by Ronica Black
Krista jerked her hand away from the cowboy’s, saving Rae the trouble, and she did her best to keep her composure. Howie slipped his hat back on, his grin intact. Rae stood between the two to settle her own racing heart as Krista introduced her.
“This is Dr. Rae Jarrett. She’s our veterinarian and a close friend of the family’s. We’re very lucky to have her joining us on our first outing.”
Rae nodded her hello and insisted, “Please, call me Rae.”
The group said hello in unison, all smiles.
Krista continued. “We’re already running a bit behind. So please, if each of you would please introduce yourselves, we can get going.”
The young man with the camera around his neck spoke first. “I’m Adam. I’m from Phoenix.” He looked handsome and chic, his button-down shirt purposely weathered and tucked into his tailored, fitting jeans. His smile was near perfect, and his eyes genuine. He ran a lean hand through his tousled blond hair. “And this is my good friend, Candace.”
The busty blonde laughed and gave an excited wave as she stood next to her horse. Her breasts shook beneath the cotton of the tight-fitting tank top. The jeans she’d changed into were just as tight and led down to a pair of tasseled pink cowboy boots. Howie grunted his approval and Rae fought the urge to smack him upside the head.
Next, a middle-aged man with a thin white beard said his hellos. “I’m Frank and this is my wife, Jenna. We’re from Boston.” Frank was just barely taller than his wife and, with his infectious laugh, he reminded Rae of Richard Dreyfuss.
Jenna smiled from under her wide-brimmed hat, her hand fingering the Navajo dream catcher she wore around her neck. “We’ve always wanted to see the desert.”
“Well, you’ve come to the right place,” Krista welcomed.
“I’m Tom,” said a quiet man near the back of the group. He looked to be mid-forties and an outdoorsman, his deep tan, athletic watch, and hiking boots giving him away. “I’m from Flagstaff and just always wanted to go on one of these.”
The last of the group stood quietly by her horse. She wore new Wranglers and a stylish cowgirl shirt. Her white straw cowboy hat hid beautiful blue-green eyes that appeared to be pooled with sadness. She looked to be in her thirties and she had a quiet grace about her. Rae sensed the group breathe deeply at the sight of such stricken beauty.
“I’m Tillie. I’m here because I just needed to get away.”
This time Howie spoke up. “Yeah, you’re definitely in the right place.”
Rae turned on him and upon seeing the disapproval on her face, his grin vanished. “What?” he asked, walking away toward the group.
“You know what,” Rae mumbled after him.
At Krista’s instruction, the group began mounting their horses. Most straddled their horses in one try but a couple struggled. Rae was holding on to Jenna’s horse when she heard her name being called.
“Rae, Rae over here!”
Rae excused herself and stood alongside Howie at Candace’s horse.
The blonde blinked her thick eyelashes at Rae. “I think I need some help getting up.” Her gloss-covered lips spread into a smile. Rae wondered why she seemed to suddenly be having trouble. She’d mounted her horse just fine not long before.
“Well then, just give me your hand,” Howie offered, stepping up to place a hand on her hip. Candace smacked it away and continued smiling at Rae. “I want Rae to help me. If that’s okay?”
Rae flushed and cleared her throat as the color drained from Howie’s face. He looked from Candace to Rae and back again in disbelief. With a look of scorned anger, he smacked his hand on his leg and walked away.
“Would you mind helping me?” Candace asked again, offering her hand.
Rae stepped up to help but said nothing. She held the blonde’s hand and pushed up on her hip.
Straddling the horse, Candace smiled. “Thanks so much. You’re very strong.”
“You’re welcome.” It was all Rae could manage. No woman had shown interest in years, but it stung deep inside nonetheless.
Never again. Never again. I just can’t handle it, she thought to herself as she walked away.
*
Krista watched with a stone-feeling face as Rae walked away from Candace. She’d been green with jealousy at the flirtation, but she felt chilled and alarmed at Rae’s reaction.
“All the more reason to stay away,” she whispered as the rest of the group mounted their horses.
