Page 13 of Enticed
“In that case, I better take him some coffee too,” I said, grabbing a travel mug from the cabinet and filling it to the brim. It was a bit of a hike to get to the bunk house, so I hopped in the side by side, setting the tray of sandwiches and bananas in the passenger seat and placing the coffee in the cup holder. After dropping off the ranch hands’ breakfast, I proceeded to therescue barn. It was newer and larger than the barn by the main house since it held the rescues, the horses we were training, and the ones that were being boarded. The ranch offered an array of services outside of our racehorse programs, so our barn was always near full capacity.
The barn doors were closed when I pulled up next to Gabe’s truck. Shutting off the engine, I grabbed the two remaining sandwiches and coffee and hopped out. Aside from a few soft knickers, the barn was silent when I walked in. I made my way down the center aisle, looking in each stall, but Gabe was nowhere to be found.
Then I heard it, a high-pitched whinny from outside. I exited the side door and stepped out into the chilly morning air. The sun was just beginning to rise over the ridge in the distance. Gabe was there, in the center of the paddock working with the yearling from the Johnsons’ farm. I observed quietly from a distance as he moved around the horse, going through different exercises. Watching him interact with the colt was mesmerizing. His movements were controlled, yet graceful. He connected with the horse and earned his trust in a way I’d never seen another trainer do.
Eventually, he looked up and caught sight of me leaning against the barn. I offered him a finger wave, and he tipped his hat. After doing one final exercise, he led the horse over to where I stood watching him.
“What are you doing here?” he asked.
“Dad said you were down here, asked if I’d bring you some breakfast,” I replied, producing a sandwich from my pocket. He audibly groaned.
“Is that one of Rae’s famous biscuits?”
“It is,” I confirmed with a chuckle.
“Let me put him up, and I’ll meet you in the loft,” he said, guiding the horse back toward his stall. I took the food andcoffee up to the loft where there was a small lounge and sat at the table. Gabe joined me a few minutes later, removing his hat before sinking onto the chair across from me.
“Thank you for this,” he said, holding up one of the sandwiches. “It sure beats the bag of pretzels and granola bar I swiped from my pantry in my rush to get out the door this morning.” I slid the mug of coffee over to him, and he sighed in contentment. “You’re an angel,” he declared the second before he brought the travel mug to his lips and took a sip.
“Can you say that again?” I asked teasingly as I pulled my phone from my pocket. “I need to record it since I have a feeling you will never utter those words to me again.” He chuckled before biting into his sandwich. “What were you doing here so early anyway?” He usually didn’t get to the ranch until about eight o’clock. He must’ve been here before six this morning.
“Dash is a little skittish and tends to get anxious when there are lots of people around. I knew if I wanted to have a productive session, I’d have to work with him before the ranch hands got here. They’re a rowdy bunch, even when they’re working.”
I was in awe of this man. He was intuitive and compassionate. He saw things others didn’t. That was what made him such an excellent trainer. He was willing to come out here before the break of dawn, when the world around him was still and quiet to work with a skittish colt.
My heart squeezed in my chest. There were so many layers to this beautiful man. After seeing him with his daughter, it was clear he was an amazing father. I could see now why he’d stayed in his marriage for so long. His top priority was Rory and trying to give her the best life he could. According to her, both her parents were happier now than they ever had been together. He was selfless and kind, and damn if that didn’t make him even more attractive.
“I guess it’s a good thing you came back then. Someone needs to wrangle those boys,” I said, trying to ignore the way my skin prickled beneath his gaze.
“I’m surprised you haven’t done that already. Only a good woman can tame a cowboy, and they’re about your age.” The suggestion hung in the air between us, and it felt a little probing, more like a question he didn’t want to ask. It was probably just wishful thinking, and he was simply making conversation.
I snorted a laugh and shook my head. “Jeremiah and Cody are like brothers to me. Besides, I’ve tried dating guys my age. Hard pass.”
His brows tipped up in surprise, and he studied me curiously. “What’s wrong with guys your age?”
“Have you met them?” I asked incredulously. “They all want to be podcasters or YouTubers, and if they’re not addicted to video games, they’re addicted to porn.” Gabe choked on the sip of coffee he’d just taken and coughed several times to clear his throat. I fought to suppress my amusement at his flushed face. Who knew that word would get him so riled up?
“They can’t all be that bad,” he croaked out.
“The rodeo guys aren’t like that, but I haven’t found one yet that’s interested in a relationship. They all just want to smash and dash.”
A crease formed between his brows. “Smash and dash?”
“I believe your generation called it something else,” I replied, tapping my finger on my chin as though trying to recall the phrase. “Ah, yes, hit it and quit it.”
He chuckled. “Okay, smartass.” I laughed too, enjoying our easy banter. “I take it that’s not what you’re looking for?” I shook my head. Hookup culture wasn’t for me. I needed to feel a connection with someone, needed to trust them before I let them into my body.
“Whatareyou looking for?” he asked, and I could almost swear there was a hint of intrigue in his tone.
“Companionship. Loyalty. Someone I can laugh with. Someone who respects me and shares my dreams. Someone who values family above all else.” He dipped his head in a subtle nod of agreement. “I want substance, not just a hookup.”
“You’re a lot wiser than I was at your age. It took me nearly a decade longer to figure that out, and by then it was too late. Now here I am, thirty-seven, divorced, and starting over again. At least I’ve got a really awesome kid to show for it.”
“You do. Rory is amazing.” Despite whatever problems Gabe and Celeste had, they’d raised a pretty great kid. “And even though things didn’t go as planned, I think you’re right where you were meant to be.”
A contented smile graced his lips, and a peaceful expression settled over his features. “I think you might be right.”
I just hoped he’d stay this time.
