Page 16 of Nashville Cowboy
He’s trying to help you.
Eve shook her head clear of the memory.
Mr. Mansfield singlehandedly pulled her up with one arm while still hanging on to Holly with the other. “Okay there, doc?”
“Y-yes, I’m sorry. Lost my footing.”
He glanced down. “Sure did. But the good news is this blockage is gone.”
And, there at her feet, was said evidence of Holly’s immense relief. It was a rancid steaming brown pile. Good thing she’d worn her old work boots. This smell might never come out of them.
Later, after Eve cleaned off her boots, made sure to walk Holly around the corral a few times, and packed her truck, she met Mr. Mansfield in the foreman’s office. He sat behind his desk cutting her a check and handed it over.
“Gotta hand it to ya, doc. You’re a little skittish around horses but you did good.”
He thinks you’re skittish aroundhorses.She almost laughed. Almost.
“Thank you. I’m glad I could help.”
“I’ll call you next time there’s a problem around here. Looks like you could use the experience.”
Eve stiffened. It started at her spine and traveled south to her legs. She feared there was about to be some mansplaining following that statement. And maybe he was right. She could use more experience.
In learning how to stand up for herself.
Coward. Mami didn’t raise me this way. She taught me to be strong and work hard. The Iglesiases are hardy. Tough.
Except for her Papi. He was apparently made out of lint.
“My advice is to keep her quiet and let her rest for a few days,” Eve said.
“Huh.” He leaned back in his chair as if he was considering it. “For you, doc, sure.”
“Thank you.” There was so much more she wanted to say to Mr. Mansfield.
Never wait this long to call me again.
Do you realize how easily this could have gone sideways?
But the words felt stuck in her windpipe and that old stone had lodged itself in her trachea.
Chapter 7
It was official. Jackson had heard enough talk about bull sperm to last him a lifetime.
“That damn bull,” Hank said, removing his hat and scratching his temple. “Of all the lousy luck. Got himself a libido problem. Nothing wrong with him otherwise. He’s got the goods. Just won’t give ’em up.”
“Go figure.”
Both he and Hank were riding side by side like they hadn’t done in years. The last time was well before the wedding-day fail. He’d stopped spending time with his father when it was clear that Lincoln would take over the family business. And he was the right choice. Jackson could have worked the ranch as well, but he’d found something else to do. Unfortunately, Hank didn’t particularly like the idea of his second son playing music for a living. It didn’t sound “honorable.”
And at times, it was less than honorable. That suited Jackson just fine.
“Glad you finally got yourself back home.”
“Didn’t think I would?”
“Must admit, had my doubts.”
