Page 11 of A Cowboy's Heart

“Hey, Willa.”

Tearing her eyes from Devin, she smiled as she looked up at Rocky. “Hey. Your teacher here says you’re doing well.”

“I like this. I think I’ll buy a horse when I get home. What do you think? I could buy you one too.”

“I don’t need you to buy me a horse, Rocky. I figured you’d like it once you started riding though. I’m going to head back to the cabin and change into my swimsuit. I plan on going to thepool and soak up some sun. Later, gentlemen.”

Rocky nodded and moved the horse along the rail. Starting to walk away, she turned back when Devin spoke.

“Great. Now, I’ll be hard all fucking day thinking about you in a swimsuit,” he muttered.

“Poor you, Callahan.”

She turned and walked away laughing, putting a little more sway in her hips because she knew, without a doubt, he was watching her.

Chapter Three

Devin chuckled as he watched her walk away and he could swear she had a little more sway in her hips when she did. It made him think of something he heard his cousin, Reid, say about his wife, Lucy.I hate to see her go, but I love watching her leave.Now that was the truth. Damn.

He really wanted Willa to have dinner with him. Why wouldn’t she? He wasn’t vain but he knew women liked his looks, he was a nice guy, and he tried his best not to hurt anyone. He could honestly say that the women he’d been with in the past were still his friends.

Blowing out a frustrated breath, he turned to see Rocky staring at him. “Back to work.”

A little while later, Devin knew he needed to give Rocky a break.

“We should quit for the day. I don’t want you to get saddle sore. You did great. We’ll take tomorrow off to give your body a rest then take it up again on Wednesday. I have a trail ride scheduled for that morning, so we’ll start when I get back around seven.”

“All right. That sounds good. I’ll be back here Wednesday then.”

“Be here around six-thirty in case I get back early.” Devin climbed the fence and then jumped down on the other side. “I’ll hold her while you get down. Just swing your right leg over the saddle, hold onto the saddle horn, and step down. Be careful because you’re going to be alittle weak in the knees.”

He watched as Rocky did as he instructed but almost lost his balance when he put his foot on the ground. Rocky laughed self-consciously and looked at him.

“Damn, you weren’t lying. I don’t know if I can walk.”

“I’ll ride you up to your cabin in one of the golf carts.”

“I’d appreciate it.”

“Sure. Stay here and I’ll get it. There is also some liniment in your cabin to use on your sore muscles. Make sure you use it. Everywhere. Trust me, by tomorrow you’ll wish you had if you don’t.” Devin turned away from him.

“Chip,” he called out.

A young man came striding down the aisle of the barn. “Yeah, boss?”

“Put Moondancer up, please. She’s worked hard today so give her some extra oats. I’m taking Mr. Fontaine to his cabin.”

“Understood, boss.” Chip took the reins from him and led Moondancer away.

Devin looked at Rocky. “Stay here, I’ll be right back.”

Rocky gave him a salute and leaned against the fence rail. He chuckled as he ran for the golf cart. They only used them for emergencies but he knew Rocky had to be sore, and a walk to his cabin would be painful. He climbed into the cart, started it up, and drove to the corral. Stopping it beside Rocky, he watched him as he gingerly climbed in.

“Shit. I’m going to hurt,” Rocky exclaimed witha loud groan.

“Yes, but if you use the liniment, it will help. I’ll make sure you have some before I leave. We try to make sure all the cabins have it. If not, I’ll get you some. People are always amazed at how much they use their muscles when riding a horse.”

“I believe it. What are you doing the rest of the day?”

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