Riding Home. Vicki Thompson Lewis

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      “I was tryin’ to help with the food for Regan and Lily’s engagement party, but...” She gestured to her blouse. “As you can see, kitchen duty is not my talent.”

      He walked closer. Yeah, now he noticed flecks of something that could be meringue or white frosting on the front of her blouse. “It sort of matches your pants.”

      That brought out a sad little smile. “You know, I told them that very thing, but they were all worried about the blouse, which I surely appreciated, but they don’t have time to mess around with a klutz like me. I’d already dropped a bowl of chocolate chips. I thought I could frost that danged cake. I swear, how hard can that be? Turns out it’s harder than it looks on TV.”

      He couldn’t help smiling back. “Everything’s harder than it looks on TV.”

      “Isn’t that the God’s truth? Anyway, I decided to make myself scarce and just naturally gravitated to the barn.”

      “I completely understand. You obviously know your way around horses.”

      “My folks raise them.” She turned back to the horse. “Who is this, by the way?”

      “Ink Spot. He’s nursing a sprain, so he didn’t get to go out.”

      “His bad luck, but my good luck. I wasn’t thinkin’ the horses would be out in the pasture, but of course they would be on a fine day like this. Back home they tend to bring them into the air-conditioning in the heat of the day.” She stroked the gelding’s neck. “And who would you be?”

      Because she wasn’t looking at him, he didn’t immediately understand she was asking for his name. But he’d already supplied the horse’s name, so she had to mean him. “I’m Zach. Zach Powell.”

      She continued to caress the horse. “I suppose you know who I am.” Her version of I sounded more like ah.

      “I didn’t until I heard your accent.”

      She was quiet for a moment. “It’s real strange, knowin’ that people talk about you behind your back. Of course, people do that all the time. You just don’t know it for sure. In this case, I do.”

      “For what it’s worth, I have no stake in this situation. I started working here last month and I’m not related to any of the players.” He could add that his law training predisposed him to remain impartial until he’d heard all sides of a story. But for now, he was just a cowhand, and that suited him fine.

      “You’re new here?” She glanced at him with a spark of interest in her eyes. “Where’d you come from?”

      “California.”

      “Then I’m pleased to meet you, Zach Powell. I have to say you’re the first person who hasn’t looked at me with thinly disguised suspicion, like I might suddenly sprout horns and a tail. Well, I take that back. Sarah Chance seems willin’ to suspend judgment, and her cook, Mary Lou, is friendly. But Regan’s sisters...” She sighed.

      “Not welcoming?”

      “No, and I can’t say as I blame them. I don’t have a brother, or a sister, either, for that matter. But if I did, I’d probably behave exactly the same way. They’re loyal and I admire that. I just...don’t know what to do.”

      “Well...” Zach hesitated. He had some thoughts, but it wasn’t his place to make suggestions.

      Her gaze sharpened. “What? If you have ideas, speak up. I could use some advice.”

      “All right. You look great, but you don’t exactly blend into the scenery.”

      “Don’t think I don’t know it.” She glanced down at her outfit. “My mother taught me that wearin’ nice clothes is respectful, plus I’d heard that the Jackson Hole area was filled with celebrities so I thought this ranch might be dress-for-dinner sophisticated. I should have asked Drake more questions before I flew out here.” She swept a hand down her body. “Everything I packed is like this.”

      “And Drake didn’t say anything once he found that out?”

      “We haven’t discussed my wardrobe choices. The poor man is so in love with Tracy he wouldn’t notice if I ran around naked. Same thing with Regan.”

      Zach would certainly notice. Thanks to her comment, he was picturing that scenario in vivid detail. He tried to erase the image, but his libido wouldn’t cooperate. He hadn’t been involved with anyone for months and had thought he didn’t miss sex all that much. Judging from the stirring in his groin, he’d missed it more than he’d realized.

      To take his mind off the subject, he focused on a potential solution to her problem. “You need to go shopping.”

      “I think you’re right, but I don’t know the area. Where should I go?”

      “Shoshone has a few shops, but if you want to get what you need, you’d better go to Jackson.”

      She took a deep breath. “Then I’ll just head to Jackson, I guess. Do you recommend any particular stores? No, wait, never mind. I can figure it out. You’ve been a big help already, and I—”

      “I get off at five. Give me time to shower and change, and I’ll drive you up there. We can take my truck. Everything stays open late for the tourist trade.”

      Her shoulders sagged in relief. “That sounds fantastic, but are you sure it’s not too much trouble?”

      “No trouble at all. I could use a couple of things myself.”

      “Then I’ll pay for gas.”

      He smiled. “Not necessary.”

      “No, seriously. And I’ll buy dinner. It’s the least I can do.”

      He started to argue with her. He hadn’t dated since making this drastic change in his lifestyle. Previously he’d been the high roller who picked up the tab, and having her pay for gas and food felt weird. His wages at the Last Chance were a joke compared with what he used to make in Hollywood, but he’d invested well and didn’t ever have to work again if he chose not to.

      Unless he planned to explain that, though, he might want to keep his mouth shut and accept her offer. “Okay, thank you. That would be very nice.”

      “I’m staying at the Bunk and Grub. Do you know it?”

      “Yep. Nice bed-and-breakfast down the road.”

      “It is. Very nice. At first I was in the cabin Drake rented, and he said I was welcome to it now that he’s moved in with Tracy. But it’s kind of remote, and I’m a city girl. I’m not all that brave when it comes to things like...well, grizzlies.”

      “Don’t blame you. I’m really careful out at my campsite. I keep everything bears might want locked up tight inside the Airstream.”

      She blinked. “Campsite? You don’t live in the bunkhouse?”

      “Oh, they offered to put me there. But then I’d СКАЧАТЬ