Country Storm

by Cheyenne McCray

  “Too cute.” Her grin faltered. “You don’t eat them, do you?”

  He shook his head. “They’re pets and they’re good layers.”

  “How long does it take a chicken to lay an egg?” she asked.

  “About twenty-six hours,” he said. “I get from five to seven eggs a day.”

  She widened her eyes. “Don’t tell me you eat that many eggs.”

  “Nope.” He smiled. “My mom and dad eat a lot, as do my grandparents, so I give them eggs regularly. Mom picks them up once a week.”

  “Where did you get all the chickens?” she asked.

  “Alice, one of my pet parents wasn’t able to care for all her animals anymore, so she asked me if I could find them good homes. I took them in and they ended up being a part of the family.” He gave a little grin. “To be honest, I never thought I’d have a bunch of chickens. But they’re a fun bunch.”

  “They do look like they’d be fun to be around,” she said.

  “I’ll introduce you to the ducks now.” They walked around back to a large penned in area with a pond and several shade trees. Three ducks floated on the surface of the pond, quacking louder as they saw Bear and Rae approach.

  “The males are Frodo and Bilbo,” he said. “The female is Pippa. Frodo and Pippa are mallards, and Bilbo is half-mallard and half-Peking.”

  “Are they friendly?” she asked.

  “They won’t sit still to be petted,” he said, “but they’re more than happy to hang around to be fed.”

  “I love the quacking sounds they make.” Strands of Rae’s hair rose in a light breeze. “You mentioned you have cattle.”

  “None of them are in right now. they’re all out to pasture.” The breeze stirred the tree leaves, causing light and shadow to filter over Bear’s face. “My cattle are the only animals here who aren’t adopted or rescues.”

  “What do you have to show me next?” she asked.

  Bear smiled. “You get to meet the rabbits.”

  “Awesome,” she said.

  He headed away from the shade of the trees surrounding the duck pond, Rae at his side. He opened the big barn door and smells met her that reminded her of the Mohave County Fair in Kingman. She’d never been in the livestock barns, but she’d walked past them on the couple occasions she’d gone to the fair with her sister and friends.

  They left the heat of the day and entered the relatively cool barn, dust motes swirling in the light that shone through as they walked in.

  She blinked until her eyes became adjusted to the dimness. Stalls lined one side of the barn, haybales on the other. She followed Bear past an open room that held two saddles and what she guessed were other things for horses.

  They moved toward the doors on the front of the barn. On the left was a hutch and she could see rabbits inside.

  When they reached the hutch, Rae leaned down and peered through the wire. “Total cuteness.”

  He pointed to the mostly black rabbit with white patches in one partitioned section of the hutch. “He’s Jinx.” He moved on to two mostly white rabbits with black spots. “She’s Magic and she’s Charm. I keep the male separate because I’m not planning on becoming a rabbit breeder.”

  “They’re so adorable.” She smiled at Bear. “I’ve never been around animals like yours before. The only domesticated creatures I’ve known are dogs, cats, and hamsters.”

  “Would you like to hold a rabbit?” he asked. “They’re pets and used to being handled.”

  She nodded. “I’d like that.”

  Bear raised a section of the hutch’s roof, reached in, and brought out the smallest female. “Charm is the youngest of the trio.”

  “Her fur is so soft.” She smiled as she took the bunny from Bear. “Rescues?”

  “I adopted them from Alice,” he said.

  After they put Charm back in the hutch, Rae said, “I love your place and all your critters.” She tilted her face to look into his eyes. “Thank you for introducing me to them.”

  “My pleasure.” He smiled at her. “Are you ready to try sitting on Angel?”

  She swallowed as her belly fluttered. “I think so.”

  “We’ll bring in the horses from the corral,” he said as he walked back to the room she’d seen the saddles in. “We’ll saddle up Angel in the barn so we can get out of the heat.”

  The saddles rested on sawhorses, and halters and ropes hung on the walls. Bear took down a couple of halters and returned to her. “We’ll bring both girls in. It’s getting close to feeding time and I put them up in the evenings.”

