Page 22 of Stable Hand

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“What would you be required to do in a regular stable?” Liv asked, taking a big bite of her burger and a sip of beer.

“You know, take care of the horses, mostly. Brush and groom them, exercise them, make sure nothing’s wrong with them, treat minor cuts and bruises. And muck the stalls and keep them clean.”

Liv nodded. “Okay, so, same deal. Only…you’re dealing with slightly different animals.”

Uh, right.

I raised an eyebrow. “Slightly?”

“They’re not so different. You ever dealt with a stubborn horse, Jensen? Y’know, one who doesn’t want to behave, no matter how nice you are?”

“Sure.”

Liv gestured with her plastic fork to a group of men by the grill. “The blond, with the shaved sides. That’s Luke. He’s your stubborn horse. So, you use the same techniques you’d use on a stubborn horse. You let him know you mean business. You don’t let him get away with bad behavior.”

I chewed my cheeseburger with slow, thoughtful motions, then swallowed and licked my lips. “He’s arrogant.”

Liv chuckled. “He’s arrogant as fuck. But when he’s under my hand he’d better behave himself. And he does. Usually.”

“Usually?”

Liv rolled her eyes. “Most of them are pretty sensible. But him? He’ll put up a ruckus because he feels off that day. I don’t think he even knows why he’s so oppositional.”

“Hmm.” I stared at Luke, who glanced back and grinned at me before turning around.

“Holy shit. Did he smile at you?” She looked at me like I was a fluffy pink unicorn or something.

I could hardly believe Luke’s smile either. “Yes?”

Liv grinned, looking between me and Luke. “Oh, Jensen. You are in a world of trouble.”

“But I just got here. And I haven’t even started doing the job yet.”

Trey came out of nowhere and plunked himself down beside Liv. “Hey, gorgeous. How is my favorite massage therapist?”

Liv gave him an affectionate smile. “Simply lovely. How are those beautiful muscles of yours? Feeling good?”

Trey sighed, winking at me. “Very, very good. Thanks to you, Liv. Why does that bastard always work me so hard?”

“Careful, T. You don’t want me to tell Michael that’s how you refer to him, do you?”

“Oh God, Liv, don’t fucking tell him. He’ll run me ragged again.”

“You know why he works you so hard, T?”

“Why, Liv, darling?”

“Because you look beautiful all harnessed up, working hard, doing his bidding. If I was a trainer, I’d work you hard too.”

“Ah, Liv. You mean it?”

She leaned into Trey’s broad shoulder. “I would. And then I’d reward you handsomely.”

Trey quickly glanced at me, and I saw his brown skin darken. “Shh. There are uninitiated ears listening.”

“Well, he’s gonna learn soon enough, isn’t he?”