Page 32 of Beautifully Broken Pieces
“I wish you’d just let me take the golf cart.”
“I’m a cop. I’d have to arrest you for driving without a license.”
“Who knew I’d raise a grandson that would turn out to be a narc.”
All I could do was chuckle.
16
Taylor
Ahorn sounded from my driveway, and I slid my lip gloss into my clutch. Ready to go. I grabbed my keys off the hook by the door and headed out.
Jensen let out a wolf whistle through her rolled-down window. “Girl, you lookhot! Ready to meet some of the local talent?”
I grinned as I opened the SUV’s door and hopped inside. “You know it.”
Jensen executed a flawless three-point turn, saying, “I’m driving us there but leaving my car. Bryce said he’d drive us home.”
“Bryce, huh?” I knew there was love brewing there.
Jensen’s cheeks pinked. “We’re dating. God, it still feels weird to say that. It’s pretty new. I haven’t introduced him to Noah as a boyfriend or anything.”
“He’s definitely sweet on you.” Warmth filled my chest. I was happy that Jensen had someone who made her blush at the mention of his name. “This also means I get my pick of all the guys tonight. You really are the perfect wing-woman.”
She chuckled. “You’re so lucky to have me in your corner. And since I’ve lived here my whole life, I know everyone’s dirty little secrets. I’ll pick you out some winners.”
“You’re an angel sent to Earth just for me.”
“You know it. I may not be looking to hook up, but I am looking to have a couple cocktails. I even wrangled Walker into feeding my horses in the morning so I don’t have to get up early.”
“Your horses?” I’d seen various horses in the fields as I drove between my cabin and the ranch house but hadn’t thought much about them. They were pretty to look at, but as a vertically-challenged person, climbing on top of large creatures and galloping at top speeds didn’t really appeal to me.
Jensen’s eyes lit with a passion and love I’d rarely seen. “Haven’t I told you? I have rescue horses.”
“Rescue horses?”
“Yup. There is a herd of wild horses not far from here, but sometimes, horses need to be brought out of the wild for health or injury reasons. I take them in. I help rehab them if I can, and I’ve even trained a few to be ridden.”
“Wow. That’s amazing. How many do you have?”
“Right now, twenty. But I may be getting another in a few weeks.”
“Twenty horses? Who helps you take care of them?”
“Dad lets me mooch some of the ranch hands for the real labor-intensive work, but I do most of the daily stuff myself.” She drummed her fingers against the steering wheel to the beat of the country tune on the radio. “Well, with Tessa’s help.”
“She helps you take care of the horses?”
Jensen grinned. “She’s a wisp of a thing, but she’s a hard worker.”
“She’s really kind.” I flashed back to Tessa’s gentle comfort during my panic attack.
“The kindest.” Jensen’s face grew serious. “I don’t know her story, but someone hurt that girl. She came to Sutter Lake about a year ago and applied for a job at the Kettle. Barely said two words in the interview, but I couldn’t say no. She lives above the shop and helps me with the horses as her rent payment.”
My stomach pitched at the idea of someone hurting Tessa, but the pieces seemed to fit. “I’m glad you gave her a place to stay.”
“Me, too. She has a special way with the horses, especially one that was hurt real bad. They bonded when no one else could reach the mare. Tessa nursed her back to health.”
