Page 33 of Her Saltwater Cowboy

Rafael borrowed this very horse last year when he was wooing Bella, or so he heard. His cousin had come up here to make his peace with Ace and ended up borrowing two horses to take his love for a ride on the beach.

Unless … maybe that had not been his intention all along. Maybe he wanted something even back then, and making peace with Ace was an afterthought.

“Hmph.” Chance rolled a look across the paddock, where Rafael was working with a hand to check latches on the feed bins and gates. He shook his head, a frown growing on his face. The clipboard tucked under Rafael’s arm—and the worn-down pencil behind his ear—was a sight.

Honestly, though, as a former accountant who had his own old school ways, Chance didn’t really hate it. Wanted to—but didn’t.

He wiped away his frown, replacing it with the most blasé look he could muster.

Truth was, Rafael had been trying. Every movement was measured. Over-the-top efficient. Chance knew he should appreciate the man’s efforts, but he fought it. He scowled at his pigheadedness, but didn’t do a thing to bury the thoughts that kept poking up through the soil of his mind.

It wasn’t that he had a thing against efficiency. It’s just … his teeth were on edge watching Rafael step into his new role and life at the ranch. Jealous? Maybe. Probably not.

Felt more like he was upside down. Disoriented. Too many changes had come to the ranch, and yet nothing had changed at all. Still up early with crows, consuming a heaping hot breakfast after the morning chores, and ending the day with the spectacular “pink” moment that flashed against the Topatopa bluffs at dusk, a memorable way to settle everyone down for the evening.

Speaking of changes, Chance had noticed another one just this morning. That frown slipped back onto his face as he sauntered back across the paddock. He cleared his throat.

Rafael tipped a look up.

Chance crossed his arms in front of him. “That a new rotation you’re testing?”

The sun caught the edge of Rafael’s jaw. He looked out toward the horizon. “Don’t know yet. Adjusted the feed timing for some of ‘em, giving that a try. Ace wants the colts calmer during training. Less bite.”

Chance nodded slowly. “Didn’t know he mentioned that.”

“Over at the house this morning—he said it then.” The words came from Rafael smoothly.

With a brief nod, Chance flicked a glance toward the main house. “Makes sense.”

Rafael tapped the brim of his hat backward. “I’ll loop you in next time.” He paused. “Didn’t mean to leave you out.”

Chance cringed. First, Ace, now this kid considered him an afterthought to the ranch’s plans.

He dug the heel of his boot in the dirt. Or maybe Rafael meant that response as an olive branch. A person didn’t do that unless they thought they had offended someone.

“Appreciate you looping me in,” he said, his tone flat.

Rafael didn’t say a thing. That was almost worse.

He’d barely taken four long steps before a pair of familiar voices reached his ears, one of them, especially, landed like a soothing balm. Willow and Bella wandered to the paddock and leaned over the sides, their arms dangling.

“Hey, boys.” A familiar notebook hung from Willow’s fingers over the rails. He couldn’t remember where he’d seen it before, but knew he had.

“Come have some scones,” Bella called. “You need your strength!”

Chance rolled his eyes, but dutifully approached, wiping his hands on his jeans.

“Are we interrupting anything?” Willow called out.

“Not at all.” Rafael joined them at the rail. “We were just about finished.”

Chance said nothing, but allowed his gaze to rest on Willow, her lips curved in a half-smile that tugged at him somewhere beneath his ribs. The glow in her cheeks did something too.

“We were promised snacks.”

Bella laughed. “Of course!” She handed them each a scone wrapped in a napkin. “We come bearing carbs—Willow made ‘em.”

Willow lifted the notebook. “And some questions, if you don’t mind.”

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