Page 10 of Embers of You (Amity #1)

Jameson

Duke jogs alongside me as I go down to the barn to meet with the new gelding I’m apparently taking care of for the summer.

I don’t mind helping out, it’s why I’m here.

But I don’t really want to barrel race in the rodeo.

I’m older, out of practice, and worry that I’ll look ridiculous compared to the young riders.

I know if Mom is signing me up it’s because she believes in me—because she wants to see me out there. So I’ll do it. For her. Because she’s given me everything, and this—this is how I give back. I’d do anything for her.

Duke walks up to the front of a stall, and when Sandy leans through the opening and lets out a huff Duke jumps back. I chuckle. “She won’t hurt you, bud, don’t worry.”

He still keeps his distance away from the stalls while the horses each try to stretch as far as they can to reach him with their noses. I find Jasper, the unfamiliar bay gelding, munching on some hay peacefully.

“Hey bud,” I greet. He turns his head slightly but doesn’t take his attention away from his food. “Guess we’re going to become friends this summer, huh?”

He seems to perk up slightly at the name of his real owner, Summer, and I feel bad he’s probably going to miss her, but hopefully he’ll tolerate me.

I brought some peppermints in my pocket to try and win him over.

Entering his stall, he still doesn’t move as I approach with one of the mints in my outstretched hand.

It doesn’t take him long to notice I’m in here.

When I step fully inside, he turns to face me, slow and deliberate.

He flares his nostrils once, taking me in, and sniffs out the candy I have for him, taking it gently from my palm.

I pet his face while he chews. “Take it easy on me, would ya? It’s been a while since I’ve raced. ”

He lets out a huff and I’m choosing to believe that is his way of telling me that he will.

I put a halter on him and lead him out to the cross ties. I take my time grooming him before putting the saddle on. I guide him to the outdoor training ring where I make sure to set up some beginner barrels to practice.

After lunging Jasper for a few minutes to warm him up, I hop onto his back while Duke keeps his distance, sitting well outside of the ring.

“If anything happens to me, your job is to run and get help,” I tell Duke, only half joking before addressing the horse. “You, don’t hurt me.”

I have Jasper walk around the perimeter of the ring a couple of times before moving him up to a trot, then finally a canter.

“Alright, ready to do this?” I ask him as we take the position to do a run. I let out a breath, and signal Jasper to go, knowing this is just a practice and that time doesn’t matter. The only thing that does is not getting bucked off or having him fall and hurt us both.

And we’re off. Jasper knows exactly what he’s doing as he takes off under me, I stay low while guiding him around the barrels he runs toward quickly. We navigate our way through the pattern quicker than I anticipated, and I pull on the reins, signaling him to stop.

It isn’t going to be my best time, but the adrenaline of riding again feels good.

We end up running the pattern a couple more times, but I don’t want to wear him out too much. That, and I already feel the muscles in my legs beginning to ache from the lack of use over the last several years. I ride Jasper around the arena slowly for a few minutes to cool him down.

Duke follows as I lead Jasper back in to untack him, making sure to feed him a little extra hay in his stall.

We may not be perfect in time for the rodeo.

Our turns might be a little wide, our timing a little off.

Maybe we’ll knock a barrel or two, or maybe my nerves will get the best of me for a second out there in the ring.

But that’s okay as long as Mom enjoys watching me because that’s the whole reason I’m doing this.

I look at the time, seeing that Duke and I have an appointment to get to. One with a particularly beautiful dog groomer. We get to my truck and I help Duke into the front seat before climbing in myself.

As we’re driving, I rub the top of his head. “You’re lucky you get to spend a few hours with the pretty girl. Want to put in a good word for me?”

His tongue is hanging out of his mouth as he looks at me like he’s smiling. He probably knows how lucky he is and is taunting me.

We get to the grooming salon; I look over at the fire station where some of my coworkers are outside with the truck. I send a small wave in their direction before bringing Duke into the neighboring building.

We’re greeted, but again, not by a human. “Hot guy, Jameson.”

I chuckle, especially when I hear Sutton in the other room say, “Jerry Lee, I swear to God I’m gonna—” She freezes as soon as she sees me standing here. “Oh, hi.”

“I think the bird likes me.”

“Or hates me,” she grumbles. Her tone changes as she smiles while greeting my dog. “Hi, Duke.”

“It doesn’t seem fair that he gets such a warm greeting from you,” I tease.

“He’s cuter.”

“Ouch.” I hold my hand against my chest like she hit me.

Sutton looks up with a small smile, and I can’t help but give her one back. She’s so beautiful it’s hard to not be completely mesmerized by her. Especially with the way she’s looking at me right now. Until she shakes her head and looks back down at Duke.

“So, what’re we doing today?” she asks.

“Anything you think he needs. I want him to get the full treatment, he deserves the best.”

She chuckles softly. “We can certainly do that, it’ll cost you.”

“I’ll pay it.”

“Is your daddy trying to impress me?” Sutton squishes Duke’s face as she asks him.

“Not at all, if I was trying to impress you, I’d have much more elaborate plans to do so,” I tell her. “If you’d like to find out what those are, I’d be happy to show you.”

She ignores the comment. “I’ll call you when he’s ready, in about two hours.”

“I’ll be ready.”

She nods, and neither of us move.

“Anything else you need from me?” I ask.

“Your dog.” She gestures for me to hand her the leash. “And your phone number.”

“Of course.” I chuckle, handing over the leash, and when I do our hands graze each other just like the night I gave her keys back.

There’s a shot of electricity that runs through me.

The way her dark green eyes shoot up to mine I know she feels it too.

I want to say something about it. I want to try asking her out again, but before I can form any words the bird starts barking and she drops her gaze from mine.

She holds onto Duke’s leash, and he trots happily over to her. I write down my number on a piece of paper on the desk, and hand it over.

“Okay, see you when he’s all ready.”

“See you soon.” I watch as she takes my dog to the bathing area. As I walk out the door, I hear the bird squawk, “Shut up, Vern.” And I can’t hold back my laughter. Especially when I hear Sutton shouting out another threat to him about opening up a window to set him free.

“Look who can’t stay away,” my coworker, Will, calls out.

“Believe it or not, you’re not the one I can’t stay away from.”

“Aw, don’t play hard to get.”

I shake my head with a small laugh as I start to get in my car. “I’ll be back later to get my dog. Try not to miss me too much.”

Will waves me off, and I look toward the window at the grooming salon one more time and swear I catch sight of Sutton looking out, but she disappears quickly. Talk about playing hard to get.