Riding Hard Read online

  “You just called yourself a glutton for punishment.”

  “That’s an expression, something folks say. It doesn’t mean that I—”

  “Hey, Drake!”

  Intensely grateful for the interruption, he swiveled to face Regan, who came toward him looking like the seasoned cowboy he’d become, complete with boots, worn jeans and a ten-gallon hat. Drake had bought some boots and a couple of pairs of jeans that still looked new. He was holding off buying a hat. He couldn’t say why.

  He held out a hand to Regan. “Hey, buddy! What’s up?”

  “Not much.” Regan shook hands, but the dark eyes he’d inherited from his Italian mother moved quickly from Drake to Tracy. “Am I interrupting?”

  “Nope!” Tracy waved her order pad. “I have to put in Drake’s food order and check on my other customers. Can I bring you something?”

  “I’ll take a draft when you have a minute. I actually came in to see you, but I wanted to ask Drake a favor, too, so this is perfect.”

  “All righty, then. I’ll be back.” She hurried toward the kitchen.

  Regan slid onto a barstool on Drake’s right. “Did I interrupt something? You both looked mighty serious.”

  “Not really. I made a dumb remark and she picked up on it.”

  “What’d you say?”

  “She wondered why I’m stayin’ here when nobody likes me, and I—”

  “Hang on.” Regan shoved back the brim of his Stetson. “She actually said that nobody likes you? That doesn’t sound like Tracy.”

  “Actually I’m the one who said that, but she didn’t disagree with me. You have to admit I’m not the toast of Shoshone, Wyoming.”

  “Maybe not yet.”

  “Maybe not ever. You have loyal friends who don’t forgive easily. I understand that. Tracy asked a logical question, and I gave her a flip answer.”

  “Like what?”

  “I said maybe I was a glutton for punishment.”

  “Oh, boy.” Regan chuckled. “I’ll bet that got her attention.”

  “It did, but why are you so sure it would?”

  “She’s studying to be a psychologist, but don’t mention that I told you.”

  “Why? What’s the big secret?”

  “It’s not actually a secret. As you’ve discovered, gossip is a favorite pastime in this little town.”

  Drake pretended to be shocked. “Really?”

  “Yeah, yeah. Anyway, people kind of know because she keeps her books behind the bar and studies when it’s not busy in here. But she’s not ready to announce it to the world. I think she’s worried that she doesn’t have the intellectual chops to pull it off.”

  “You’re kidding.” Drake thought of her efficiency and the intelligence shining in those brown eyes. “She’s smart as a whip. Anyone can see that.”

  “Yeah, but nobody in her family has ever set foot on a college campus. She’s only taken online classes so far, and she probably doesn’t want to make a big deal out of this and then fail.”

  “She won’t fail.”

  Regan smiled. “Spoken like a man who always knew he’d end up with a degree and a profession. She doesn’t have that kind of background, and she has doubts.”

  “Well, she shouldn’t, but I see your point.” He paused. “Wait, are you saying she was trying to psychoanalyze me? That’s all I need.”

  “At least it would be free.”

  Drake skewered his friend with a look and discovered Regan was working hard not to laugh. “It’s not funny, damn it. I might need a shrink, but I sure as hell don’t need a shrink in training. I’m messed up enough without accidentally gettin’ the wrong advice.”

  “I wouldn’t discount Tracy’s insights. She’s spent a lot of hours behind this bar, and she has a knack for reading people. She can’t officially hang out a shingle until she graduates and gets licensed, but she has excellent instincts.”

  “Mmm.” Drake didn’t like this discussion any more than the one he’d been having with Tracy. He took another swig of beer.

  “Look, you told me you wanted to get your head on straight while you’re here. You could do worse than talk things over with Tracy.”

  “I beg to differ.” Drake sighed. “Besides, aren’t psychologists supposed to be nonjudgmental?”

  “Yeah, I suppose so.”

  “Then Tracy didn’t get the memo. She believes what I did was heinous and she’s not cuttin’ me any slack. I hardly think she’s the person to help me.”

  “Okay, maybe not. I’m not sure why, but I know infidelity is a hot button for her.”

  Drake winced as he always did when that word came up. He’d willingly participated in an act of infidelity. Even though liquor had been involved, which created some sort of lame excuse, the sharpness of what he’d done couldn’t be filed down, and it still cut deep.

  “So I guess it’s not such a good idea,” Regan said. “Forget I mentioned it.”

  “I surely will. Besides, there’s another factor that makes the idea a nonstarter.”

  “What?”

