Chapter Three #2
The Willow Peak Stables are between The Branch Haven and the Willow Chalet.
There’s a corral in the front of the barn and an area behind it with horse rails for the guests to saddle up before they go riding.
They’re required to go with a tour guide, so there’s always staff and ranch hands walking around the area, but guests are free to ride whenever they want within riding hours.
The other horse barn is on the ranch side where we board other people’s horses. Some are for racing or show, but the majority are personal horses for people who live in the city or don’t have land to keep them.
It brings in a good chunk of extra income but can be a pain in my ass in terms of paperwork and sending invoices.
Since my office is located at the stables, that’s where I spend most of my time, although I go back and forth as needed.
“Uh…Warren?” Bodie’s hesitant voice grabs my attention, and when I look at him with the tack in his arms, he’s staring at the doors.
“What is it?”
The spell finally breaks, and he blinks. “It’s…Maisie, I think?”
He hasn’t seen her since he was fourteen, so I’m not surprised he’d be hesitant.
My gaze darts to where he was transfixed a moment ago, and sure enough, there she is, looking like a lost puppy as she scans the area for me.
I’m hunched down on the other side of Priest where he’s cross-tied in the aisle, so she can’t see me, but I can see her .
“What’s she doin’ here?” Bodie murmurs, tossing the saddle blanket over Priest’s back.
I lower my body so she’s no longer in my view. “She showed up at my house last night, but I sent her away.”
He doesn’t need to know the specifics either.
“Does she wanna reconcile?”
Blowing out a stressed breath, I shake my head and keep my voice down. “No, she wants a divorce.”
His eyes widen to saucers, and it’s then I realize how many people don’t realize we’re still married. To be fair, it’s not like I announced it either.
“Warren?” she calls out.
“He’s over here!” the traitorous asshole shouts.
“What the fuck, man?” I hiss, standing to my full height.
He doesn’t respond, but the wicked grin across his face tells me everything I need to know.
He wants to witness this shit show front and center. He’s as much a gossip as Landen.
“What’re you doin’ here?” I bark once we make eye contact.
She licks her lower lip before coming toward me, and it’s then I notice her outfit.
“What the fuck are you wearin’?” My eyes scan down the length of her in a pantsuit and heels. The complete opposite of what you should wear inside a barn.
Her eyes lower to her brown blazer and navy blue dress slacks.
“It’s casual chic,” she says as if I should know what that means.
I snort. “If you say so.”
“Never mind my outfit. We need to talk.” She puts her hands on her hips as if that’ll make her look more intimidating .
“Too bad, I’m workin’.” I make a show of attaching the saddle to Priest’s back and then grab the rest of what I need so I can leave.
“I’m here for two weeks, Warren.” The bite in her tone makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up. “Which means I’ll continue showin’ up and buggin’ you until we discuss our divorce.”
“Hard pass.” I continue what I’m doing without making eye contact, but she pushes herself between me and the horse, forcing me to take a step back at her proximity.
“Or you can sign the papers now and I’ll get outta your hair.” She raises a brow, crossing her arms.
Pinching my lips to the side, I pretend to contemplate her offer. “Temptin’, truly…but I’m gonna have to go with no .”
“Goddammit, Warren!” She hisses between her teeth. “Why do you make me be mean to you?”
“It’s my kink.” Shrugging, I wink before I untie Priest and guide him away from her.
“You’re seriously gonna leave right now?”
“I’m workin’, Maze!” I face her, my neck getting hot. “Did you expect me to drop everythin’ for you? I can’t just take a break because you finally returned after seven years.” My words come out harsh, but I can’t seem to stop the anger from pouring out.
“Fine. Let me go with you and we can talk while you”—she waves her arm toward Priest—“do whatever you’re doin’.”
“You’re gonna ride in those atrocious heels?” I raise a challenging brow.
“There’s extra boots in the tack room,” Bodie blurts, and I avert my gaze to his, hoping he sees the daggers I’m shooting at him.
“That works for me,” Maisie says .
“Fine,” I spit out between clenched teeth. “But you better keep up. I’m headin’ north to check the fence.”
“This ain’t my first rodeo, cowboy.” She plants her hands on her hips. “I’ve been on horses plenty of times before.”
“Coulda fooled me,” I say, scanning my eyes down her outfit again.
“Yes, I know I’m not dressed for it, but that doesn’t mean I can’t do it.”
I shake my head, taking the boots from Bodie when he brings them over. “As long as you don’t complain about ’em gettin’ dirty or some shit.”
“I’m not the stuck-up city girl you think I am. I can handle it.”
I nod toward the stall behind her. “Lean back and gimme your foot.”
She furrows her brows until I’m kneeling in front of her, motioning for her to lift a heel.
When she does, I pull off her shoe and slide on the boot, then stare up at her while she watches me tighten the strings.
She swallows hard when we don’t break eye contact. “I coulda done this myself.”
Instead of responding, I finish that boot and then set it down.
“Next one.”
Licking her lips, she lifts her other foot, and I go through the same process. Except this time, I keep my eyes transfixed on hers while my fingers do the work.
There’s a thickness in the air and it’s not from the dust blowing up.
“How do they feel?” I ask once both feet are on the ground.
She shifts from side to side. “They’ll do.”
I stand and find a horse for her to ride .
“This is Lilith,” I tell her, shifting my gaze to Bodie, who’s shaking his head at me for giving her the demon horse. “Do you remember how to put on a saddle?”
“I’m sure I’ll figure it out,” she bites out.
Bodie returns with more tack, and we watch as she fumbles her way through attaching it. Every time she attempts to put the bit in Lilith’s mouth, she gets nipped.
“Should we help her?” He leans over and whispers.
“Nope,” I pop out the word, keeping my attention on her.
“I thought you were in a hurry,” he muses, and I nudge him with my elbow to shut up.
A few other ranch hands walk around, giving us weird looks, but I subtly shake my head for them not to ask.
Another five minutes go by before I take pity on her.
I spin my ball cap around and murmur in her ear, “Need an assist?”
She jumps at the sound of my voice.
“Jesus. You scared me.” She blows out a breath. “Yes, I-I can’t remember all the steps. I think I put the reins on backward.”
Instead of gloating that she needs my help, I talk her through the rest of the steps and double-check everything before she climbs on.
“Good?” I ask, handing her the reins.
She wiggles in the seat and nods. “I think so.”
“Great.” I pet Lilith before jumping on Priest. “Let’s go.”