Page 34 of Ropers Can't Tie Knots
I can’t deny that I enjoy having someone here. Sharing meals, brewing extra coffee in case he wants to take a mug to work, and even answering my random questions when I’m stuck with my crossword puzzle. Gabe just fit right in, even when I didn’t want a roommate.
I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like the guy. But Gabe makes me think too much about the what ifs for the future, and that scares the fuck out of me. I want to keep him around, but what happens after a year? We’re just friends with benefits? Would the benefits even continue? Because as much as I’ve wanted more of him after our first few months of fake married bliss…I wanted more of him away from that.
“Can I help?”
Gabe’s soft voice draws me from my thoughts, and when I turn, he stands in the doorway looking like the most delicious of country boys I’ve ever seen. If he couldn’t see me, I’d bite my knuckle over his level of hotness.
Gabe has the best brand of boots. I can tell just by looking at them, and I’m happy he spent wisely. His jeans are still so blue they’ll probably bleed in the wash, and his shirt is a faded red with the image of a hot sauce bottle on it and the phrase, ‘Hot Stuff,’ stretched across his chest. Which I agree with because the ball cap alone suits Gabe more than any custom-tailored suit could.
“You bought a pair of boots. How do you like them?”
Smooth. Compliment his boots. I’m such a jackass.
“I haven’t worn them much, but I got the rounded toe ones because they looked more comfortable? I think?”
“They’re very comfortable.” I clear my throat and motion for him to say hello to Mack. Gabe’s soft smile as he cautiously approaches Mack is everything, and he seems more comfortable than last time. Mack even stretches out to him with a soft nicker, and I raise an eyebrow.
“I don’t have anything today, Mack. Can we still be friends?” Gabe pets her head with a fond smile.
What the hell?
“Is there something you’re keeping from me, counsellor?”
Gabe pats Mack like he’s been around horses forever, and he’s definitely not as nervous as the first time. “Since you showed me where the carrots were, I come out every day and visit them. Even Lewis.” When I remain silent, he rushes on. “Is that okay? It’s not bad for them to have a carrot a day, is it?”
“Uh, yeah. I mean no. It’s all fine. It’s…when do you do this that I don’t see you?”
I’m literally out here whenever he could be. How has he done this without me knowing?
He shrugs. “When you’re inside. Usually in the shower or when you’re out at Jackson’s. It’s always different, and you’re never here.”
I honestly don’t know what to think about him doing this. I’m definitely impressed, but I’m also confused and rather than grill him about it right now, I just lead Mack out to where Dixie waits.
After tying Mack, I motion for Gabe to come to the side of Dixie. She does the same thing as Mack and greets him with a snuffle that puts the biggest smile on his face. You can give me gifts, cook me dinner, and any number of things most people would consider a gift, but to love my horse and she shows affection back? There’s nothing to top that.
“You trying to steal my girl, Gabe?”
Gabe dips his head, and Jesus Christ, his neck turns a pinkish shade right there in front of me. What the actual fuck?
“I’d never, Hunter. I just wanted to get comfortable around the animals you spend most of your time with. You said they’re your family, and that’s important. I never thought I’d get to ride one.”
The warmth in my chest has to be because of the late-summer temperature and a lack of water intake. That’s all it is.
“You can’t be married to a cowboy, live at a ranch, and never ride a horse. That’s just not possible.”
Tapping his leg, I point to the stirrup. “Put this foot in the stirrup, grab the horn, then push up and swing your other leg over.”
Gabe nods and tries it. He wobbles a little the first time, but sits in Dixie’s saddle, proud as a peacock in the middle of its harem.
“This is so cool! Can we run? I bet that’s amazing!”
Chuckling, I shake my head. “You need to walk and control a horse before you run with it, Gabe. Let’s work up to that.”
I show him how to hold the reins and explain how to get Dixie to stop or to speed up. “She also knows verbal commands.”
After mounting Mack, I look over at Gabe. He’ll be so sore tomorrow, but judging by his smile, he’ll think it’s worth it.
“You ready?”