  Rae looked up at him as they stepped into the brilliant sunlight, once again into furnace heat. It got hot in Lake Havasu City, which had tropical and subtropical desert climate, the temperatures sometimes greater than the Phoenix aRae. After growing up in Albuquerque, it had taken some time to get used to the heat.

  “I’m nervous about getting on a horse,” she said as they strode toward the corral.

  “We’ll take it slow, and if it’s too much we can always do it another day,” he said. “I want you to feel comfortable about getting on the back of a big animal.”

  Rae reached into her pocket for a hairband. Bear glanced at her as she pulled her hair up into a ponytail. “You look cute in a ponytail.”

  She smiled. “Just wait til you see me in pigtails.”

  “Can’t wait.” He grinned then opened the corral gate, and motioned for Rae to go in. “They’re gentle and they won’t step on you.”

  Her stomach made a swooping sensation. From her height, the horses looked really big.

  She watched as Bear haltered Angel. “Go ahead and take hold of her halter.”

  Rae tried not to get too nervous as she grasped the nylon halter. “Okay, girl. I hear you and I are going to be good friends.”

  “There you go,” Bear said.

  Angel snorted and Rae gripped the halter tighter. She could feel the power of the huge animal through their connection. Angel swatted flies away from her rump with her tail. She shivered her hide, shooing away a fly whenever it landed on her.

  After Bear haltered Roxie, he opened the gate. “Walk Angel through, then hold up and we’ll join you.”

  Rae did as he told her. Angel walked slowly at Rae’s side as she guided her through, then came to a complete stop when Rae halted. The big horse nuzzled her ponytail, tickling the back of her neck, causing her to laugh.

  “So far, so good,” she said as Bear and Roxie joined them. “But I think she likes my ponytail.”

  “I told you it’s cute,” he said.

  They walked the horses, side-by-side to the barn. Bear opened the barn door and he told Rae to go first, and then he brought Roxie through and closed the door behind them.

  “First thing we’re going to do is brush down the horses. That’ll help you to feel more comfortable with her.” He patted Roxie’s neck. “Stay right here, girl.”

  Rae swallowed. She was alone with two giant horses. “Don’t be ridiculous,” she told herself. Bear wouldn’t leave her alone with the horses if he didn’t feel she’d be one hundred percent safe.

  Roxie bumped her head against Angel’s neck, and Angel bumped her back.

  Bear returned with a couple of brushes. He handed a brush to Rae. “They love being brushed. It’s relaxing to both horse and rider.”

  Rae took the brush he offered, and he demonstrated on Roxie how to use it. She followed his directions with Angel, and he said, “That’s great. Keep going.”

  She fell into a rhythm as she brushed the golden horse and talked to Angel as she progressed. “You are such a good girl, Angel.”

  Every now and then the horse would snort or bob her head, as if in response. When Rae brushed Angel’s rump, the palomino nuzzled the back of her head, causing Rae to laugh.

  Bear talked to Roxie as he brushed her, and Rae liked the sound of his voice.

  “You’re right about this being relaxing,” she said as she worked the brush over Angel’s flaxen mane. “An
d I do feel a lot more comfortable with her.” She petted the side of the mare’s neck. “I think she’s more comfortable with me, too.”

  “You’ve done a great job.” Bear straightened and looked over Angel. “Are you ready to sit on her?”

  Rae hesitated then nodded. “Yes.”

  After putting Roxie in her stall, Bear retrieved a saddle and showed Rae how to properly saddle Angel. “I don’t expect you to do it alone, not this time.” He cinched the saddle. “It’s good to know how to do it yourself.”

  Rae focused on his instructions, determined not to get distracted or lose focus. This was important. Angel was a huge animal and Rae had a healthy respect for the physical power this horse had.

  “You’re not wearing boots,” Bear said, “so we won’t have you ride. You can sit on Angel’s back to get used to her, and I’ll lead you around the barn and maybe the corral. I won’t have you take control of the reins until the next time, when you’re wearing boots.”

  Assuming there was a next time, Rae thought, but she said, “Okay.”

  “Ready?” Bear asked.

