Take the Reins (A Cowboy's Promise #2) - Megan Squires Page 0,6

but I hope you’ve also got a vet coming out to do a thorough check up.”

“I do. This afternoon.”

“Glad to hear it.” Before they were even within ten paces of the horses, Josie let out an incredulous little huff. “I don’t think you’re going to need my help here, Seth. Those are mustangs.” When Seth didn’t respond right away, she continued, “See the freezemark brand under that sorrel’s mane? My guess is someone either adopted them directly from the Bureau of Land Management, or picked them up after they were dumped at auction. If they’re wild horses, then the one good thing they should have going for them is their feet.”

Dropping down into a crouch, Josie squinted her eyes as she peered through the slats in the stall.

“Yep. Those are definitely mustang hooves. I can come out and trim them in a month when I’m back at work, but those horses aren’t likely to ever need shoes.” She popped back up and swiped the front of her jean-clad thighs with her hands. “Shoot me a text once you’ve got them gentled and I’ll get you on the calendar.”

“Yeah.” Seth rubbed the back of his neck and wrinkled his nose with a grimace. “I’m not so sure that’ll happen within the month.”

“You don’t know how to break a horse?” The challenge in her tone made Seth’s defenses shoot up, like she’d implied he didn’t know how to change a tire or split firewood.

“I mean, I know my way around a horse. But if you’re asking if I’ve ever trained one—start to finish—then the answer would be no.”

“Ah.” Josie clicked her tongue. “So you’re the type of cowboy that likes to buy a horse that someone else has already put all the grunt work into. Got it.”

Seth’s eyes narrowed. “I’m the type of cowboy that likes to buy a tried and true horse who won’t get me killed when I’m out working cows.”

Something a bit like grief flashed across Josie’s features, but she rallied quickly and said, “Fair enough. You know someone who can break these horses then?”

“I could make a few phone calls—”

“Or I could do it.”

Seth’s head twitched. “You want a shot at breaking these mustangs?”

“If it’s on the table.” She set her shoulders, but her stony expression dissolved when her eyes met Seth’s. “I could really use the work right now. And I’m good. I know how to train a horse. Halter break and get them under saddle and all of that. I can do it.”

Something in the hopeful tone of Josie’s voice snagged on the heartstrings Seth didn’t even know he had. “Alright. We could work something out. But I’ll expect you to be here at the ranch, working with them everyday.” Tossing a glance toward her broken down vehicle in the driveway, Seth added, “If you’re confident in your abilities, then so am I. But I’m not confident that truck will get you back and forth reliably.”

Josie’s lips parted like she wanted to say something and when they clamped shut instead, Seth felt the need to prod. “What is it?”

“There’s another option.” She vacillated just a brief moment, then blurted, “I have a fifth-wheel. I could park it at your ranch. Stay here while I work with the horses.”

Oddly, the forwardness in that offer wasn’t off-putting. Seth realized his willingness to say yes said more about him than it did Josie. If any other stranger had asked to park their trailer on his land, he would’ve scoffed at the idea. But there was something undeniably intriguing about this woman, something that made his reservations, and all hesitation, fly out the window.

“Sure. That’ll work.”

Like it was the first good news she’d heard in years, Josie’s eyes rounded in unchecked shock. “Really?”

“Yeah.” Seth nodded. “Text me your address and I’ll drive my truck over this weekend to haul the trailer back here. Not a chance yours would be able to do it.” With an extended hand, Seth grasped Josie’s to seal the deal. “You start Monday.”

4

Josie

Josie had half a mind to beat her cast against the solid wood door. She’d knocked three times already and knew full well Marcie was on the other side, ignoring her insistent rapping.

“Marcie!” Peering through the long windows that flanked the front door to the ranch house, Josie scowled when she caught sight of the woman standing in the foyer in plain view. “I know you’re in there. I can see you. We need to talk.”

“No time.” She could hear the muffled response and