Page 39 of Spencer and the Younger Girl
“I’m Gabe,” the boy said.
Hadley studied him. He couldn’t be much older than her. “Hadley.”
“Ah, the delinquent who is working with us.”
She blushed. “Not so much a delinquent.”
He grinned, one dimple appearing in his cheek.
“Gabe,” Spencer barked. “Stop flirting, and go saddle Darla for Mrs. Carlisle.”
“Aye, already done, grumpy Spence. Y’all heading out to the back pasture? I saw a truckload of wood being delivered up that way.”
Spencer led the horse toward them. “We are. Can you handle things here?”
“As if there’s any question about that.”
Spencer didn’t crack a smile. “When Travis and Ryan show up after class today, you can come help us.”
Gabe saluted and turned back to help someone who was trying to saddle their horse.
What was it about horse-people and their morning hours?
Spencer tugged the horse’s reins, leading him from the barn.
“All right, up you go.” He gestured to the horse.
Hadley shook her head. “No, dude.”
“Toby doesn’t bite.”
“Toby? I thought your horse’s name was Harbinger.”
His expression darkened. “You are not to go anywhere near Harbinger. You get that?”
“Yeah, chill, man.” She dug her hands into her pockets and rocked back on her heels.
“Come here.”
She did as he asked, approaching him.
He cupped his hands. “Put your foot in my hands and grab the horn of the saddle.”
“The what now?”
He rolled his eyes. “The piece of the saddle at the front that sticks up.”
“Whatever you say, chief.” She planted her foot in his hands and tried to pull herself up. “Ugh, it’s no use.”
“I’m going to give you some more lift.”
“That sounded dirty.”
“No.” He shook his head. “It really didn’t. Ready?”
She nodded.
But she was so not ready. The force of him lifting her threw her off balance, and instead of swinging her other leg over the saddle, her entire body flew over.
