Mindy Obenhaus - Her Colorado Cowboy

But first he needed to concentrate on helping Colton with his riding lesson.

Boots firmly in the dirt, he watched as Colton made a practice run around the arena. He was surprised by how quickly the boy was catching on. The fact that he had a positive attitude was a big help. It seemed that whenever Colton showed up, whether to work or learn, he was ready to give it his all. A far cry from the cantankerous, smart-mouthed kid Noah had met last week. Sure, there’d been a few complaints, but overall, the kid was as eager to help as he was to learn. Like he’d found his calling. Or just someplace to direct his pent-up anger.

And Noah was more than happy to help.

He took hold of the quarter horse’s bridle as the kid approached. “Good job, Colton.”

“That was fun.” The boy leaned forward to stroke the animal’s mane.

Sonic nickered in response.

“You hear that? I think Sonic likes you.”

“He’s a good horse.”

“Yes, he is.” Not to mention experienced, which was why Noah had chosen him. “Now, when you’re roping and riding, you’re going to need your hands to control the rope.”

The kid cocked his head, his brow marked with confusion. “So how do you hold on to the reins?”

“You don’t.” Noah couldn’t help grinning. “Let me show you something.” He moved beside the horse. “Let go of the reins.”

Colton complied.

“Now pull your legs together so they’re pressing into Sonic’s sides.”

“Like this?”

Noah knew the boy was doing it correctly when Sonic dropped his head and began to back up.

The kid’s eyes widened. “Did I make him do that?”

“You sure did.”

“That is so cool.” His excitement echoed from the rafters.

“When roping, a rider has to know how to control the horse without using his hands. We’ll work on that more next time.”

“Aw, we’re done already?” He reached for the reins, slapping them against his leg.

“Afraid so. I’ve got something I need to take care of in town.”

“Okay...” The boy reluctantly dismounted, the leather of the saddle creaking.

“Why don’t you take ol’ Sonic here back to his stall while I talk to your mom?”

“Can I give him some horse cookies?”

“A couple, yes.”

While Colton headed off with the horse, Noah made his way to the opposite side of the arena to talk with Lily. She was sitting alone in her usual spot on the bleachers.

“The kid’s a natural.” He hopped the fence.

“Really?” Lily stood, her long hair spilling over her shoulders. “He must get it from his grandmother then, because it certainly didn’t come from me.”

“Mommy?” An excited Piper skipped toward them, her ponytail bobbing, while Noah’s father followed a short distance behind.

“What is it, Piper?” Lily laid a hand on her daughter’s back as if to settle her.

“Mr. Stephens said I can have a soda if it’s all right with you. Can I?”

“Piper’s been working hard, helping me clean the riding helmets.” Dad grinned at the child. “Would it be all right if I rewarded her with a soda?”

“Of course.” Lily looked at her daughter. “But nothing caffeinated.”

“Okay.” Piper took hold of his father’s hand.

Noah couldn’t help smiling. She was a cutie with a personality to match. And just like his nieces, she brought out the best in his old man.

“Newspaper called.” Dad’s voice pulled him from his thoughts.

He looked at his father.

“They said you missed the deadline for advertising in the July Fourth edition.”

“No, I didn’t.” He shook his head. “The cutoff is tomorrow. I’m planning to drop the ad by the newspaper office in just a little bit.”

“The deadline was noon today.”

“Noon?” He looked at his watch. It was almost three. Then he remembered that they’d moved the deadline up a day this week due to the holiday. His stomach clenched. How could he have forgotten something so important? His life savings were riding on the success of the rodeo school.

He glanced in Lily’s direction to discover her watching him.

Just what he needed. Why’d his father have to bring that up in front of her?

“Mom, did you see me out there?” Colton approached, his smile wide.

“Yes. You looked very handsome.”

“Mr. Stephens said I could have a soda.” Piper peered up at her brother. “Maybe he’ll let you have one, too.”

“Can I?” Colton looked to the older man.

“Sure. Come on, you two.”

As the trio headed down the corridor, Noah sensed Lily was still watching him. But he didn’t dare turn around.

“You know—” he heard her boots against the bleachers before she stepped in front of him “—an interview with the newspaper might garner more attention than an ad. Besides, you have to pay for advertising. Interviews are free.”

He stared down at her, still frustrated. “What would they interview me about?”

Her expression went flat. “You’re a former rodeo champion who’s opening a rodeo school. And not just any rodeo champ, but one of the best champions ever.”

He studied her, his gaze narrowing. “How do you know that?”

She shrugged. “The internet.”

She’d googled him? Why? “Don’t believe everything you read.” He turned, ready to leave.

“Well, unless somebody made up those stats...”

He paused then and faced her again. “Do you really see me going to the newspaper and asking them to interview me?”

“No.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “First you have to create interest. Say, in the form of a press release.” She was talking way over his head.

He set his hands on his hips. “Lily, I don’t even know what that is.”

“Maybe not—” she inched toward him “—but I do.”

He wasn’t in the mood for games. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means—” with only a short distance between them, she dropped her arms to her sides “—that I’m willing to help you promote the rodeo school and get ready for its grand opening.”

“Why would you do that?”

Seemingly frustrated, she gestured around the arena. “My kids are completely enamored with this place. And you.” Her sideways glance hinted at annoyance. “Meaning we’ll likely be spending a lot of time here this summer. Especially now that Piper wants to take lessons. So I may as well make myself useful.”

A woman who was scared to death of horses wanted to help him promote the rodeo school? That had to be one of the craziest things he’d ever heard.

She was right about one thing, though. With both of her kids becoming more and more entrenched in events at the ranch, she’d likely be here a lot. At least helping with the rodeo school would give her something to do besides hover during the kids’ lessons.

He contemplated her a moment. What if she did help him? In the last two minutes alone, he’d seen that she knew way more about publicizing something than he did. Still, her fear of horses gave him pause.

“Perhaps I could give you riding lessons, too. I mean, if you’re helping me with the promotion.”

She straightened, her shoulders rigid, her expression pinched. “That’s highly doubtful, Mr. Stephens.”

Her quick response almost made him laugh. Because there was nothing he enjoyed more than a good challenge. And getting Lily comfortable around horses was a huge one.

Of course, he also knew when to loosen the reins. “Okay, then I will take you up on your offer, on one condition.”

One perfectly arched brow lifted in question.

“That you call me Noah. Mr. Stephens is my dad.”