  She nodded and stood on the left side of the horse. Bear linked his fingers together for her to step on and he boosted her into the saddle.

  Her stomach swooped as she looked down and saw how far it was to the barn floor. She gripped the pommel tightly. “It’s an awful long way down there.”

  “Better if you don’t stare down.” Bear rested his palm on her thigh and warmth spread from that touch all the way through her. He seemed oblivious to the feelings she was experiencing, his gaze on her.

  She looked away from his lovely hazel eyes and studied her surroundings from her now lofty position. “I feel so high.”

  “That’s because you are.” He laughed. “How does it make you feel?”

  “Feels kinda awesome.” She smiled at him. “I’m a little shaky, but it’s cool being this high up.”

  “I’ll lead you around the barn.” He snapped a rope onto the mare’s halter. “Good with that?”

  She took a deep breath and nodded. “Ready.”

  Bear made a clicking sound with his tongue and Rae’s heart lurched as Angel stepped forward, matching his strides. She clung to the saddle pommel for dear life, as if she was going to fall the very long way to the barn’s dirt floor.

  “How are you?” Bear looked up at her, clearly intent on making sure she was okay.

  “Scared spitless.” She managed a smile. “But give me a moment and I think I’ll be fine.”

  Bear kept walking with Angel. “You’re doing great.”

  They circled the inside of the huge barn a few times. Rae relaxed as they rounded the area and found she enjoyed being on the back of such a majestic creature.

  Bear said, “Whoa, Angel.” The horse immediately stopped with Bear, who patted the mare’s neck. “Good girl.”

  He met Rae’s gaze. “You’re looking good in the saddle, Rae. Ready for a trip or so around the corral?”

  “Yes.” She nodded. “Let’s do it.”

  He grinned. “We’ll make a horsewoman of you yet.”

  She smiled and waited as Bear opened the barn door. He led her through as she gripped the pommel. She was glad he hadn’t given her the reins. She didn’t think she was ready for that just yet.

  After Bear closed the barn door, he guided Angel out to the corral. Rae felt every movement of the big animal, yet her gait was smooth and didn’t jar her. She went from feeling nervous to experiencing a kind of exhilaration she’d never felt before.

  He brought the palomino to a stop and opened the corral gate, took Angel and Rae through, and closed the gate behind them.

  Bear stood beside Angel and stroked her elegant neck as he looked up at Rae. “How are you doing?”

  Rae smiled. “Great.”

  “I’m glad you’re enjoying your first ride.” Bear smiled in return and rested his hand on her thigh, like it was the most natural thing in the world. He didn’t seem to notice how the heat of his hand brought on the burn in her cheeks, which had nothing to do with the late afternoon sunshine pressing down on them.

  “Ready?” he asked.

  She nodded. “Ready.”

  He released her thigh and she could breathe again. He led Angel around the corral and Rae found herself drawn to Bear’s backside. His western hat covered his head, so she couldn’t see the wave of his hair. But she did notice how his T-shirt fit the expanse of his shoulders, his large biceps flexing as he gripped Angel’s rope.

  And O.M.G. but the way his Wrangler jeans hugged his butt was enough to make any woman drool.

  Bear looked over his shoulder and smiled. She hoped he didn’t notice her face, which had to be red from being caught staring at his backside. If he had noticed her staring, or the redness of her cheeks, he didn’t show it in his expression.

  He engaged Rae in conversation as she and Angel walked around the corral with him beside them. She had a feeling he was trying to keep her from being too nervous, and it was working.

  “Great job.” He again rested his hand on her thigh, as if he’d done that for years. “Like I said, I don’t feel comfortable letting you do much more than sit in the saddle until you’re wearing boots.”

  “I’ll see if I can borrow a pair from Marlee for next time,” Rae said.

  “Next time it is.” He looked pleased, and she had a feeling it was because she’d more or less said she’d be seeing him again, that their new relationship wouldn’t end here.

  She barely resisted shutting her eyes and shaking her head, as if that might reset her brain.

