Chapter Five

April gathered up the lead ropes after taking her horses to the pasture and releasing them. They had sniffed around the couple of geldings, then started grazing as if nothing new had happened over the past twenty-four hours. Despite the dry summer so far, grass still remained and huge trees stood along the far fence, broadcasting plenty of shade to ward off the heat of the unrelenting sun. As hot as it was right now, she knew that it would only get worse in a few hours. Temperatures had passed the century mark most days for the past month.

Her stomach growled, reminding her she’d skipped breakfast in order to arrive early at the stable and that the noon meal came on fast. “What sounds good for lunch?”

Dusty turned toward her, his brow furrowed. “It’s only ten.”

She nodded. “Yep. But I have some errands to run in town. Figured I’d pick up some food and bring it back.”

“Thanks for the offer, but no thanks.” He turned and started back for the stable.

Perplexed, she hurried after him. “What do you mean no thanks? It’s just food.”

He stopped and stared down at her. A severe frown marred his handsome face while intense anger snapped in his brown eyes. “Listen, lady, I don’t know what your game is, but I’m not playing.”

His gruffness hit her like a slap in the face, causing her to bite off each word. “There’s no game. I figured since I was going for food, it would be hospitable to bring you some as well.”

“I can take care of myself. Have for years.” Dusty’s back straightened, his hands tightened on the lead rope in his hand. After taking one more second to glare down at her, he strode forward, long steps eating up the distance.

April sputtered, completely bumfuzzled by the moodiness and abruptness. She’d thought they had bonded a little just a couple of hours earlier. Grumbling under her breath, she made her way back to the stable. “Care to tell me what’s wrong with lunch?”

He swung around with a scowl. “Don’t get any fancy ideas in your head about me, lady. I don’t date, don’t care to hang out with women at all. In fact, the only way I want a woman these days is on the bed with her legs spread for a couple hours of hot and heavy fucking.”

The caustic and crude words shocked her, then fed into her anger. She clung to her patience with steely determination, recognizing his motive of trying to drive her away before she got the wrong idea. Message received. Too bad her stubbornness refused to back down. She loaded and fired.

“First of all, I didn’t have anything in mind besides actually eating and perhaps learning more about horses from you. Secondly, I don’t do one-night stands. As far as I’m concerned, men suck in the relationship department, so why would I want to waste my time?” Hands on hips, she glared back at him, daring him to argue.

For a long moment, he stood silent, but gradually a ghost of a smile crossed his face. “Men suck, huh?”

She narrowed her eyes. “You have no idea.”

“Yeah, I do.” He spun around and ventured farther into the stable.

She bobbed her head in understanding. “So chicken, fish or beef?”

“I said—” His voice increased in decibels.

She waved her hand dismissively. “I’m bringing food. Eat it or not, I don’t care. You might as well choose instead of find something you hate in a bag.”

He pinned her with his gaze before puffing out a long breath. “I’ll pay you—”

“No way. My treat. Don’t complain, just say thanks.” She shot him a quick grin, trying to ease the tension between them.

He paused to look at her for another long moment, then his shoulders lowered and he shook his head. “Chicken and thanks.”

With a winning smile, she walked back out the door. “Was that so hard?”

“Yes,” the word pried itself from his lips.

She laughed and slid into her vehicle.

* * * *

“You and Ben seem so close.” She looked down at the dog resting at his feet.

Dusty bit into his biscuit, chewed and glanced at Ben. “He saved my hide more than once.” The statement slipped out. Immediately he wished the words back as April’s face lit up with curiosity.

“More than once?” She stared at him intently. “He’s a police dog?”

“Military.” He wanted to kick himself for answering, knowing she’d run with the topic.

Her lips parted. “You were a soldier. Afghanistan?” She sipped her drink.

He’d grudgingly invited her into his home when she arrived back around noon with their food. For her thoughtfulness, he couldn’t take the food and send her on her way. Nor could he relegate them to sitting on rough hay bales for the duration of their meal. Instead he’d led her inside, where they plopped down at his small kitchen table across from each other. Close. Personal. A setup made for conversation. Damn it. As much as he preferred to ignore her questions, he found himself answering, although vaguely. “Yeah.”

“Wow.” Her head tilted this way and that. “Come to think of it, you do have that soldier look to you.”

He bristled at the term. “SEAL.”

Her eyes widened all the more. “That explains a lot.”

He arched an eyebrow and took a hearty bite of his mashed potatoes.

