Page 31 of Wrangled

I did a count up. “Ten horses? Is that all?”

“These are the ones we use to make sure you can handle yourself. There’s a corral of horses in the north pasture. Most of them will go on the cattle drive. You might ride three or four different horses during that. That’s my job—to take care of the remuda.”

“The what?”

Paul smiled. “That’s what we call a team of horses. I make sure they’re all fed and doctored. I also help Matt out with rustling firewood.”

“How long have you worked on the ranch?”

“I’ve been here since ’99. That was the year the boss’s dad found me in the river, drowning, and saved my life.”

I gaped. “Seriously?”

He nodded. “He jumped in and pulled me out. He looked after me. And when he learned about my… circumstances, he gave me a job.” He smiled. “I was this seventeen-year-old kid with a chip on his shoulder, who resented the fact that a white man had built this ranch on land that had once belonged to my people.” He grimaced. “I’d been fed that since I was old enough to listen.ThenI got to know these people—and suddenly they were family.” His voice was warm, deep and rich.

I didn’t ask what his circumstances had been. It was none of my business.

I glanced around, searching for the beautiful horse I’d seen him working with when we’d arrived. There was no sign of it.

“Where’s the palomino I saw yesterday? That was a real beauty.”

Paul arched his eyebrows. “You recognized the breed? That’s more than a lot of guests do when they first come here. And that was Rusty. He’s the boss’s stallion. You don’t see him because the boss took him out early this morning.”

“He often goes out riding at this hour?” Dawn was only just breaking.

“Usually, except this is early, even for him.”

I surveyed the stalls, recalling the conversation of the previous night. “So what’s the deal with Lightning?”

“What do you mean?”

“Butch suggested you might have me ride Lightning.” I grinned. “I’m not blind.Somethingis going on. I figured he’s the ornery one, who usually throws people off. That’s probably how Butch gets his kicks.”

“It’s not that. And he’s only thrown someone once, but those were exceptional circumstances.” Paul regarded me, his expression grave. “By the way, you’d better know one of the boss’s rules. You don’t go near a horse if you’ve had so much as one drink.”

“Got it. I wouldn’t do that anyway. Drunk in charge of a horse doesn’t sound like a good scenario. So what’s the deal with Lightning then, if he doesn’t send riders ass over tea kettle?”

Paul bit his lip. “No one has ridden him in a while, that’s all.”

“Is that because he’s old?”

“Not really. He’s fifteen. He’s a good age.” He pointed to a stall at the end of the stable. “Go see for yourself.”

I wandered over there, and peered into the stall. A black horse with white socks and a flash of white on his nose came closer to inspect me.

“I can see why he got the name.” I stroked the little white flash, and the horse pushed his nose into my hand. “Hey there. You feel in the mood to take me for a ride?” I leaned into him, aware of his size and strength.

Paul watched in silence for a moment. “He likes you. That was fast.”

“How can you tell?”

“He’s relaxed. See how he cocked his back leg? How he sighed?” He grabbed Lightning’s halter. “Let’s get him outside.” He walked the horse out of the stall, then inclined his head toward the rear of the stables. “See that saddle at the end, on the left? Bring it.”

I went over to the rack, and grabbed the dark brown leather saddle. The smell was heavenly. I lifted it from the rack, and Paul grabbed a blanket, throwing it over his shoulder. He pointed to the bench. “Know what they are?”

I glanced at the items laid out. “Brushes and combs for removing dirt, tangles, and burrs.” He gave me an approving nod, and I laughed. “Did I just pass a test or something?”

His dark eyes twinkled. “Maybe? We don’t need those, by the way. I groomed him before you were even awake. Plus, I checked his hooves for stones. But you need to do that every time you take a horse out.” He led Lightning out of the stable, heading for the paddock.