  Chapter 6

  Bear penned up his small herd of cattle when they came in. Rae helped him feed all of the animals before they headed to the house for dinner.

  Bear hadn’t enjoyed a woman’s company in the same way he had with Rae. She’d been so curious about his animals, asking questions and paying attention to what he shared with her. She’d even ridden Angel, clearly conquering her fear.

  “I’m glad it’s cooling down.” Rae looked at the early evening sky as she walked at his side toward the house. “What’s for dinner?”

  She tipped her head to meet his gaze as he responded. “I thought we’d throw a couple steaks on the grill, and veggies, as well.”

  “Sounds wonderful.” Her smile caused his gut to tighten. Damn, she was beautiful.

  She waited as he opened the back door, then walked past him. She knelt in front of Arthur’s kennel the moment she was inside. “How are you doing, Arthur?”

  Bear shut the door behind him as the dog raised his head and looked at Rae with his big brown eyes and he thumped his tail. She continued to speak to him in a sweet voice that made Bear smile.

  She rose and moved to Mervin’s cage. “How are you, Mervin?”

  “Mervin hungry,” the macaw said as he scooted along his perch. “Mervin hungry.”

  “He’s always hungry.” Bear retrieved a jar that was out of Rae’s reach from her petite height. He took out a couple of parrot treats. “You can feed him these and he’ll be happy.”

  Rae took the treats from him and Bear opened up the cage door. “If you hold out your arm, he’ll sit on your shoulder.”

  She looked at Bear with a wary gaze. “I’ve never done that. Do his claws hurt?”

  He shook his head. “He’s gentle.”

  She held her arm out in the cage. Mervin scooted onto her arm and up to her shoulder. She fed Mervin a treat.

  “Pretty lady feed Mervin.” He bobbed his head. “Thank you, pretty lady.”

  Rae laughed. “He’s a flirt.”

  Bear grinned. “He likes you.”

  “That’s because I gave him cashews and now treats.” She fed Mervin the second treat and the bird thanked her again.

  “Would you like a glass of iced tea?” he asked.

  “I would love one.” Rae let Mervin return to his cage and Bear fastened it.

  * * *

  Bear poured each of them a tall glass. He took
his tea with lemon, no sugar. Rae preferred lemon with sugar in hers.

  He watched her drink from her glass, admiring her graceful neck as she swallowed her tea. Everything about her was beautiful.

  She lowered her glass and caught him staring at her. He set his own glass on the island, trying to keep the moment from being awkward.

  “I’ll fire up the grill.” Bear inclined his head to the back patio that she could see through the arcadia door.

  “I’ll go with you.”

  His backyard had a nice-sized lawn and trees as well as flowers, including hibiscus and lantana. She watched as he prepared a mesquite wood fire in the grill, and they returned to the house.

  “I need to feed Arthur as well as the cats.” He reached into the fridge and got out a can of a prescription rice and chicken formula dog food that would be gentle on his stomach. He put a portion in a bowl and put the lid on the can and returned it to the fridge.

  “I’d like to feed him.” She took the bowl once he’d handed her, knelt, and opened the kennel. The dog gave a much happier doggy smile, telling them he was feeling better. He gobbled up his food in no time flat. Bear gave him clean, fresh water.

  He got liver paté out of the cabinet and opened the can. As he’d expected, his two cats came running into the kitchen.

  Rae’s eyes widened. She remained kneeling in front of Arthur’s kennel, clearly not wanting to startle the cats. “They’re beautiful. And huge. How do you grow them that big?”

  He spooned half the can into one Maggie’s cat bowl and the other half into Katie’s. “They’re of the ragdoll breed. Very sweet and loving, and very big.”

  She nodded. “I’ll say.”

  Bear put the bowls down for the mewling cats. “Meet Maggie.” He pointed to the black cat with white patches. “And Katie.” He gestured to the white with black cat.

  “Can I pet them?” she asked.

  “Sure.” He gave a nod. “They’re sweet. Just a little shy at first, but now that they’re out they’ll be somewhere around the rest of the evening.”

  Rae moved between the cats. They allowed her to stroke their soft fur without looking away from their food.