Chapter Six
Wilder couldn’t keep the smile from his face as he led her into the barn. They stopped to let their eyes adjust, then she let go of his hand and walked to the first stall to pet the horse.
“That’s Busy Bee. She’s very gentle.”
“She’s so pretty. Buckskins are my favorite,” Rory said, as she rubbed the horse’s nose.
“You can ride her or pick another one. Most of them are gentle.”
“Which horse do you ride?”
Wilder strode across the barn to another stall and stopped in front of it.
“Hey, boy,” he said to the red sorrel.
“Oh! He’s gorgeous.”
“He’s a five-year-old quarter horse. I bought him from MERAS about two years ago.”
“Melissa and Brayden have a great place there.”
“Yeah.” He patted the horse on the neck. “I couldn’t resist this guy. He was miserable. It took me a while to get him to trust me.”
“What’s his name?”
“Copper.”
“For his color?”
“I suppose. I didn’t name him. Brayden told me that’s what the people who surrendered him called him. They lost their ranch and had to find homes for their horses.”
“I hate to hear that they lost their home and animals.” She wiped a tear from her cheek.
“Rory, darlin’, I will do all I can to find whoever stole your cows.”
“I know. Let’s go. I’ll ride Busy Bee.”
“All right. Let me show you the tack room.” He walked around her, then stopped. “Can you saddle your horse?”
“Of course. I’m a country girl.”
Wilder pulled her close and lowered his head.
“I like country girls.” He pressed his lips to hers.
“Hey, cut that out in my barn.”
Wilder raised his lips and chuckled. Rory blushed, and Wilder looked over her head to see his brother standing in the aisle.
“You’re just jealous,” Wilder said.
“Damn right I am.” Nick grinned.
Rory pushed her hands against Wilder’s shoulders, and he stepped back but leaned down and put his mouth close to her ear.
“I’m sure he knows we’re having sex, so seeing us kiss doesn’t surprise him,” he said, then grunted when she elbowed him. Wilder grinned at his brother as he walked toward them.
“I think you have your work cut out for you with this one, Wild,” Nick said.