Lynette Eason - Christmas Ranch Rescue

Her smile flipped. “I’m doing fine. People in town are talking, huh?”

“Of course. When anyone mentioned it to me, I told them to get the facts before they opened their mouths.” He shrugged. “Some will, and sorry to say it, but some won’t.”

“I know. The fact is, I was attacked in my barn and Nathan here scared him off. Probably some junkie looking for something to sell.”

“You need security out here,” Zeb said. “It’s not safe. Especially since your two helpers had to quit.”

Becca frowned.

“What are you talking about?” Nathan asked.

She sighed. “I had two teenagers working for me, but...”

“But what?”

“But Clay came out to search my ranch for drugs because he found my cell phone number on a dead man’s phone.” Her jaw tightened and her eyes narrowed. “That’s not exactly confidence inducing for the parents who were allowing their kids to work for me, so they made them quit.”

Nathan winced. “Ouch.”

“Yes.” She shrugged and looked at Zeb. “I’m safe enough. Yesterday was a fluke. Nathan’s living in the bunkhouse for now, and Brody Mac will soon be here for winter break. I’ll be fine.” She nodded toward the barn. “You know where the horses are. How long do you think you’ll be?”

“A few hours. But I won’t get in the way of anyone you’ve got coming in.”

“Great.”

Nathan handed her the cell phone he’d found on the table in the bunkhouse. “Are you looking for this?”

She rolled her eyes and took it. “Thanks. I’m always looking for that.”

Zeb gave her a salute and headed off to do his job. Nathan looked at her. She had a streak of dirt across her forehead. “How’s your back?”

“Hurting a little.”

“I thought so.”

She gazed out over the pasture. “It’s not terrible, but I guess I’ll take you up on your offer to finish up out there. Four horses are in the north pasture and I need them brought down. I need to conserve my strength for this afternoon, so I’m going to go sit and pay bills.”

“What else is on the schedule today?”

“A special education class from the elementary school is coming out for a tour and some pony rides. There are six students and three teachers.” She pressed a hand against the side of her head and looked around. “I should have put up some Christmas decorations to make the barn look more welcoming, but I just haven’t felt up to digging them out.” She sighed. “Oh well, I guess it doesn’t matter. It won’t affect the riding. After they leave, I have a physical therapy appointment then lessons this afternoon. One group lesson and two private.”

“Head’s hurting, too, huh?”

“I’ve had the occasional migraine since the fall.”

Her grudging admission sparked his curiosity and he wondered why it was so hard for her to ask for help. “Is this one of those occasions?”

“Looks like it’s going to be.” She grimaced.

He gave her a gentle push in the direction of the house. “Go, forget the bills, take some medicine and lie down for a bit. I can handle things here.”

“But—”

“I grew up on a horse ranch, just like you. I know what to do.”

She sighed. “I know you do. Okay.” She started toward the house, then turned back. “But promise you’ll come get me if—”

“I promise. Go.”

She went.

“I know you said you went to high school together, but do you have a history beyond that?” Zeb asked.

Nathan spun to find the vet behind him, wiping his hands on a cloth. “A history?” He shrugged. “No. Why?”

“Because I’m interested in her and wanted to make sure you weren’t the competition.”

Well, he’d thought he liked the guy, but Nathan had to bite his tongue on the first words that wanted to slip out. Instead, he drew in a deep breath and smiled even while he reminded himself that he wasn’t interested in Becca. “No competition here,” he said. “I’m just the hired help.” Becca had a mind of her own. If she chose to date the vet, Nathan wouldn’t get in her way.

Much. Maybe.

Zeb held up a hand. “You’re sure? I mean, I’m only asking because I don’t want to interfere. Just tell me the word and I’ll keep everything strictly professional with her.”

Okay, so maybe the guy wasn’t so bad after all.

“There’s nothing between us,” Nathan said. “Nothing but friendship.”

Liar, his heart whispered.

* * *

Becca wasn’t sure how much time had passed from the moment she took the migraine pill to her roll over to look at the clock, but she thought it might have been about an hour and a half. She was just grateful the pounding had eased to a dull throb and the nausea had faded. Her back even felt much better. She eased her way from the bed and into the bathroom. One glance in the mirror made her grimace. She might feel better, but she looked like she’d been run over by a truck.

She washed her face, brushed her hair and her teeth and decided she wouldn’t scare the children too terribly bad.

And what about Nathan?

Why did she care? She sighed. Because she did. Ever since he’d rescued her in the barn, her heart had started doing strange things around him. Things she didn’t have time to investigate but found herself wishing she did.

A knock sounded on her front door. Becca slapped a hat on her head and made her way down the hall and into the foyer. She almost opened the door without looking but thought better of it. Glancing out the side window, she saw Nathan standing on her porch.

Tall, good-looking Nathan, with a dimple in his right cheek and shoulders just made for nestling against. She swallowed and wondered what was wrong with her. She’d never thought of Nathan in that way before. Why start now? Refusing to dwell on her crazy thoughts, she yanked the door open. “Hey.”

“Are you feeling better? Your guests are here.”

“I’m better, thanks.”

“I’ve got Mason and Dixon saddled up and ready to go. You had them listed next to the kids’ names on that clipboard in your office.”

She wanted to hug him. “You’re an answer to my prayers, Nathan Williams.”

He flushed, endearing him to her even more. He ducked his head in exaggerated embarrassment. “Aw shucks, ma’am.”

She swatted his arm and shut the door behind her. One glance at the sky spoke trouble. Clouds hung heavy and low. “It’s going to storm.”

“Yep.”

“Well, let’s do what we can do while we can do it. Once lightning starts, we’ll have to close up.”

Becca stepped out of her house and headed toward the group of kids. One of her greatest pleasures was helping the little ones ride. She gave the group of students and teachers a wide smile. “Welcome to Priceless Riding School. It looks like it’s going to rain, but does anyone want to see if we can beat the storm and get some riding in?”

Five hands shot into the air. One young little girl, about eight years old, ducked behind one of the adults. Becca smiled. She hoped the child would watch her classmates having fun and decide to give it a try, but she wouldn’t push her. “All right then, let’s go out to the arena and do some riding.” She glanced around and prayed whoever had attacked her the day before was long gone. She shivered at the memory but refused to let it ruin her day. With Zeb and Nathan nearby, everyone should be plenty safe.

Two hours later, the rain started with large drops, but the children had all ridden several times. All except the little girl. She’d watched and cheered for her friends but refused to get in the saddle herself. Maybe another day. Becca ruffled the girl’s blond curls and led the group into the barn. Everyone laughed as they dashed for cover.