Take the Reins (A Cowboy's Promise #2) - Megan Squires Page 0,14
certainly wasn’t good for the horse. A solid, slow and steady foundation was infinitely more important than hastily getting a horse under saddle. For that reason, she’d take whatever time necessary to get there.
For today, she’d wait on this side of the fence and she’d be plenty content in doing so.
Stifling a yawn, Josie scanned the ranch. Hills dotted with cows undulated in the distance. She didn’t know the exact size of the farmland, but she had a feeling she couldn’t make out the property lines from her vantage point in the valley. She’d likely need the help of binoculars to fully take in the entirety of the ranch, its spread wider and more vast than any other acreage she’d been on.
The Ford’s were well-known cattle ranchers in these parts. Chances were, if you had a tri-tip grilling on the barbecue, you had the Ford’s to thank for it. The farm was a generational one, which was why it surprised her that she’d never heard of Seth before. She knew of his father, Mitch. Even his brother, Tanner. But Seth was a perfectly good stranger and she wondered why he’d suddenly been placed at the helm with the others nowhere in sight.
That information wasn’t hers to know, but she had a hunch he’d fill her in if she just asked. After all, he spilled much more than that last night. It wasn’t any business of Josie’s if Seth was single. It also shouldn’t have affected her the way it did. He was good looking, there was no denying that. And he made the best chocolate chip cookies she’d ever eaten, no question. But he was her landlord and that was that. Plus, relationships didn’t bode well for Josie. She had come to terms long ago that she’d likely live out her days alone. Honestly, she preferred it that way. Cowboy’s company was often more than she needed. Some people were extroverts and got their energy from the people around them and needed companionship to survive and thrive. Josie was an introvert in the deepest part of her being and while some saw that as a fault, she was just fine being labeled one.
She was independent, self-sufficient, and didn’t need anyone. Except when it came to a place to park her trailer. Until she could amass the money necessary to purchase her own modest plot of land, she’d be at the mercy of people like Seth who gave generously without expecting anything in return.
Oddly, being at that man’s mercy wasn’t such a terrible thought.
Josie shook her head briskly, scolding that shocking idea right out of her brain. But not effectively enough, because when she heard his low voice at her back, the flutter in her stomach returned at full force.
“How are things coming along this morning?” He maneuvered the buckskin beneath him as he collected the reins to side pass closer. “Just finished checking the cows and thought I’d swing by to see if you needed anything. Looks like they’re settling in well. That stallion isn’t quite so high strung this morning, huh?”
“Bruiser’s only snorted at me once. I take it as a win.”
“Bruiser.” Seth tapped his horse’s belly with his heels and moved up to Josie. “I like that. Suits him.”
“Maybe not yet, but I think he’ll get there.”
“Nah, I can see it. It’s a good name for him.” He smiled. “Hey, I’m headed into town to do a little grocery shopping and wanted to see if there’s anything I could pick up for you. They’ve got a sale on sugar and I want to stock up on some. If you’ve got a list going, I’d be happy to grab the items on it.”
“Thanks, I’m good, but I appreciate the offer. Honestly, I’m not sure when I’ll be able to drive Marcie’s car without getting lightheaded.”
“Still airing it out?”
“I am, but I think that nauseating perfume stench has marinated in those seat cushions so long, it’s become a permanent part of the fabric.”
“You know, Josie, you’re welcome to borrow my truck anytime you need it. There’s a spare set of keys hanging in the tack room. Don’t even have to ask.”
The man had already done so much for her and now he was offering the use of his vehicle when she had a perfectly good—albeit stinky—one in her possession. Josie wondered when she would no longer feel like such a leech, constantly sucking his resources without offering anything in return.