Six near strangers sat staring down at her, all of them excited and anxious to get on the trail. Cody and Howie mounted up and turned their horses to face the group, leaving Rae and Krista the only ones still standing.
“Where’s your horse?” Rae asked Krista. If she thought she was getting out of this she had another think coming.
Krista refused to meet her eyes. “I don’t have one yet,” She held her voice low so the guests couldn’t hear.
“Why not?”
“I haven’t had the time.” She waved at the group and then spoke to Cody, who had one of the supply horses tied back behind his own. “Go on ahead. I’ll catch up.”
“You sure?” He looked warily at Howie, who was already trying to talk to Candace again.
Krista nodded.
Cody whistled and kicked softly at his horse. “Let’s go, folks!”
Several excited whistles followed and the group took off at a slow pace. Krista watched with her hand shading her brow and then turned to find Rae Jarrett staring her down. “Something keeping you, Doctor?”
“Yes. You.”
Krista walked briskly into the stables. “Don’t let me keep you. I can catch up.”
“I’m sure you can. But I’ll just stick around to make sure.” Rae couldn’t explain her reservations, but she was almost positive that Krista was going to try and weasel out of going.
Krista stopped abruptly, hands on hips, looking from horse to horse. There were two left. Frustrated, she turned on Rae. “Will you stop following me!”
Rae stopped, startled. She’d had enough of Krista Wyler and her rudeness. “Fine.”
She turned and headed back out of the stables. I’ll just wait for her out here. And then when she’s ready, I’ll leave her ass.
“Wait.” The request was spoken softly. “Wait, please.”
Rae stopped, unsure she’d heard it. She turned and met frightened green eyes.
Krista lowered her head. “Which horse…” She cleared her throat. “Which horse should I ride?” She lifted her head again, trying to keep her composure.
Rae approached slowly, hands sinking into her pockets. The fiery confidence was gone and Rae thought briefly about leaving her where she stood. But being rude wasn’t her style, even if it was Krista’s. “That depends. You’ve ridden before, yes?”
“It’s been a long time,” Krista confessed.
“How long?” The change in attitude was so startling Rae blinked to make sure she was still talking to the same woman.
“Over fifteen years.”
“Well, as the old saying goes, just get back in the saddle.”
“It’s not that simple,” Krista interrupted.
“Why?”
“Look, just point me to the most gentle horse.” The green eyes were again full of fire.
Rae clenched her jaw, swallowing down the curse words that wanted so badly to surface. Instead, she brushed past Krista and opened the stall to where her beautiful brown gelding stood. Rae lifted a saddle onto him and strapped it on. She worked quickly, without looking at Krista.
“Where’s your stuff?” She would help the woman pack her horse but that was it.
“Cody has it.”
Good. The sooner they were on the trail, the better. She fit the bridle in the horse’s mouth and led him out of the stall. With venom in her voice she offered Krista the horse.
“His name’s Dollar. You two should be a match made in heaven.”
Krista’s eyes shot up to hers. “Just what the hell is that suppose
d to mean?”
Rae walked past her without looking back. “Nothing.” She’d sized Krista up real quick upon first meeting her a few weeks back. Her car, her clothes, her attitude. Money and the bottom line seemed to be all she cared about.
Upon stepping back into the sunlight, Dwight nearly ran into her. “How did Krista do?” He sounded concerned.
“What do you mean?”
“Did she mount up?”
Rae studied him curiously. “No.” She paused. “She’s in the stables with her horse.”
“You left her alone!” Panicked, Dwight shoved past her, running into the stables. He called back to her. “Go get your horse and wait for me!”
Rae stared after him, completely confused. What in the world is going on?
She sat atop Shamrock at Dwight’s instruction, softly cooing to her as she waited. She’d tied on the remaining supply horse, her ears straining to no avail to hear what was being said in the stables. She looked out to the edge of the property and spotted the group in the distance moving at a good pace. A quick glance at her watch reminded her that they needed to get a move on if they were going to reach the designated campsite before dark.
Just as she was about call out for Dwight, the pair exited the stables, Krista atop Dollar with Dwight leading the way. Rae squinted into the sun and caught Krista’s hand wiping away tears.
