Page 12 of Rugged Mountain Man
“Part of it,” I say, watching her as she takes it all in. “It’s where I keep my horses during the off-season. Camp’s mostly for summer guests running pack trips.”
She turns to me, her brow furrowing slightly. “You take people out into the mountains?”
I nod. “Tourists. Hunters. Sometimes researchers. They come here thinking they know the wilderness, but most of themwouldn’t last a day without the horses or a guide.” I pause, letting my gaze drop to her. “You included.”
She rolls her eyes, but the corners of her mouth twitch with a smile. “I wasn’t exactly prepared, okay?”
“No kidding.” I gesture toward the stable. “Come on. I’ll introduce you to the ones who really run the show.”
The scent of hay and leather wraps around us as we step into the stables. The horses whinny softly, their breath fogging the cool air. Sadie walks slowly, her fingers brushing over the stall doors as if she’s afraid to disturb the peace.
“They’re beautiful,” she whispers, her voice full of wonder.
I stop at Clover’s stall and nod toward the pregnant mare. “This one’s due in a few weeks.”
Sadie steps closer, her hand hovering over Clover’s side. “Can I…?”
“Go ahead,” I say, leaning against the stall door. My eyes follow the way her hand moves, gentle and tentative at first, then firmer as Clover leans into her touch. “She likes you.”
Sadie glances back at me, her smile soft. “She’s incredible. You must love working with them.”
I shrug, trying to keep it casual, but her enthusiasm is contagious. “They’re honest. Reliable. Don’t take much to make them happy. Just food, water, and respect.”
“Sounds nice,” she says, her tone wistful. “Simpler than… everything else.”
The way she says it makes my chest tighten. “You think you could handle this kind of work?”
Her head tilts, her lips quirking. “Me? With horses?”
“Why not?” I say, stepping closer. “You’re staying a few more days. And I need some help. My stable hand just came down with chicken pox believe it or not. Might as well make yourself useful.”
She laughs, shaking her head. “I wouldn’t even know where to start.”
“Good time to learn.” I gesture to Clover. “Start here. You’ll feed her, brush her, keep her comfortable. Simple stuff.”
She hesitates, chewing on her bottom lip—a habit that’s quickly becoming a personal weakness of mine. “I don’t know…”
“Sadie.” My voice drops, and her eyes snap to mine. “You said you needed clarity. This? It’s as clear as it gets. Just you, the horses, and the work. No distractions.”
Her gaze wavers, like she’s trying to find a reason to say no but can’t. Finally, she exhales. “Okay. I’ll try.”
I nod, keeping my expression neutral even as satisfaction rolls through me. She doesn’t know it yet, but this is the first step to keeping her here. To keeping hermine.
“Good.” I straighten and gesture toward the rest of the stables. “Come on. I’ll show you the rest.”
As we walk, her questions come rapid-fire—about the horses, the pack trips, the cabins. She’s curious, eager, and every answer seems to pull her further into my world. By the time we finish the tour, there’s a flush of excitement on her cheeks that makes my pulse quicken.
“This is amazing,” she says, turning to me as we step outside. “I mean, I have no idea what I’m doing, but… I think I could get used to it.”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut. She has no idea how much I want that—how much I want her here, with me, for good.
“You will,” I say simply, my voice rougher than I intended. “And don’t worry—I’ll make sure you’re ready.”
Her brows lift, her lips curving into a playful smile. “Is that a promise?”
“It’s a fact,” I say, letting a small smile tug at my mouth. “Now come on. You’ve got work to do.”
As she follows me to her cabin for the night., I can’t help but think: She doesn’t know it yet, but this place? This life? It’s already hers. She just has to realize it.
