necessary. My posture deflates, allowing the seesaw stride to swing me. “I could get used to this.”
“Let’s play Mac and Cheese Says,” Charlie chirps.
“What are the rules?”
“Just like when you do whatever Simon says, but we’re Mac and Cheese. Duhhhh,” Kenzie giggles.
“I’m game.”
Charlie exchanges a blank look with his sister. “No, the game is Mac and Cheese Says.”
“Right. Go ahead,” I laugh.
Kenzie taps her chin. “Mac and Cheese says to tap your head.”
I knock on my helmet. “Now what?”
“Mac and Cheese says to stretch out your arms,” Charlie instructs.
“But Mac told me not to let go,” I remind.
The little girl huffs. “We weren’t playing then.
That logic is sound enough for me. My pose resembles an airplane as I follow orders. “Like this?”
The little boy nods. “Now zoooooooom like a jet.”
“Nah-uh.” I wag my finger. “Cheese didn’t say, ‘Mac and Cheese says’ first.”
“Oooooooh, he’s smart,” Kenzie whispers.
Charlie thumps his forehead. “I did a booboo. Mac and Cheese says to zoooooom like a jet.”
My lips buzz together with the imitation. “Time for takeoff.”
Kenzie’s laughter increases in volume. “Mac and Cheese says stand on the saddle!”
My butt stays rooted to the seat. “I think we’ve lost sight of my skill level.”
“Chicken,” the little girl teases.
“Cluck, bawk, cluck,” I squawk.
“You’re sooooo funny.” Charlie squints while contemplating the next directive. “Mac and Cheese says pretend to a lasso a cow.”
I spin my wrist overhead before launching a fake loop. “Got ‘em!”
“Look at you go,” Cassidy shouts. “You’ll be running barrel patterns in no time.”
Which is what she’s doing. My focus tracks her loping Leita in the cloverleaf formation. Their speed isn’t extreme, just an effortless stroll to showcase their joined talent. It looks like they’re flying across the dirt to the next obstacle. How Cassidy claims they’re not meant to be a forever team is unbelievable. The proof is on display in front of me.
I get lost watching them. It’s a mesmerizing performance. A connection I can see bonded between them. If I’m only certain of one thing, it’s that Leita is meant for Cassidy.She can’t sell that horse.
“You loooooove my mommy,” Kenzie suddenly coos.
I smile at the observation, but don’t shift my attention from the destined pair. “Is it that obvious?”
Her head snaps up and down. “There are hearts in your eyeballs.”
“That’s a cool trick.” I widen my peepers for everyone to see.
Charlie slams on the brakes and Fire takes the cue to stop as well. “Mac and Cheese says to go on a date with Mommy.”
“Only if you two join us,” I amend.
Kenzie wrinkles her nose. “But that’s not romantical.”
A chuckle shakes my upper half. “What do you know about romance?”
“It’s for grownups. They hold hands and get married and live happily ever after.” She exhales, a dreamy glint in her eyes. “I’m too young to have a boyfriend.”
“Girls are yucky,” Charlie adds.
“Romance is for adults,” I agree. “You can be our chaperones to make sure we don’t get into trouble.”
They nod in unison, liking the idea. Kenzie says, “Mommy shouldn’t get home too late. She hasta tuck us into bed ‘fore it’s dark.”
“Early dinner. We can eat at my restaurant.” Calling Roosters a bar in this situation doesn’t feel right.
“You’ve gotsa restaurant? Coooooool.” Charlie gazes at me like I ordered him an unlimited supply of chicken nuggets.
“I’ll give you the VIP treatment.”
“What’s a VIP?”
“Very important person,” I inform. “You’re my VIPs. Your mom too.”
“VIP, VIP, VIP,” they chant.
“What are you three plotting over there?” Cassidy’s lyrical voice reaches us on the breeze.
“Nothing,” we respond in harmony.
I wink at my fellow schemers. “It’s a date, Mac and Cheese.”