Page 35 of Here With Me

I scratch my cheek. “Ouch.”

“Prove yourself to be good, and it won’t be an issue.”

“Have you forgotten who I am?” I grab the rasp again and smooth everything down.

“No. Sadly, I haven’t gotten amnesia.”

“I rode bulls for a livin’ and have worked with horses for years. Are you really gonna question my ability to trim their hooves?”

“It’s not personal.”

I finish up with my tools and then set his hoof down so I can look at it.

“It feels that way to me, Noah. I’d never question your ability to train a horse even though you’re young, a little self-absorbed, and overconfident. I’d give you the chance to do your job before I questioned your abilities.”

“Did you just—” Her jaw drops as she shakes her head. “I’m not self-absorbed. I’m great at what I do. One of the best ’round here, actually. It’s why I book a year in advance and make twice as much as any other professional trainer within a hundred-mile radius. I’ve donated hours of my time to organize this fundraiser! I’m already not taken seriously in this industry, and I don’t need any morementellin’ me how I’m overconfident.”

“Oh, excuse me, I shoulda added...” I smirk at her after I’ve taken a second look at Buttercup’s hoof and set it back down. “It’s notpersonal.”

Without waiting for a response, I walk to my rig and turn on the forge machine. It runs on propane, so it needs a few minutes to heat. Normally, I’d trim all their hooves first and then put on the shoes, but since she wants to witness my process, she gets to see it from start to finish now. Maybe then she’ll be satisfied enough to stop doubting me.

While we wait, I grab the size four shoe and return to Buttercup’s hoof to see how it’ll fit. It needs to be bent in at the top a little, so I grab my hammer and pound it a few times.

“That was uncalled for, and you know it.” Noah’s bitter tone has me holding back an amused laugh.

“If you can’t take criticism, then don’t dish it out.”

“I didn’t criticize you.”

“You told me to prove myself, Noah. Same damn thing. You think since Mr. Ryan retired and referred me to his clients, I didn’t have to interview for this job? I was out here a month ago to show your father exactly what I could do.”

“You were?”

“Yeah, I didn’t see ya then. I swear I had no idea who you were until that Ian kid said your last name. At that point, it was too late. You and I both wanted that night to happen, so I won’t apologize for not tellin’ ya sooner. As far as you ignorin’ my calls, well, that’s on you. I wasn’t gonna have an important conversation with your voicemail.”

“You coulda texted and said it was urgent or somethin’...” She bites down on her lower lip as if she’s trying to find a way to blame this on me. “If I’d known it was important, I woulda picked up.”

Grabbing my tongs, I place the shoe inside the forge, then close the door. Once I go back to Buttercup, I set his hoof on the stand so I can clean and smooth over the top. As I do, I check for flares, hairline cracks, or bruising.

“Are ya ignorin’ me now?” she asks when I stay quiet.

“When I’m done puttin’ on his shoe, you can leave. Buttercup and I will be just fine without your presence.”

“What? Why?”

“Because I don’t need a babysitter. You can watch me to ensure I’m good enough, but after that, go back to your job so I can do mine.”

“Fisher...”

“It’s Mr. Underwood.” I glance up just in time to catch her rolling her eyes. With one hand on her hip, she shakes her head as if she’s not used to someone defying her. Or annoyed that I am. Honestly, it’s kinda hot. Full pouty lips draw my eyes to her face, and I wish I could lean in and kiss them.

“Fine, I’m sorry.”

I walk around her to the machine and check if the shoe is ready. After inspecting it, I set it inside for a few more minutes.

“Did ya hear me?” she asks my back.

“Yes, loud as a donkey.”