Chapter Six
CHAPTER SIX
Much to Karen’s delight and surprise, the sexy cowboy guided her through his barn then across to the paddocks and introduced her to all his horses. When they’d stop to talk, his clear blue eyes seemed to look right through her and she’d feel the flutter of butterflies in her stomach. She never wanted the tour to end, but all too soon they were walking back to her car.
“Thank you, Cade, I’ve had the best time. I just love it out here. Everything’s so peaceful, and these two,” she exclaimed, bending down to pet Jack and Diane, “where do I begin? They’re such a happy pair.”
“They should be. Their only problem is trying to convince me they’ll die if they don’t get a milkbone the minute we go inside.”
“I’m sure. And I bet they manage it every time.”
“Guilty,” he replied with a grin.
“So, uh, what time do you want me here for the lesson tomorrow?”
“How does two o’clock sound?”
“Perfect.”
“Do you have any western boots?”
“Uh, no. Actually, I’m not sure what to wear.”
“There’s a store in town, Luke’s Western Garb. Tell them you’ll be takin’ lessons with me and they’ll see you right.”
“Brilliant. Thanks, Cade. I’m so looking forward to this. I forgot to ask, how much do you charge? I’d like to pay you in cash, if that’s okay.”
“Dammit!” he exclaimed, abruptly raising his eyes.
Startled and following his gaze, she saw Astro and Moon trotting out of their paddock.
“Cade! How did that happen?” she asked urgently. “What can I do?”
“Stay here!”
As he marched away, she stared at the horses and decided she could help. Ignoring his instructions she hastily grabbed a handful of peppermints from her bag in the car, then began running to head them off. But as she passed the house and entered an unfenced field, the ground became uneven and muddy.
A moment later she spotted Cade guiding Moon back into the paddock and closing the gate, but Astro was still trotting around, tossing his head and looking very pleased with himself. As Cade started after him, the gelding changed direction and headed directly towards her. With her pulse ticking up, she quickened her step, only to trip and fall headfirst into the mud.
* * *
Just a few minutes earlier Cade had wanted to call out and tell Karen to return to the car, but shouting could unsettle Astro, or even spook him and cause him to take off. Irritated, he’d kept his eyes on the loose horse, but a sudden movement off to the side caught his attention. Shifting his gaze, he stared in disbelief. Karen was struggling to her feet covered in mud, then slipped and fell a second time. He was trying to decide if he should continue after Astro or hurry across to help her when the the big paint changed course, marched directly over to her and stood stock still. By the time Cade reached them Karen was leaning against the horse to steady herself as she straightened up.
“Are you okay?” he asked as he neared.
“Apart from a bruised ego and all this mud,” she muttered with a sigh. “Good grief. Just look at me.”
“Yep, you’re quite a mess,” he said as he looped the halter over the horse’s head. “You should go into the house and get cleaned up.”
“Uh…I don’t want to be any trouble.”
Though he was tempted to retort, that ship has already sailed, he resisted the temptation.
“My housekeeper did the floors yesterday so just take off your shoes before you go in,” he began. “The guest bedroom has a bathroom. It’s the second door on the right. I’m takin’ this boy back to his paddock.”
“Okay, uh, thanks.”
Annoyed and glancing over his shoulder as he led the big gelding away, Cade saw the beautiful, bedraggled girl making her way slowly to the back door. Though he’d taken her to the paddocks along a gravel path, the fields were mucky from a heavy downpour the day before. She’d ignored him, and now she was paying the price. As far as he was concerned she deserved it.
* * *
After stopping at her car and dropping her dirty sweater on the passenger seat, Karen continued to the back door, tugged off her muddy sneakers and stepped into a cozy, spotless kitchen. Walking carefully across the polished tile to an opening that appeared to lead into a hallway, she followed it to the second door on the right. She was greeted by a cheerful bedroom decorated in yellow and white, and she thought it was a stark contrast to the rugged cowboy with whom she’d spent the afternoon. Moving into the bathroom and staring at her reflection in the mirror, she was shocked by what she saw. Dirt was across her face and in her hair. Chagrined and embarrassed, she washed up, then headed back to the clean, cozy kitchen and found Cade sitting at the table.
“Would you like a cup before you go?” he asked, gesturing towards the coffee pot, a milk jug and a bowl of sugar.
“Thanks, yes, I’d love one.”
Wordlessly rising to his feet, he fetched a cup from a cabinet and set it in front of her.
“How are you feelin”, Karen?”
“Thanks, and to be honest, a bit, uh, embarrassed,” she replied, reaching for the coffee pot.
“It’s been a pleasure meetin’ you, but—”
“You too,” she exclaimed, cutting him off. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt. In spite of falling into that mud I’ve had a wonderful time. And I think Astro likes me.”
“Seems so, and I’m sorry but this has to end here. I’m not the right person to teach you.”