“The way you move. Graceful. Confident. It’s hard to explain. It’s like you know everything about yourself and your capabilities and know exactly what’s around you at all times.”

He understood her meaning. Once a SEAL, always a SEAL. Fear registered way down on the priority list and hadn’t cropped up since the war zone. SEALs work through their fear because that’s just what they do, for their team, for the mission. Not to mention the worst the world could throw at him now paled in comparison to what he’d already faced.

Growing up, he’d figured out two things fast. First, he’d always idolized the Navy SEALs and more than anything had wanted to become one. Secondly, wealth possessed its own drawbacks. His father, a prominent lawyer, earned more than enough to keep his family in all stages of luxury. A sprawling ranch filled with purebred cattle and the best quarter horses around made up a small part of the yearly budget. Dusty had fallen in love with the country lifestyle, enjoying each day no matter the weather, no matter the hours. He’d felt at home on the farm, especially with the horses.

Unfortunately, due to his family’s assets, he and his brothers had quickly become chick magnets. Women flocked to them, threw themselves at them, and did just about anything in a bid for marriage and a chunk of the family’s money. Dusty had found the situation humorous until his own particular castle had begun to topple. Women had become an instrument of stress release, until he’d met and fallen in love with Colette. War had taken him away and his relationship had become a casualty by the time he’d returned home. His next conquest had proved the ringer his family warned him about over the years, but he’d been too blind to see.

“Dusty?”

April’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. “What were you saying?” He forked another bite of fried chicken.

She looked at him with softness, respect and caring. His gut clenched in reaction.

“I asked if the military lets all handlers keep their dogs.”

He shook his head. “The dogs may change handlers through their career, until they become too old, injured or unable to do their job. Then they’re returned to the States and made available for adoption. I got lucky. Due to his age and arthritis, Ben became available at the same time I resigned. We came home together.”

As if sensing the topic of conversation, Ben looked up from his soft oversized pillow near the table. Dusty picked a hunk of meat off the bone and tossed it to the dog, who caught the food and chewed with gusto.

“Thank you.” The soft words pulled his attention back to her.

“For what?”

“Your service. The sacrifices you undoubtedly made. For doing what the great majority of people wouldn’t do.” Her blue eyes, full of respect and admiration, met his.

The praise and her expression warmed his heart, but sent up a red flag as well. The last thing he needed was some woman deciding she wanted him badly enough to be forever under his feet and conniving ways to trap him in a marriage. If he ignored her, she’d soon get the hint.

Like she took the damn hint earlier? He’d purposely spat out phrases he’d never used in the presence of a woman before. If his mother had heard him, she’d have had a bar of soap in one hand and a switch in the other. She’d raised her boys to respect woman and show them kindness with manners. Yet he couldn’t think of a better way to throw her off his trail. Unfortunately, instead of sending her dashing off, she now sat across a small table from him, talking about his recent history and bolstering his ego with her easy to read face.

He focused on eating, wanting to hurry up and end this somewhat awkward meal. At least she only pressed a couple of his buttons. Too bad they were his curiosity and his libido.

She cleared her throat and took another drink from her cup. “Have you heard anything about rain?”

He recognized the change of subject for what it was. An olive branch. “Nowhere in the near future. We haven’t gotten anything measurable for three months. Add that in with last year’s dry weather and we’re in a severe drought.”

“That’s going to make it tough, no pasture. The grain and hay prices will soar.”

“They already have.” He cringed recalling the total feed bill from the previous month. This coming month would prove worse, whittling away at his margin of profit. Once he began to sink into the hole, he didn’t have a clue how to dig himself back out. Sure, he could raise the prices to the boarders, but that step would only help somewhat. He couldn’t take on a part-time job as the stable kept him more than busy. Besides, he didn’t dare leave the horses unattended for long. If something happened, he’d never forgive himself. No, he had to stay the course and hope things worked out. They always had before.

“I know things are bad all around. Even the hospital is feeling the crunch.” She spooned a bite of potatoes. “With the economy and lower reimbursements, the hospital is trimming off any and all fat.”

He hadn’t realized health care would be affected. “Layoffs?”

She shook her head. “No. Not yet. Administration says it’s not going to happen. But at the same time, they aren’t replacing those who leave and they’re not hiring anyone new. We just have to make do with what we already have.”

“Just like everyone else.”

“Yeah, I think so.”

She ate for a minute before speaking once more. “Times are hard all over. I wonder what the next big blow will be.”

