Page 53 of Rocky Mountain Home

“I’m not quite sure what to make of you, myself,” Luke admitted. “If Dare did tell you to get the hell out, would you?”

“No.”

Luke nodded approvingly, then he changed the subject altogether, pointing to the animals. “Samson here is a bit taller and broader than the rest, but he’s good with a rope. Or you can try Thunder. She’s been on the circuit.”

Ha. That was a good warning to get. “Three swings before she shuts it down?”

Luke’s grin said it all.

Interesting. “I’d love to try her sometime, but today I’ll stick with Samson.”

He went in and said hello to the horse, patting the solid neck and letting Samson take a good sniff of him before leading him out of the stall to be saddled.

“I’ve got to get back out there, but I’ll get Kelli to come help you find things.”

Luke took off one direction, and moments later the cowgirl with long braids appeared, carrying a massive saddle.

Jesse hurried over to take it from her.

“I got it,” she insisted, placing the heavy leather on the rail made for that purpose. She held out a hand. “Hey. I’m Kelli. Luke sent me to help get you set up.”

She showed him where the tack room was, grabbing a horse blanket and the rest of the gear they needed to saddle Samson.

Jesse took over, and she watched, curiosity in her expression. He waited for her to break down and ask who he was, but she surprised him and kept pretty close-mouthed.

“Come out this side.” Kelli coaxed Samson forward, swinging open a door onto an empty arena. It was on the opposite side of the barn, the noises from the crowd watching the roping muted by distance and the solid wooden structure between them.

Kelli climbed on the railing, out of the way but sticking close at hand if she was needed. Jesse ignored her and concentrated on learning the feel of Samson.

Every horse had a different personality, and riding another man’s horse was never as comfortable as using his own, but if the skills were there, any duo could accomplish a day-to-day task like roping.

Jesse put Samson through the paces around the arena a time or two before riding up to Kelli’s spot on the rail.

She held out a coiled rope. “He pulls softer than you’d expect, considering he’s a big brute.”

Jesse nodded. “I know his type. He’s a soft marshmallow inside for all he tries to look like a bully.”

Kelli smiled from ear to ear, like sunshine beaming down on him. “Exactly. That’s exactly what I told Luke.”

“You obviously know your horses.”

She sniffed. “Feel free to tell that to Luke anytime. I’d appreciate the backup confirmation.”

Jesse wasn’t looking to get in the middle of what seemed to be a long-standing feud. Besides he had a challenge to face. He took a couple practice swings, getting used to the horse under him.

Then he followed Kelli around to the opposite side where Dustin was waiting on a red gelding.

“Ready to fall on your face, loser?”

Jesse resisted rolling his eyes. “You need to work on your insults.”

Dustin pulled his horse into position in the box. Jesse had to admit the kid had the moves when it came to roping. From the moment he broke the timer and started the clock, to when the calf was lying on its back, trussed up neat and clean, only seconds had passed.

Dustin glanced back at Jesse cockily before mounting his horse and riding out of the arena.

It was a potentially embarrassing moment, but if there was one thing Jesse could do in his sleep, it was rope. Dustin was good.

Jesse was better.