Page 40 of A Cowboy to Call Her Own

And that meant no matter how much Kelley enjoyed Asher’s company, there could be nothing more between them. Even if her heart wished otherwise.

CHAPTER TEN

Asher stood insidethe Blackwell Stables, opposite Pride’s stall, and watched the colt pace in a tight circle. Pride’s muscular frame was too tense and too taut, as if he was preparing not to jump out of the stall but instead bust right through the wall. His ears twitched side to side, refusing to still. His eyes were narrowed. And his tail swish was more like the snap of a whip.

Most of the Blackwell staff were crowded in the stables, including Joe and Joe’s second-in-command, Elliot James. One of the trainers approached the stall, his movements careful, his steps ginger.

Pride bared his teeth and slammed his back hoof against the stall door. The powerful thud vibrated around the stall dividers. The trainer retreated. Pride started up pacing again. Edwina, their longtime stable hand from the filly horse barn, hummed softly and stepped up. Another vicious kick followed. The sound thudded inside Asher. He winced. Every time Pride reacted, Kelley edged closer to Asher.

Elliot took a turn, adding calming words to his approach. Pride pinned his ears back and shook his head as if to stop the grating sound. Once more the colt kicked the stall door. Then again.

Kelley’s hand found Asher’s instantly; her grip was tense, her posture stiff.

Elliot dropped back beside Joe and spoke quietly to him. The worried staff spoke to each other. Their murmurs only seemed to stir up the tension already thickening the air. Pride’s gaze widened until the whites of his eyes were revealed.

Pride wanted out. Yet, the colt was trapped. Nowhere to go to escape. Asher knew something about that. He knew how to run far and fast. And when he eventually did, he ran all the way to New York City.

Pride’s nostrils flared as if he scented the strain in the air. His tail whipped back and forth. The colt snorted, the sound distressed.

Kelley’s fingers tightened around Asher’s as if she was in pain, too. Worry pinched across her face.

Before the next trainer stepped forward, Asher said, his voice low and commanding, “Everyone out.” All eyes landed on Asher. He kept the warning in his words and added, “Now. Leave. Now.”

Joe said, “Asher, I don’t think…”

Asher cut him off. “Look at him. He can’t breathe with everyone hovering. He needs space.” The horse was hurting. The cowgirl beside Asher was hurting for the colt. Asher intended to make it stop. Immediately. He added, “I mean no disrespect. You all tried. Now let me try my way.”

“Pride responded to Asher when Asher first arrived.” Big E set his hand on Asher’s shoulder and said, “I’ll be outside. Holler if you need me.”

Asher gave him a small nod.

The staff all looked toward Joe. Finally, Joe motioned to the door and said, “Let’s give them some space.”

And then it was Asher, Kelley and Pride. The stable was quiet. The horses in the other stalls were still and silent as if waiting and watching.

Pride circled once more, then paused. One forceful shake of his head and the horse exhaled hard and finally stood in place. Asher held the colt’s gaze.

“I think he would feel better if he could run,” Kelley whispered. “That’s what he’s trained to do. It’s what he knows. All he really knows.”

Asher nodded. “Now we have to figure out how to get him out of here safely and to someplace he can run as he wants for as long as he wants.” His words were pitched low. “I can’t move him until he settles. It could be a while.”

“Then we wait,” Kelley said and kept her hand in his.

Asher slanted his gaze toward Kelley. “It could take him all night, given his spirit and stamina.”

“I don’t mind.” Kelley looked at Asher. Her grin was small and wry. “Besides, helping you and Pride gives me a very good excuse for not answering any wedding SOS texts or calls tonight.”

“Aren’t you obligated to answer as the maid of honorandsister of the bride?” Asher said, enjoying the spark flaring in her hazel eyes.

She chuckled. “I think I’ve more than earned a night off.”

Pride nickered.

Asher was not sure what made him happier. Knowing Kelley would be with him longer or the sound the colt made.

Kelley’s eyes widened and she leaned into Asher. “Tell me that was a good noise.”

“I think Pride wants you here, too.”So do I. Yet, Asher knew he should let her go. And he would. Just not yet. He kept their fingers linked and kept his attention on Pride. “I think Pride likes the sound of your voice or perhaps it’s your laugh.”