Vicki Thompson - Riding Hard

“Don’t mind if I do.” He’d show Tracy that he wasn’t too proud to eat Regan’s free peanuts.

Tracy lingered in front of Regan. “Can I get you anything else?”

“Nope, this is great. But I have a big favor to ask.”

“What’s that?”

“Nick’s going to a conference in Washington, D.C. next week and he’s taking Dominique because she’s never been to the Capitol. At the last minute he asked if Lily and I wanted to come along. The women can pal around and sightsee while we’re in meetings. I wondered if you’d be willing to house-sit again while we’re gone.”

“Of course! I’ll have to make sure my hours here will mesh with feeding the critters, but that shouldn’t be a problem. I can trade off with somebody if necessary.”

Drake was flabbergasted. And more than a little hurt. A couple of weeks ago Regan and Lily had taken a two-day vacation and had asked Tracy to house-sit. When Drake found out, he’d told them to ask him next time.

He was a vet, for crying out loud, so he could easily deal with the animals. He also had zip going on. Instead Regan had asked a busy person who already had a full-time job and was studying to become a psychologist.

“Great!” Regan gave Tracy a big old smile. “Same deal as before. Don’t accept any new animals.”

“I won’t.”

“And because we’ll be gone for so long, I’ve arranged for a vet in Jackson to take the routine calls at the office and help you out if you need it. But I’m hoping Drake will consider stepping in if there’s an emergency.” He glanced over at Drake. “Would you be able to do that, just until the guy from Jackson can get down here?”

“Uh, sure. Be glad to.” He could have handled everything, if Regan had bothered to ask.

“Thanks. I really appreciate it. I keep most of my supplies in my truck, and it’ll be parked beside the house. Tracy, if you have any problems at all, call Drake. He’s an excellent vet.”

Drake had been so busy having his feelings hurt that he hadn’t seen that coming. Tracy hadn’t either, judging from the way her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open.

“You’ll need my number, then.” He enjoyed saying it, even if she didn’t enjoy hearing it.

“Uh, yeah, I guess I will. But I’m sure nothing will happen.”

“Probably not, but just in case, you’d better take it. Call or text anytime.”

“Right.” She scribbled the number he gave her on her order pad.

“Then we’re all set.” Regan beamed at them. “We might stay a couple of extra days, if that’s okay with you two.”

You two. Drake was amused by the way Regan had neatly linked them up. Tracy probably hated it. “I’m fine with y’all staying longer,” he said. “How about you, Tracy?”

“Uh, sure. Just let me know in advance so I can adjust my hours. Listen, I’d better get back to my customers. Drake’s burger and fries should be up by now, too.” She quickly made her escape.

Drake wasn’t ready to let the issue go. “I could have handled all of it,” he said in a low voice. “I believe I told you that the last time you asked her.”

“I know, and I was keeping you in reserve if she had other plans. But she said yes, probably because she needs the money for school. I figured she did.”

“Oh, you’re paying her.” Drake felt better. “I didn’t realize that.”

“We’re absolutely paying her. We paid her last time, too. There’s a lot of work involved. I wouldn’t expect anyone to do it for free.”

“I would’ve.”

“And that’s one of the reasons I didn’t want to ask you. I knew you wouldn’t take any money for it, and Tracy will.” Regan studied him. “You do realize that I’m not mad at you anymore, right?”

“Yeah, I do.” His chuckle sounded hollow. “Sadly, I’m still riddled with guilt.”

“Well, hell, dude. Get over it.” Regan tossed a peanut in his mouth.

“Believe me, I’m trying. Taking care of your place for free while y’all are gone would’ve helped, but I get why you asked Tracy. I wouldn’t want to deprive her of a chance to earn extra money.”

“And I hoped you’d be her backup if she has any issues. Legally I can’t pay you since you’re not licensed in Wyoming, but I know you don’t care about the money.”

“Nope. Don’t worry about anything. I’ll keep an eye on the medical side of things, but you do realize Tracy hates the thought of having to call on me.”

“She won’t hate it if one of the horses gets sick. Everything went fine last time, but we were only a couple of hours away if she’d needed us. Frankly, I wouldn’t have agreed to a cross-country trip if I couldn’t count on you in the event of a problem.”

“I’ll surely do that. But now I wish I hadn’t told you that I think she’s hot.”

“Why?”

Drake looked away. “Because I don’t want you to think I’ll take this as a golden opportunity.”

“Good God. You are not only riddled with guilt, you’re drowning in it. You and Tracy are consenting adults. I like you both. What happens between you has nothing to do with me unless you scare the horses.”

Drake glanced over to find Regan grinning. “I promise not to do that.”

“Then everything else is up for grabs.”

Drake didn’t think so. Tracy had a poor opinion of him, and it would take a miracle to change her mind.

2

AS THE NOONDAY sun beat down on her, Tracy stared at the pregnant Appaloosa that the sad-looking cowboy had insisted on unloading despite Tracy’s protests. She was a striking mare with a Dalmatian-like coat. Her mane and tail mixed strands of black and white into a soft gray. Tracy instantly wanted to take in this lovely creature.

But her instructions from Regan and Lily had been crystal clear. Just like the first time she house-sat for them, she wasn’t supposed to accept any animals while they were gone. “I’m sorry.” She kept her tone friendly but firm. “I’m not authorized to admit any animals this week. Perhaps you’d like to come back at the end of the month when the owners are here.”

“Can’t wait that long, ma’am. I can’t feed her no more. I’ve run through the money I got from selling my stud and I can’t find work.” The man could have been anywhere from thirty to fifty years old, but he’d obviously lived a hard life judging from his weathered skin and resigned expression.

“I wish I could help, but—”

“I came this close to selling Dottie to a guy in Jackson, but he wouldn’t have treated her right. I’m beggin’ you to take her.”

“If she’s valuable, and I can see that she probably is, surely you can find someone you trust who would buy her.”

“No time. Got an eviction notice for the place I rent yesterday. I’m out of feed for Dottie and out of options. I heard about this rescue operation and figured it was my last hope to put her somewheres she’d be looked after.”

Tracy heard the desperation in his voice. This wasn’t some jerk who’d grown tired of his responsibility. The man genuinely loved his mare and was terrified something bad would happen to her because he’d lost the ability to provide for her.

Last time Tracy had taken care of Peaceful Kingdom, all twelve of the barn’s stalls had been occupied. But Regan and Lily had worked hard to adopt out the young and healthy horses. Six of the residents were so old and feeble they’d live at Peaceful Kingdom forever. Two others needed to learn some manners before they’d be ready to go. Four stalls stood empty.

It wasn’t her place to fill even one of them. She’d be acting against orders if she did. But this situation tugged at her heart. She met the cowboy’s gaze and made her decision. “I’ll take her.”