Page 38 of Fool Me

When I walk her out the door, she seems lighter than when she came in.

“She’s going to develop an even bigger attachment to you.”

I shrug. “I think I’m okay with that.”

After living in the city for the last decade, I forgot how much work owning and working land is. Even with only Muley to take care of, there’s shit to shovel, hoof care, grooming, fence checks, and feeding.

With the she-devil distracted by a feed bowl topped with carrots and Cheerios to keep her happy, I can clean out the paddock, hoping it’s enough to keep me from getting my ass bit again. I pull my shirt over my head, using it to wipe the sweat from my brow before I tuck it into the waistband of my jeans. I’m finishing the paddock with a cautionary glance over my shoulder every ten seconds when I hear the crunch of gravel.

“Shit,” I swear, checking my watch and seeing it’s already seven. I must have lost track of time.

Harlowe’s whistling as she gets out of her car with Echo following right behind her.

I turn to watch her, leaning against the fence and forgetting that I’m in the pen with a biter. That seems to be a pattern, Harlowe making me forget things. It’s only gotten worse sincethat first kiss in the bar. Last weekend, when we were in front of Tips Up, I’d completely lost touch with the fact that this is supposed to be fake, nearly kissing her right there against the beam.

I have to pull my attention away from Harlowe yet again, and when I glance back at Muley, there’s a split second where I see my fate clearly. Still, I try and fail to escape, planting my foot and launching myself over the fence, but I’m not quick enough to avoid the open jaws coming for me.

“Fuck me sideways,” I grumble, glaring at the murder mule, who’s showing her teeth to me in a demented grin.

I rub the spot on my ass where her teeth caught me, pinching the delicate flesh and leaving behind what I’m sure will be another nasty bruise. Even from across the yard, I can see the smile that lights up Harlowe’s face when she catches sight of me. It dulls the sting a little and I return it, giving her a wave.

Her hips sway, and white jean shorts show off her mile long legs as she crosses the lawn. Her blue tank top nearly matches the shade of the Scout parked in my driveway, and her long blonde hair is pulled up into a ponytail.

Harlowe turns heads everywhere she goes, and tonight is no exception. She’s beautiful, tall, and graceful, with a smile that punches you right in the gut.

Echo makes it to me first, bounding up. I lean over and pat his head. “Hey there, bud.”

He sits with his paws right in front of the toes of my boots, politely demanding more ear scratches.

“Well, well, City Boy, maybe there’s still some country left in you after all.” Mischief glitters in her warm eyes as they sweep over me, lingering on my exposed chest just long enough to have me standing taller. When her gaze lifts to mine, her pretty pink bottom lip is pinched between her pearly whites, leaving me emboldened.

“Like what you see?” Is flirting with my brother’s ex-girlfriend smart? Not in the least. Could I stop if I wanted to? No, I don’t think I could.

“I think you owe Muley an apology for all the shit you talk about her.”

“Is that so?” I ask, the sting still fresh on my ass.

“Oh, yeah. Farm chores are working for you.”

I lean against the fence, one boot heel hooked on the lowest railing, pull my gloves off, and cross my arms over my chest. She stops next to Echo, and the wind kicks up, floating her sweet scent toward me—wildflowers and sage. I’m so enchanted by her I don’t notice the sound of hoofs stomping until Satan’s spawn is right next to me.

She bows her head to Harlowe and gives me a little chuff, like a perfect angel. Before I can warn her to be careful, Harlowe’s laughing as she scratches behind Muley’s ears.

“What the hell?” I grumble. “So, it’s just me you hate?”

As if she understands me, the damn donkey swings her head my way, nipping at the air.

“Seems you’re the problem.” Harlowe lavishes the donkey with more attention.

“It would seem that way,” I huff.

“So, are we still getting ice cream? Or was that just a ploy to lure me out here and help you with chores?”

“I promised you a date—you’ll get a date.” I look down at my dusty jeans. “Do you mind if I take a minute to get cleaned up?”

“No, Echo can run for a bit before we go. Take your time.”

“Just be careful. She’s not as nice as she seems.”

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