“There’s always something.”

“The strong survive, though.”

He shook his head, remembering all his fellow military brothers who’d fallen in the line of duty. “Not always.” Finished with his meal, he slurped the soda container empty. “Thanks for lunch.” In a flurry, he gathered up the trash and threw everything away.

April followed suit. “You’re welcome.”

He stopped and eyed her for a long moment. She didn’t deserve his brashness, not when she obviously tried so hard to become a friend. “I’ve got a horse to break. Then, later, I want to handle your filly some more.”

She nodded. “I know you’re a busy man. So I’ll head home, but be back later to help you feed my horses.”

“It’s not necessary. After all, that’s what you’re paying me to do.”

“I want to. Besides, I’ve got a ton of treats to bring over. Can’t run out of snacks for those two.” She met his gaze, turned and showed herself out.

Dusty sighed. Why did she have to be so understanding? So pretty? So accommodating and caring?

He could easily reject a selfish woman. Yet for the life of him, he couldn’t keep up the snarky persona to shove April away. Earlier the hurt on her face had cut him way too deep.

Face it, SEAL. She’s got your number.

With that thought, he left the one-bedroom house attached to the stable and headed for the pasture.

* * * *

“I still can’t believe she’s taken to you so quickly.” April grabbed up a bucket of feed and headed toward the nearest stall.

She’d returned earlier to not only find Mischief and Miracle already in their stalls, but Dusty actually rubbing the filly’s head with soft and tender touches. Amazed, she could have been knocked over by a feather when the filly nuzzled his chest as if asking for more. Her spirit soared seeing the huge step a single day made with Miracle and a man who knew horses like he knew his own body.

“There’s a long way to go. But with a bucket of feed, some space and understanding, she’ll come around.” He carried containers of feed from stall to stall, passing out dinner to the animals.

“You’re amazing. I’ll have to email Lois to let her know. She’ll be thrilled.”

Dusty went about his work, not bothering to comment. Obviously praise made him uncomfortable, judging by the way he clammed up each time she complimented him on a deed. The realization bothered her, but she told herself with time he’d learn to accept some well-earned recognition. She wasn’t going anywhere, nor were her horses.

“Did you hear about the fires down in Madison County?”

“Yeah. It’s a perfect storm. Drought, high winds and plenty of fuel in the form of dried-out pastures and trees.” He headed toward her horses, two buckets of feed in hand. Speaking softly, he slid along the front wall, keeping the grain between him and Miracle. Her ears twitched, but she made no attempt at aggression. Instead she lipped a bite, then dove in once he settled her bucket into place.

“Think it will head this way?” She rubbed Tansy’s nose and held out the bucket so the little foal could eat without having to compete with her mother.

“No telling.”

“Have you ever seen this area burn?”

He shook his head. “I’ve only been here for three years, so I can’t really say.”

She blinked. Since everyone she asked knew Dusty, she’d figured he’d lived there all his life. “Oh, I thought you were from around here.”

“No.”

He didn’t elaborate, which meant she’d stumbled into yet another topic he didn’t care to pursue. Trying to pry information out of this man was like trying to sneak a giant 747 plane down Main Street. Simply wasn’t happening.

“Where did you grow up, then?”

He continued with his chores. “Wyoming.”

“Does your family still live there?” she persisted, but then bit her lip as she saw tension envelop the man. His steps became a bit stiffer, his mouth tightened. She’d definitely stumbled across a taboo subject. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be so nosy.”

He carried one more bucket and re-emerged from the far stall, not bothering to look her direction.

Weight settled on her shoulders. Way to go. He’d started to act friendly, but her big mouth clammed him right up.

She quickly changed the subject, hoping to coax him into speaking once more. “Do you ride your horses much? I’ve seen the saddles, but haven’t seen you ride.”

“Yeah.”

One word answer. Wonderful. Yet, better than nothing. “I haven’t seen any other boarders come in. Do they show up very often?”

He opened a can of dog food and poured the contents out, then mixed in some pieces of dry food. Ben wagged his tail and dug in. “Now and again. When the weather is bad, too hot or too cold, they tend to stay away. Same reason I haven’t been riding. Way too hot for the horses to do much more than try to find a cool spot in the shade.”

The open and airy stable wasn’t bad in temperature, although she imagined the horses preferred standing under the trees, making use of any breeze that came their way, while grazing. A score of windows on either side of the building encouraged a crosswind while several fans had been tacked up near the stalls. She hadn’t seen them on before, but knew if one of the animals showed signs of getting too warm, Dusty wouldn’t hesitate to flick a button and send air rushing their direction.

