Page 6 of When a Cowboy Falls Hard
“He had to be.” Monty rubbed the gelding’s nose and scratched under his forelock. “I got him right before I enrolled in vet school and I practiced all kinds of procedures on him. I kept calling him my patient instead of his name and finally I quit using his name altogether. He became Patient.”
“That’s funny.” She moved closer and stroked the sorrel’s silky neck. “How old is he?”
“Ten.”
“Only ten? How old was he when you were using him as a teaching tool?”
“Four.”
“And he put up with it?”
“You should have seen how tolerant he was,” her uncle said. “I’d come out to shoe the horses and Monty would be in the stall with Patient, poking and prodding every part of that poor horse. Patient just stood there quietly and let him do it.”
“Amazing.”
“Well, I’d give him little treats, a slice of apple or a chunk of carrot.”
“Even so.”
“I also explained to him that he was furthering my education, and with his help I’d be qualified to help other horses stay healthy.” Monty ruffled the sorrel’s light-colored mane. “We were partners, right, buddy?”
Patient snorted.
“Damn straight.” Monty grinned. “Speaking of partners, I’d better get out of your way so you two can get started. If you don’t mind me asking, how are you planning to divvy up the work?”
“I thought I’d steer Zin toward the most cooperative ones for the first visit.” Graham gestured toward Patient. “Like this guy, for instance, and Mila’s horse Sol. Probably Woody and Buzz. That team of your dad’s is so relaxed they fall asleep while they’re getting new shoes.”
“Yep.” Monty chuckled. “I’ve seen ’em do it.”
His soft laughter brushed the tendrils of desire that still lingered, making her shiver. She’d be wise to keep Uncle Graham nearby whenever she was interacting with this cowboy.
“I’m confident she can handle any of them, though.” Her uncle gave her a fond glance. “I’ve seen her in action. She has the touch.”
Her chest warmed. “Thank you.”
“Your worthless boss didn’t know what he had.” He turned back to Monty. “The jerk promised to make her a partner and then gave the position to a guy. I’m guessing he’s prejudiced against women farriers, but his loss is my gain.”
“And ours.”
It was a gallant thing to say and darned if it didn’t make her face heat. “I appreciate the chance to work on your horses. I won’t disappoint you.”
“I’m sure you won’t.”
The warmth in his eyes created squiggles in her stomach. Taking a breath, she focused on her uncle. “Whatcha say Unc? Shall we get moving?”
“We should. Don’t want to be late for lunch.”
“And I’ll vamoose.” Monty gave Patient one last pat. “Let me know if you find any issues.”
“I always do.”
“Then I’m off.” He tipped his hat and ambled down the barn aisle.
She’d always been drawn to the loose-hipped, slightly bowlegged stride of a man who spent a good amount of time astride a horse.
“You like him.”
She slowly turned to face her uncle’s amused expression. “Of course I do. He’s very nice.”
