Page 13 of Seeking Her Studs

But he’s not asking that I take her under my wing. He’s just trying to protect her. And I can’t blame him for that.

“What if she confides in me?”

“You’ll report everything back to us.” Reese steps forward now. It’s clear that Colt just came up with this idea, but I guess Reese has jumped on the bandwagon too.

I roll my eyes. “If Kaylee opens up to me, and that’s a big if, I certainly won’t be reporting her confidences back to you guys.”

“You will.” Colt says with finality.

“Then I’m not doing it.” I shrug and pace towards my suitcase. I know what invasion of privacy means and I’m not subjecting anyone to that.

Briggs steps into my path. “You’ll at least tell us if there is anything dangerous or concerning that her guardians should know.” He looks between me and his brothers like he’s the peace broker we didn’t ask for.

I pause, eyeing the three of them. I can see the genuine concern in their eyes. They care about her so much. It’s sweet. And it also breaks my heart. Because they feel the need to protect her from me. I’m the threat here.

And I don’t blame them for one moment for viewing me like that.

I wonder why my Gram wanted me here so badly. So badly that she even gave the Rile’s instructions on how to take me in, with work orders and everything.

I hate the idea of being under their thumb. I came here to escape everyone controlling my life, and yet here I am, under the control of three men who don’t even trust me or want me here.

The other option is to run back to Los Angeles with my tail tucked between my legs.

But I know that’s not actually an option. I have too much unfinished business here. And running away for five years didn’t miraculously solve any of it.

“Alright,” I say with a sigh. “But as soon as the camper is liveable, I’m moving in.”

“Sooner the better,” Colt says with a shrug.

“Welcome to Rile Ranch, Hollywood.” Reese heads to the door and his brothers follow. “Get some rest now. Your chores start at 6 AM tomorrow at the horse stalls.”

It’s only after they leave me in my room that I realize I should have asked a lot more questions about the whole chores aspect of our deal.

I twist Gram’s necklace in my hand.

I hope you’re at least laughing wherever you are, Gram.

Because I’m starting to think rather than this being her last wish, it was actually her last joke.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Blaire

“That’s what you’re wearing?” Reese scans me from head to toe, likely judging my bare legs and thin strappy sandals. The short black dress I’m wearing might look like a little cocktail dress but it’s actually athleisure and has shorts under it. But he doesn’t need to know that.

“Good morning to you, too,” I say with a smile. “And I’ve performed a double in six-inch heels in an outdoor theatre in the middle of July. I’d just worry about yourself.”

“Preformed a double? What does that even mean?” He shakes his head in confusion. “You know what, never mind. We’ve got to get to work. We’re already running late.” He waves his hand at me to follow him.

He asked me to meet him outside the horse stalls at the crack of dawn, but didn’t bother to tell me the horse stalls have changed locations since I was last here. So if I’m a little late, who’s fault is it? I decide to keep this comment to myself.

Reese unlocks a giant wooden sliding door and ushers me in. I’ve been in horse stalls, but none as big as this one. The morning sun softly lights the long corridor as sleepy horses move slowly, some peaking their heads out to look at us. There must be close to twenty stalls and only some of the horses seem to be awake. It’s surprisingly calm and peaceful.

“Are we riding them?” I ask hopefully. It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden a horse, but since being back in Solace Springs I’ve had an itch to do it again.

“I’ll be doing some riding this morning.” He tosses a pair of work gloves at me. “You’ll be cleaning out the stalls.”

I catch the gloves involuntarily.

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