Page 20 of Stable Hand

Noah glanced at Luke and looked back down at his book, not even offering a greeting. There was something off there, like Noah didn’t think he was worth Luke’s notice. Maybe I wasn’t either. The man, now in street clothes, was fucking intimidating and incredibly good-looking. He stood out, even in this group of very handsome men.

But when I glanced at Luke again, I found the blond man still staring at me with an intense curiosity. As I locked gazes with the intimidating man, the corner of Luke’s mouth slowly curved, and he nodded. “Cowboy.”

“Cowboy” was a word I had heard often in reference to me during the day, but the way the syllables curled out of Luke’s mouth and hung in the air between us was something else entirely.

I cleared my throat and stood, extending my hand. “Jensen.”

Luke nodded, ignoring my hand, which dropped slowly to my side. “Luke. But you know my name.”

“Yeah.”

We stood there, not saying anything. I had no idea what I should say and felt uncomfortable under Luke’s intense gaze. But the way he watched me aroused me tremendously.

“Did you actually come here thinking this was a horse ranch?” Luke asked, moving forward and collapsing onto my bunk. “Sorry, I need to sit. I just got off—” Luke looked down at the floor and smiled. “—an intense session.” He looked up at me.

I could only imagine what he meant as I slowly sank down beside him. I wasn’t sure if I should, but my knees were about to give out. Luke smelled like sweat and sex and leather. It was a heady mix, and I had to fight to keep my eyes from closing as I inhaled his odour.

“Yes,” I said simply.

“Grooming horses what you’re used to?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

Luke licked his lips and grinned. “Well. You’re going to have your hands full with us.”

I opened my mouth but didn’t speak for a moment. Then I said, unexpectedly, “Hopefully.”

Luke raised his eyebrows.

“I like a challenge?” I continued.

Luke gave me a slow smile and leaned back against the bed post. “Mm-hmm. I think you like more than challenges.”

We stared at each other, my heart going a mile a minute. I felt intensely drawn to this man and couldn’t hide my interest. “Yeah…well…maybe you’re right.”

Luke glanced down at where my jeans had become tight and then met my eyes again. “I know I am.” He stretched his long arms over his head and yawned, looking me over. “It’s a good fucking thing Kamal took care of me before he sent me home today, is all I’m gonna say. It’s going to be an absolute pleasure working with you, Jensen, and watching you discover every aspect of the Braided Crop Ranch.”

“Uh-huh,” was all I could say in response.

“Hopefully you’ll enjoy sleeping under me.” Luke lifted his hand and pointed upward. “Did you know this was my bunk?”

I shook my head, reaching for my duffel bag. “Sorry. I can find another one.”

“Relax, cowboy. I only use the top. Mostly.” He looked me over from my socks to the top of my head. “If I have a hankering to use the bottom, I’ll let you know.”

The double entendre just about had the top of my head popping off. I watched as Luke climbed the ladder and flopped down, groaning with pleasure as he stretched out.

Then my dazed eyes met Noah’s. Noah smiled and winked, then mouthed, He likes you, and I shrugged, embarrassed and not really sure Noah’s conviction was valid. Luke felt something for me. But was this feeling affection or something else? The idea both scared and tempted me.

And the answer might make my stay at the BCR even more interesting. Or a bigger challenge than I’d bargained for.

Chapter Four

Supper at the main house was a casual affair. There were a few grills going. Connor and another man were cooking burgers and dogs, and there were salads and buns laid out on three large tables on the back porch. The food smelled and looked like a regular country barbecue, making my belly rumble.

I’d walked up with Noah from the bunkhouse, finding the young man’s unthreatening presence a comfort. Noah seemed happy to befriend the new employee and determined to put me at ease.

I heard my name called from the open door of the house and looked up, surprised to see Kamal leaning against the frame, holding an open beer.