“Everything okay?” Rae asked.
Dwight forced a smile. “Everything’s fine. Thanks for waiting.”
“No problem.” But Rae could see very clearly that there was a problem. Krista looked pale and shook up, her hands trembling on the horn of the saddle. “Is she okay?” Rae directed the question to Dwight.
“I’m fine, Dr. Jarrett,” Krista nearly shouted.
Dwight shook his head. “As I said, everything is fine.” He reached in his back pocket and handed Rae a radio walkie-talkie. Krista had a matching one on her belt. “Cody’s got the first supply horse. I’ll be the one bringing you some fresh ones in about a day’s time.” He turned and gave Krista a fatherly smile, patting her leg softly. “You two better head off now, then.”
Rae clicked at Shamrock and took off slow and then led the horses into a trot. It took all of her patience as a good human being not to gallop off and leave Krista Wyler to fend for herself. She managed to ride at a slow pace for about ten minutes before the urge to turn her head overcame her. About a hundred yards back, Krista rode stiffly and slowly, her hands clutching the horn of the saddle for dear life, her legs swaying way too much. Their guests looked more at home on a horse. Rae sighed and waited for the other woman to catch up. When she did, her mouth once again battled Rae’s good will.
“There’s no need to wait for me, Doctor. I can assure you, I’m fine.”
“Yes, you look fine,” Rae countered. “Holding on to Dollar as if he’ll spook any moment.”
Krista glared at her. “I would prefer if you didn’t wait for me.”
“And I would prefer it if you didn’t speak.” Rae’s chest tightened. She hated saying it but it was true. “I’m riding with you, so get over it.”
“I don’t need your goddamned help!”
“I’m not doing it for you!” Rae shouted back. She was doing it for Judith. She felt obligated to look out for Judith’s only niece.
“I’m not a child! I don’t need looking after!” As she shouted, Dollar stepped backward, growing nervous. Krista’s eyes widened with sheer terror and she lost her balance and teetered to her right, falling off the horse. Rae jumped off Shamrock and helped to lift her from the ground. She was trembling, her foot still in the stirrup.
“My foot,” she said, “Oh God, my foot.” Her eyes were wide with terror.
Rae freed her foot and lifted her so she could stand. “You’re okay. Your foot is fine,” she said softly, trying to get her to look into her eyes.
Krista glanced down at her feet and then straightened her back and wiped away fresh tears. She noticed Rae’s hands on her shoulders. “Please remove your hands.”
Dumbfounded, Rae did so. Krista turned and hoisted herself back onto Dollar, her body still trembling. She didn’t say another word. Not a thank you, not even a fuck you.
Furious, Rae galloped away, leaving Krista alone to fight against her tears.
Chapter Eight
Adam Burgess grabbed his own ass as he finished doing his assigned chore for the evening. The group had ridden for almost three hours, meandering through the high desert, watching as the setting sun nearly beat them to the campsite. It was their first night on the trail and they hadn’t even caught up to the cattle, but his legs and ass hurt already. He eyed the tent he and his good friend Candace were to share, then went in search of some more firewood. Candace was stoking the fire while the more-than-macho Howie talked her ear off, stroking his prominent cowboy five o’clock shadow.
Adam rolled his eyes as he strode past them. Poor Candi. She loved and craved attention, but she was learning the hard lesson that she couldn’t pick and choose when and from whom that attention would come. He had foolishly hoped this adventure would be relaxing and fun, but with an attractive female alongside a horny man, little of either was likely. But he would be damned if he was going to let a drooling caveman of a cowboy ruin their trip. He would still take his shots of Candi. She was counting on it.
He sighed, wishing at the very least an attractive cowboy had come along for him to enjoy. As he picked up a piece of dry wood, he heard hoofbeats approaching from the direction of the setting sun. Shading his eyes, he dropped the wood and admired what he saw, the androgynous cowgirl riding with the beautiful sunset as a backdrop. He lifted his camera, and his adrenaline pumped as he captured her, the face and arms tanned and coated with a thin sheen of sweat, her carved jaw clenched beneath the black Stetson. For a moment he almost wished she had a penis. She was amazing. Candi would die when she saw these photos.