  “I think she’s hot.”

  “Oh.” Regan’s glance slid past Drake and focused on a spot over his shoulder. “Here she comes. I’d advise you to keep that information to yourself.”

  “Don’t worry. I’m not about to make myself vulnerable to a woman who thinks I’m pond scum.”

  “She doesn’t think that.”

  “I’ll guarantee she does.” Drake swiveled his stool back around and smiled at Tracy.

  Her mouth responded with an obligatory upward tilt, but the rest of her face was devoid of emotion. Then she looked at Regan, and everything changed. “Here’s your beer and some peanuts in case you get the munchies.” She’d never offered Drake peanuts.

  “Thanks.” Regan pushed the bowl toward Drake. “Want some?”

  “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.”

  His shoulders dropped and his eyes grew suspiciously moist. “Thank you, ma’am. Thank you.”

  His gruff tone choked her up a little, too. “Let me get the form for you to fill out.” She hurried back to the house and returned in a flash with a clipboard, an intake form and a pen before doubts could change her mind. She held them out to him. “We need some information for our records.” Regan and Lily would understand. They had to.

  If possible, he looked even more miserable. “Sorry, ma’am. I can’t.”

  For a split second she thought he was refusing to fill out the form, but then she realized he was illiterate on top of his other problems. “No worries. I’ll do it. Just tell me what to write.”

  The man’s name was Jerry Rankin. He’d bought Dottie as a foal ten years ago, when times were good for him. Once Tracy started asking questions, Jerry offered all sorts of details that weren’t on the form.

  When he’d been blessed with steady work, he’d bought an Appaloosa stallion with plans to start a breeding operation. His wife had handled the paperwork, and all had gone well. They’d bred the horses and sold three foals. But then his wife had died after an illness that ate up their savings, and he’d lost his job.

  When Tracy finished filling out the form, she glanced up. “Can you sign your name?”

  “My wife taught me that much.” He took the clipboard and pen and painstakingly wrote his name in awkward block letters.

  “Thank you, Mr. Rankin.”

  “Jerry’s good enough.”

  “Jerry, then.”

  “I surely do appreciate this.” He handed over the lead rope, but the mare stayed right by his side. Then he dug in the pocket of his worn jeans. “I ain’t got nothin’ but change, but I’ll give you what I—”

  “No, no. That’s okay. You keep it.” She felt like offering him money, instead. “I don’t know if you’ve checked into this, but the county has programs if you find yourself...a little short.”

  He nodded. “I know. I might consider that.” He returned
the coins to his pocket. “Much obliged to you for taking Dottie. That’s a load off my mind.”

  “You’re welcome.”

  “She’s a good horse.”

  “I’m sure she is.”

  He stroked the Appaloosa’s nose. “You be a good girl for the lady, you hear?”

  The mare turned her head and nudged his chest.

  “I know. I’ll miss you, too. It’s for the best.”

  Tracy swallowed a lump in her throat. “Mr. Rankin...Jerry, she’ll be right here. If things should start looking up for you, you can come and get her.”

  He touched the brim of his battered cowboy hat. “That’s right nice of you, ma’am.” His voice grew husky. “I’ll...I’ll keep it in mind.” He stroked Dottie’s nose once more and started for his truck.

  “We’ll take good care of her,” Tracy called after him.

  He didn’t respond other than to give a brief nod.

  The mare turned her head to gaze after him. Then she nickered.

  Tracy feared she might start bawling. Apparently she wasn’t cut out for this kind of work. She hoped that dealing with people problems turned out to be less emotionally difficult than dealing with animal problems. Otherwise she wouldn’t be a very effective psychologist.

  Dottie nickered again as the truck and trailer pulled through the gate.

  “Come on, girl.” Tracy rubbed the mare’s silky neck. “Time for a cozy stall and some oats. I’ll bet you haven’t had any of those in a while.” She exerted firm pressure on the lead rope and Dottie followed her obediently to the barn, proving that she was, as Jerry had said, a good horse. Tracy settled her into an empty stall at the far end of the barn and gave her the promised bucket of oats. The mare ate them greedily.

  “Okay, this was a good decision...I guess.” Tracy leaned on the stall door and watched the mare. She was a good-looking horse, the color of rich cream with a rump speckled in black.

  “The thing is, Dottie, I know nothing about prenatal care, and I’ll bet you could use a few vitamins and minerals.” Gazing at the horse’s extended belly, she realized she didn’t know how far along the mare was. It hadn’t been on the form, but she should have thought to ask, anyway.