Page 8 of Head Over Spurs

Miles Graham was a tall, slender man with jet black hair now peppered with gray whisps. And while she didn’t share those qualities, she certainly had his piercing blue eyes.

“How was the trip?” Her father looked up from the spreadsheet on his computer screen, his glasses slipping on his nose.

“It was amazing, just a beautiful country. And such a rich culture. You would have loved the woman who ran the ranch too,” she replied, taking a step into the room and sinking into a dark velvet armchair before the desk.

“I’m sure I would, honey.” He turned his attention back to his computer as a notification ding echoed from it. Brow furrowed, lips pursed, he had slipped back into work mode so quickly she had blinked and missed the man she knew.

“I just came by to let you know that I’m heading back out of town today.”

No answer.

She waited, her eyes drifting up to the wall behind her father where a gallery of family portraits hung, all related to the equine center. There was her grandfather with the first horse he purchased, he looked about her age at the time. Next to that was a photograph of her father as a child on his first ride. And it continued on, one family milestone after another.

They looked happy back then.

They were happy back then.

“What was that?”

“I’m headed out for a few months,” she repeated.

“Ah, yes. Argentina. Enjoy. I’m sure it’s going to be beautiful,” he offered, glancing up from his work.

She swallowed down the protest rising in her throat. It didn’t matter if she corrected him, not really. She could be on another continent or just a few hours across the state line. He would still be here, buried in work and not concerned with her lack of presence.

“Thanks,” she replied, offering a tight smile.

The familiar urge to flee was flicking through her limbs. And it was exactly what Maddie was giving her the opportunity to do.

6

JULES

Lifting her gaze upward, she absorbed the sight of the rolling pastures and commanding mountains that fully surrounded her. Every destination was different, but the feeling when she arrived was always the same. The thrill of adventure, the thrum of something unfamiliar and new. Turning up Fleetwood Mac, she didn’t bother trying to hide the smile that filled her face. She was brimming with excitement as she followed the road around the large farmhouse and down to the cluster of barns.

It was early afternoon by the time she arrived, the team nowhere in sight—already out, busy with their day. Climbing out of her car, Jules leaned forward on the open door and took advantage of this moment of solitude to really absorb her surroundings. The cloudless blue sky sparkled above the harsh ridge line that felt unreal. In fact, the whole scene seemed dreamed up.

Reaching back into her car, she withdrew her favorite bone colored cowboy hat complete with a dainty gold chain and turquoise stone band. She’d bought this one in Montana at asmall, local shop that made each hat by hand. They even branded a J just above the band for her. It was the stories that came with the pieces that she loved to collect.

Placing the hat on her head, she turned to find Maddie approaching down the hill. With a wide smile, she took off to meet her best friend.

“I am so glad you are here,” the scrubs-clad brunette called out.

“I am so glad you thought of me,” she replied as they reached each other. Maddie enveloped her in a hug with a huff.

“As if there would have been anyone else that came to mind. This is going to be so great having you here.” She paused and looked around. “First we need to go find your new partner. Once we do introductions, I’ll give you the full tour.”

“Wait.” Jules furrowed her brow. “Introductions? I’m not working with Floyd?”

Her friend shook her head. “Mm, no Floyd is partially retired. Don’t worry though, Riley is just the nicest guy. I just have to find him…”

She halted abruptly as Maddie started off to find Riley.Riley. The name was common enough, but the chokehold it had her in was anything but.

Realizing Jules was no longer at her side, the veterinarian turned on heel and tilted her head. “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” she coughed. “Fine, just surprised.”

“I’m sorry, I really thought I told you about the change back when it happened. You wait here and I’ll bring him over instead.”

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