Rae slowed her horse and lowered the brim of her hat. “Were you taking photos of me?” she asked, in no mood for saying “cheese.”
Adam lowered the camera and acted as if he were cleaning the lens. “No, just taking some shots of the sunset.”
Rae glanced behind her and slid off her horse. Her jeans were dark and covered with sweat along the insides of her legs. As she walked away, leaving the horses in Cody’s hands, she stripped off her cotton button-down shirt, showing off her thick muscles in her sleeveless undershirt. Adam snapped more photos from behind, grinning as he did so. If only he could convince the cowgirl to let him use them. He could make a killing using her in a calendar.
A few minutes later, he was once again searching aimlessly for wood when another rustling noise disturbed him, and in the near distance he saw Krista Wyler astride a beautiful brown horse, walking very slowly up to the campsite. He raised the camera and zoomed in. Her face was bright red, having been unprotected from the sun. Her lips were dry and chapped, while mascara stains raccooned her eyes. It was obvious she’d been crying and she looked as if she was about to pass out. Adam lowered the camera and ran up to her. Hurriedly, she wiped at her eyes and cleared her throat.
“When did you guys arrive?” She straightened her hair and smiled, but she wasn’t fooling anyone.
Adam offered his hand, taking her trembling one. Carefully, he helped her down and Cody took her horse.
“Thank you,” she breathed, steadying herself against Adam.
“Don’t mention it.” He kept his hand on her shoulder as she bent over, obviously dizzy. “We got in about an hour ago.”
“Oh?” She stood and began straightening her clothes, her eyes focusing on the heavenly ground. Oh thank God, the ground. She pounded her boots against the desert, making sure it was real. “How do I look?” She met Adam’s eyes and smiled, doing her best to hide her pain. She shoved a trembling hand down into her jeans, hoping he didn’t notice.
His eyes were sincere and concerned, but sparkling with humor. “Maavalus.”
Krista laughed. She liked
him at once. “That bad, huh?”
Adam took her arm as they walked toward camp. Cody offered the pair a concerned smile as he unpacked and watered the horses.
Adam was studying her. “We need to find you a cowboy hat and some sunscreen.”
Krista kicked out her legs, in serious pain. “How’s my ass?”
“Probably how it feels.” He paused and lowered his gaze to her backside. “Tight and firm, but a sight for sore eyes.”
Again Krista laughed and linked arms with the young photographer. “What in the hell have I gotten myself into?”
A few minutes later, just as some feeling was finally seeping back into her legs, a soft beep sounded from her waistband. Retrieving her cell phone, she saw that Suzanne had called. Anxious, and still hoping to somehow be able to work from way out here, she dialed her number.
“Suzanne?” She heard muffled sounds that made no sense. “You’re breaking up.”
The sounds muted into the static. Krista frowned with annoyance that she now had something else to worry about, and then flinched at the pain from her sunburn.
“Damn it!” How could she get anything done if she couldn’t even use her cell phone? This was going to be one hell of an excursion. Deciding she’d try to text Suzanne instead, she walked into the camp with a forced smile on her face.
With the help of some aloe vera Adam had brought along and some fresh water, Krista calmed down and cleaned up as best she could. She changed into a fresh pair of jeans and a soft T-shirt and then busied herself alongside Cody, getting the group ready to spend its first night out under the desert sky. She was too tired to feel overly frustrated when her text messages refused to go through. She’d tried several times with no success and finally gave up, tucking the phone back on her belt.
After that, Krista allowed herself to watch Rae as she worked alone, double-checking the tents and supplies, and then preparing dinner. Rae avoided Krista altogether, and the blatant indifference panged in Krista’s chest. But she knew she was better off without Rae’s attention. She had a business to run. Two businesses to run. Still, her mind went back to the way she’d felt in Rae’s arms. Safe. Secure. And the way she smelled, so warm and alluring. She shook the thought away. She and Rae were too different. It would never work.