Sharp Shootin' Cowboy (Hot Cowboy Nights, #3)(61)

Her genuine love and concern for Reid filled her eyes. It also softened Haley’s response.

“I’m not the enemy, Krista. I’m just here doing my job.”

“Are you saying Reid had nothing to do with it?”

“I didn’t take the call as an excuse to come out here, if that’s what you’re thinking, but I certainly could have passed it on to someone else had I wanted to avoid him.”

“So what exactly are you saying?”

“I’m not going to lie to you. It was a coincidence, but circumstances seem to keep throwing your brother and me together. I don’t know what I feel for him, or what he feels for me, but rest assured, I’m not playing games with him.”

“He wants to settle down. He wants to start a family. You don’t strike me as that type.”

That statement cut Haley to the core. “And what type is that?” she challenged. “Someone’s wife? Someone’s mother? Just because I come in a different package doesn’t mean I don’t want those things.”

“People like you are usually more worried about population control than raising a family.”

Krista was right about that. Jeffrey definitely fell into that category. It boggled her mind to know that Reid was so set on the very things that most men avoided—responsibility, commitment, marriage, and family. Jeffrey was pushing forty and had dodged all of it. Hell, he wouldn’t even move in together. “Maybe you shouldn’t judge people based solely on appearances.”

“It’s more than appearances, Haley. You could have had him five years ago. I think you know that. You could probably still have him now, but you’ve left him dangling on the hook. It’s not right to take him for granted like that.”

“What are you saying?”

“That it’s time to fish or cut bait. Either tell him you want him or leave him the hell alone.”

On those final words, Krista spun away.

*

Reid found Haley wearing a frown when he led two saddled horses to where she waited with her gear bag. He was relieved to see it smooth away at the sight of him. He hated this feeling of walking on uneven ground. He felt like that a lot with her. And only with her. He was so uncertain of her, but at least she hadn’t balked at riding alone with him.

She came toward him and reached for the sorrel’s reins.

“Nope. That one’s mine. Bud here’s for you.”

“Bud?” Her eyes widened when he handed her the reins to the behemoth bay. He’d forgotten just how tiny Haley was when he’d picked the draft-cross to carry her.

He grinned. “Yeah, short for Budweiser.”

“You’ve got to be kidding.” Her green gaze tracked upward to the saddle horn that was well above the top of her head and a stirrup that dangled at chin level. “I thought I was riding a horse, not climbing a mountain.”

“Don’t be intimidated. He’s one of the gentlest and steadiest horses on the ranch. If you’re ready, I’ll give you a leg up.” He dropped his reins and turned to help her mount.

“Won’t your horse walk off?”

“Nope.” He shook his head. “He ground ties. Most working ranch horses do. They’re trained to stay put.” Reid squatted and cupped his hands. “Reach up for that horn and be ready to throw your leg over.” He boosted her with ease onto the horse’s back.

“Hello, Bud.” Haley reached down to stroke the horse’s heavily crested neck. “You know, Reid, I feel like I’m straddling a barrel.”

“I can promise he won’t hurt you today,” he said, as he proceeded to adjust her stirrups. “But tomorrow might be another story.”

She gazed down at him with a panicked look. “What does that mean?”

He chuckled. “You’ll be cursing a blue streak the minute you get out of bed and will probably be walking bowlegged for a few days after.”

“Thanks a bunch, Reid. You know, a pony might have suited me much better.”

“Maybe so, but we don’t have any. Ponies are too smart for their own good, and most are mean little bastards to boot. They’re always trying to run roughshod over the bigger horses. It’s that Napoleon complex.”

Haley laughed. “As one of the smaller people on this planet, I can certainly relate.” Her laugh died when she noticed the rifle in his saddle holster. “You’re bringing a gun?”

“Yeah. The ranch abuts thousands of acres of wilderness. You have to be prepared.”

“I can understand bear spray, but I don’t like guns, Reid.”

“The gun’s not going to hurt you. See?” He patted the butt. “It just sits there. I always carry it when I ride.”

She scowled. “I’d rather you didn’t this time.”

“Sorry, Haley. I’m not leaving common sense behind just because it makes you uncomfortable. You can carry your bear spray if you like, but I’m taking my gun. Ready?” She returned a sulky nod but didn’t offer any further protest. “Just keep your feet in the stirrups and the reins in your hands,” he instructed while tying her gear bag to the back of the saddle.

They started out side by side, with Reid pointing out various landmarks around the ranch. Located ten miles outside of the town of Dubois, they were sheltered to the north by the Absaroka Mountains and to the south by the Wind River Range. Although mostly arid terrain, the vistas were breathtaking. They were also blessed with Chinook winds that kept it cool in the summer and melted the snow in the winter. He was proud of the place, but when Haley only made cursory replies to his remarks, he eventually gave up.