Page 2 of Buckin' Around

“Absolutely not.” I lean back in my office chair like I’ve earned it. My arms fold over my chest, biceps stretching out the polo shirt.

Glenda frowns. “Just meet with him, he comes highly recommended.”

Him, the guy in reception that facades as a member lounge, is applying to be the trainer for every single person who comes to Silver Valley Equine Lodge. Should they sign up for the classes.

“And he looks like he’s never seen an atom of dirt. The answer is no. I’m not wasting my time with staff who won’t work and only want our name on their résumé.”

My longest standing staffer sighs with a nod.

“We will need another trainer around here, even if it’s a fresh grad. The horses deserve that. Besides, it’s in the contract every paying member signs, remember?”

How could I forget?

I had the displeasure of sitting through the creation of the damn thing. Three days of my life I will never get back.

“I know that, G. I’ll find someone.”

“Thomas leaves in two weeks. How are you going to get someone on such short notice?”

The phone on the desk buzzes, and I pay it a fleeting glance before returning my attention to Glenda. Hell, if anyone had earned the chair I currently sit in, it would be her.

My phone rings.

Stacey.

Stace, if I ignored your messages, that usually means I’m not going to answer your calls, little sis.

“I’ll leave you to Miss Stacey.”

Urgh, it’s like the silver spoon is still hanging out of my damn mouth for everyone to see. My sister’s, too.

I lean forward, tapping decline. “No, it’s?—”

A knock rattles my door.

“Come.” I haul in a breath. What next?

Thomas steps through my door and pulls his hat from his head, holding it between both hands.

I stand. “Thomas, what can I do for you?”

Glenda slips out the door with a forced smile and closes it behind her.

“Ah, I’m wondering if I’m able to move my leaving date forward. The new job had a change of start date. If I miss it, theywill give it to the next guy, or gal, in line. And with the baby on the way, and the move across provinces?—”

I hold up a hand.

“Sure, bud. Take whatever you need. You can’t miss this opportunity.”

Thomas tilts his head, his brows dropping. “You sure, Spence? I’d hate to leave you shorthanded.”

“I’ll cover you. I mean, I’ll find someone. That’s not a problem.”

Thomas straightens, a soft smile pushing up the corners of his mouth. “You got a friend on the circuit, hey?”

“Yeah, something like that.”

Actually, I don’t.