Page 7 of Stick Around,
“Is this normal?” Quinn gestured at Debra, who was still standing her ground, ears flicking back and forth between us all.“Being held hostage by a jealous donkey within thirty seconds of arrival?”
Kellan’s laugh rolled out. “You’ve got no idea the kind of chaos these animals bring. But don’t worry…” He winked at her. “We’re worth the trouble.”
There was an unexpected twinge in my chest at the easy way Kellan slipped into flirtation mode. While he worked his charm, I gently took hold of Debra’s halter. “Come on, girl, let’s go.”
To my surprise, Debra allowed herself to be led away, though she tossed one last suspicious look over her shoulder. Walter yapped from Quinn’s arms as if saying goodbye.
As I walked the donkey back toward the paddock, I caught the sound of Quinn’s laughter.
Animals made sense to me. Their needs were straightforward, and their emotions honest and easy to read. People, though? I’d rather muck out twenty stalls than make small talk.
Behind me, I heard Kellan’s animated voice carrying across the yard, making Quinn laugh again. Words flowed from him like water, while I had to chisel each one out of stone, especially around someone I wasn’t familiar with.
I glanced back at them. Quinn was gesturing with her free hand while Walter remained nestled in her arm, looking content.
Lucky dog.
Chapter 3
Cowboy Buffet
Quinn
Igrabbed my suitcase from the trunk, still mentally recapping the last five minutes of my life. My welcome party had consisted of one tiny, vibrating chihuahua who clearly thought I was the second coming of doggie Jesus; a goat with goofy eyes who liked to escape; a donkey with serious relationship issues; and two hot cowboys.
Welcome to La Cuesta Ranch indeed.
“Let me take that for you.” Kellan swooped in, plucking my suitcase from my hand before I could protest. His fingers brushed against mine, and I felt a little flutter of something I immediately tried to smother.
“I can carry my own bags.” I straightened my spine and reached for my suitcase.
“I’m sure you can.” He grinned, holding it just out of reach. “But my mom raised me better than to let a lady lug her own luggage.”
“Your mom raised you to be a thief?” I quirked an eyebrow at him.
His laugh made me smile. “Only of the finest suitcases and hearts.”
I rolled my eyes but didn’t make another grab for my bag. “Does that kind of line usually work for you?”
“You tell me.” His grin widened as he gestured toward the property. “Come on, I’ll show you around before you get settled.”
I followed him past the main house and a large barn, taking in the ranch with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. I was not an outdoorsy person, and farm animals kind of scared me.
“This is our main lodge,” Kellan announced as we approached a large wooden building with a wraparound porch.
The interior was even more impressive than the outside. There were exposed wooden beams, a stone fireplace that dominated one wall, overstuffed leather furniture that looked sinfully comfortable, and a long dining table that could easily seat twelve.
“This is gorgeous.” I ran my fingers along a reclaimed wood shelf lined with books and horse figurines.
Kellan puffed up slightly. “People love it if your ranch looks like a Pottery Barn catalog threw up in it.”
I snorted. “Marketing genius.”
“Speaking of which...” He leaned against the doorframe, watching me explore. “Mind if I ask what you do for a living? When you’re not, you know, conquering the hobby horse circuit?”
“I teach elementary school.” I braced myself for the usual responses, which either included the ‘that’s so noble’ platitude or the ‘must be nice to have summers off’ dig.
Instead, Kellan’s eyes lit up. “No wonder you handled Debra out there like a pro. Fifth graders, donkeys... same energy.”