The filly lipped up the last bit of grain and nudged the bucket for more. April grinned, rubbed the baby’s face and slipped out of the stall. After placing both empty buckets back near the feed sacks, she wandered over to a nearby bale of straw and plopped down.

The orange and black cat headed her direction, hopped on her lap and plopped down like she’d found a comfortable spot for a nap. April stroked the pretty cat’s back, noting the loud purr that followed. Her heart cracked and a barely healed wound reopened. She’d had to put her old cat to sleep about a year before due to advanced cancer. Tears had run down her cheeks for days as she mourned gravely. Still to this day, she recalled her favorite pet and her eyes misted. Having another cat contentedly curled up on her lap reminded her of the good times while plucking at those tender heartstrings.

“That’s Marmalade.”

She glanced over at Dusty. “She’s friendly. I always thought barn cats were skittish, especially of strangers.”

He shrugged and sat down beside Ben, watching the dog lick his bowl clean. “She showed up here one day, skinny as a rail. I took her in, fed her, got some vet work done. She’s been friendly since day one. Probably someone’s pet that got lost or dumped as a quick way to rid themselves of their responsibilities.”

April sighed and brushed her hand over the cat’s head. So much sadness in the lives of these animals. Her gaze once again found Dusty.

He fit right in. Wounded and possibly traumatized from his past, he found peace surrounded by creatures that had lived through their own versions of hell. He didn’t just own the stable, he spoke the same language as the occupants. They all needed one another. If something ever happened to this place, he’d be just as lost as they would be.

She thought of the fires to their south and sent up a quick prayer for the destructive flames to stay far away.

“How long have you been working with horses?” She opted to spend the evening learning more about the man who had snared her attention.

“Forever. My family raised quarter horses.”

“Showed them?”

He nodded and rubbed Ben’s head. “For a while we spent every weekend during the summer at a show.”

“Did you like it?”

Dusty shrugged and looked down at his dog. “Yes and no. I enjoyed the horses, but the traveling all the time got old. Then college took most of my time. After I graduated, the military took over my life.”

Somewhat surprised he mentioned his military career, she debated questioning him further about the part of his life he bristled about earlier. “Did you apply to be a dog handler in the military? How do they decide who gets to be with dogs and who doesn’t?” she softly asked.

Marmalade looked up at her and quietly meowed as if encouraging her to resume her attentions. Lightly, she scratched behind Marmalade’s ears and ran her fingers down the plump cat’s back.

Silence reigned before Dusty finally answered. “You apply. They choose applicants based on several factors.” His short answer discouraged further inquiry.

April took the hint. “Lois said their vet recommended Miracle only be used for light riding due to potential bone and ligament damage from her starvation. Do you think it’s worth trying to break her or should I simply consider her a pet?”

He lifted his gaze to meet hers. “I’d say that’s up to you.” He turned to the large stall containing the unusual pair of horses. “She’s made good progress with me, but breaking will take a long time. I can have my vet look her over next time he’s here, but I doubt he’ll disagree with theirs.” Dusty’s brown eyes found her once more. “Truth be told, after what she went through, I’m not sure I’d even bother with saddle and rider. Most likely she’d be happier and healthier as a pretty filly to decorate the stable.”

She watched Miracle shuffle through the thick straw. “I think you’re right. It’s not worth the risk to her or the upset.” Somewhat disappointed, she focused on the purring kitty in her lap.

“If you want to go riding, just say the word.”

Jerking her head up, she blinked at Dusty, surprised by such an offer. “You’d let me ride one of your horses?”

“Yeah. They could use the work. That is, if you know how to ride.”

A smile flashed across her face. “Didn’t I tell you? I worked at a large horse farm all through high school. We did everything—breeding, training, boarding and riding lessons. Even worked with handicapped kids in riding therapy. All through college, I spent my weekends volunteering at Summerset Thoroughbreds.”

Respect replaced amazement on his face. He studied her, then nodded slowly. “You’ll do, April. You’ll do.”

She grinned at the rare praise and felt her spirits lift. Score one for me. While Dusty might not care for women in general and didn’t always appreciate her hanging around, at least he now saw her as a fellow horse person—Common ground with a genuine love for the animals he adored.

They fell into companionable silence, Dusty showering affection on his former war partner and her stroking the barn cat.

I could get used to this.