Page 15 of A Cowboy Takes A Chance

“Hey, don’t be doing that shit here. Go home and do it,” he told them.

“Can we?” Willa asked him, smiling.

Jaxon grinned. “No. He has work to do today.”

“How’s your hip after yesterday?” Devin asked him.

“I’m all right. Why?”

“I can take the trail ride, and you can supervise work.”

“I’m good, Dev.”

“Okay. They should all be here in a little while. I saw a lot of them having breakfast in the lodge.”

Jaxon pulled the clipboard off the peg and looked at the list of names, but he didn’t see Presley’s anywhere.

“There are only six going on the ride.”

“That might change by the time breakfast is over. They’ll be talking to see who is doing what.” Devin grinned.

“I need to get to the office. You two have fun today.” Willa stood on her toes and quickly kissed Devin on the lips then she walked to Jaxon and hugged him. Giving a little wave, she walked away.

Jaxon cleared his throat when Devin kept his eyes on her. Devin turned to look at him and smiled.

“What?”

Jaxon shook his head. “You got it bad.”

Devin laughed. “Yep. I won’t deny it.” He tilted his head. “Isn’t it time you found someone?”

“You know that’s not going to happen. Besides, what woman wants to look at my leg?”

“Oh, I don’t know. A woman who wouldn’t care about it. A woman who would think it’s a part of you, and she’ll take all of you.”

“Hell, when did you get so philosophical?”

“When I fell in love.” Devin slapped him on the back. “Like you should do just as Bethany wanted you to.”

“Not interested. Here they come.” Jaxon jerked his chin toward the open barn doors. People entered the barn and walked toward the two men. He was a little disappointed when he didn’t see Presley.

“If you haven’t signed up for the two-night camping trip for Thursday, there is still time. There is no limit to how many can go,” Devin said to them. “If you’re working the ranch, you can follow me. Jaxon will be taking the trail ride today.”

Jaxon watched as some people followed Devin and then looked at the people in front of him. Bett stood there, smiling at him.Damn. What was it going to take to get her to get it through her head he wasn’t interested?

“All right pick your horse. We have them saddled, and once you’re in the saddle, we’ll get the stirrups adjusted. Is there anyone who hasn’t been on a trail ride?” When no one said anything, he continued. “Good. This is a short ride. Just an hour round trip, so when you get back, you can do whatever you want for the rest of the day. Also, anytime you want to go into town for shopping or just to look around, let someone know, and we’ll get directions for you. If you don’t have a GPS, we can supply one for your vehicle. And in case some of you didn’t read the brochures, there are several excursions into the towns during the week.” He glanced around at them. “Any questions?”

“Am I too late to join the ride?”

Jaxon’s heart flipped when he heard Presley ask as she entered the barn and he couldn’t stop the grin.

“Of course not. Let me get another horse. Everyone else, mount up, please. Jose? Please help them with the stirrups,” he told one of the ranch hands then he grabbed some tack to get a horse for Presley. Suddenly the day seemed brighter, and it pissed him off.

Chapter Five

Presley smiled as she followed Jaxon into the stall. She told herself this morning she wasn’t going on this ride but seeing him smile when she asked about joining had been worth it. Last night she’d told herself over and over not to be near him. Go with Devin on trips or just stay around the cabin or pool. But this morning when she woke up and saw how beautiful it was after the rain from yesterday, she wanted to go and spend the day with Jaxon. Well, at least be around him.

“You’re sure it’s all right to add me?”

---