Hawk crossed his arms over his chest and the T-shirt pulled tight on his arms and pecs. I focused quickly on his face, his expression hardening.
“Why? So you can breathe down my neck and make sure I’m doing everything to your satisfaction?”
He was fucking prickly. But I was used to it now. “No. So that I can plan my visits around when you expect to be working her. I’m not here to get in your way, Hawk. But I do want to bond with my horse.”
Hawk tapped the fingers of one hand against the opposite elbow as though he was thinking. After a long, very tense, few minutes, he dropped his arms and leaned forward, staring me down.
“You know, most of my training clients drop off their horses with me, take my word when I provide updates, weigh in if I need input,maybevisit once or twice, and then pick their horse back up at the end of the training year.”
He was repeating what he’d already told me. I kept my gaze steadily on him, staring right back. “Sounds like a bummer for them. I do want the updates. I do want to provide input when you need it. But you’re the expert here and I know that. You set the schedule. I just want time with Ramona, and if I’m lucky, I’ll get those updates in person.”
Was it my imagination or had my voice dipped lower at the end there? Considering the way Hawk’s eyes widened a fraction, it definitely had. To try and cover it, I cleared my throat and took a long pull from the water bottle. I wasn’t sure Hawk bought it though.
Fortunately, he didn’t comment on it. “I work with who needs it, when they need it. I try for a schedule, but it doesn’t always work out.” He drummed his fingers on the desk, a staccato rhythm that sounded like a song I heard on the radio but couldn’t quite place. After a minute or so, he added, “Afternoons are better than mornings. Just let me know when you plan on stopping by.”
“Okay,” I agreed, knowing it was the best I was going to get at the moment. I switched topics. “And which minion can I speak to about riding lessons?”
He narrowed his gaze but then seeming to realize I was teasing, he shook his head. “As I said, Demi is on maternity leave. I’ll arrange something for you once we figure out everyone’s schedule.”
Right, he’d said that. I was going to mentally blame his pretty mouth for causing my lapse in memory.
“Just let me know. I’m pretty flexible these days.” Christ, even to my own ears that sounded suggestive. “I’m on your timetable here, so I’ll make it work when you’ve figured it out.”
His brows went up and I knew he heard it too. Dammit. I had to be better at hiding it. He wasn’t going to let me come to the ranch at all if I didn’t. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to make my exit. Before I put any more of my foot in my mouth.
“Well, I’ll take my leave. Let me know when lessons are scheduled.” I stood, and was going to hold out a hand, but he was holding himself in a closed off way. “I look forward to the updates.”
Fuck, I just had to add that last thing didn’t I? He was going to ban me from the property for sure.
Two days later, I headed out of the house at a sprint, because time had gotten away from me. I’d meant to get to the ranch early to love on Ramona some before my lesson. But my meeting with Marielle had run long and she’d been the one to remind me of the time.
Hawk’s terse text had come the day before.
Riding lesson. 2 pm tomorrow. Barn 3
I glanced at the clock the second I turned on the Jeep and breathed a sigh of relief. I had plenty of time. Not to be able to spend time with my horse, but I’d make it to Blue Creek Ranch with at least fifteen minutes to spare. Maybe twenty if I sped once I made it out of town.
I put my foot down the moment I passed Briarwood town limits, just to gain a little extra time, but almost immediately, something caught my eye. Was that a taillight? I slowed down, then screeched to a stop when I realized it was. A vehicle had gone off the road, just one back tire and the corner of the SUV sticking out of the ditch. I slammed the Jeep in park and jumped out, running to see if the driver needed help.
I was still five feet away when I heard the distinct sound of a baby screaming. My heart jolted and put on a burst of speed, nearly slipping as I climbed into the ditch. The baby was safely harnessed in its seat still, but the woman driving was slumped over the steering wheel. Her face was turned toward me and she had a gash on her forehead, her cheek resting on the somewhat deflated airbag.
I tried the door and was able to get it open.
“Ma’am? Can you hear me?”
She didn’t even twitch and the baby screamed louder. I saw she was breathing but I still checked for a pulse. It was a little erratic, and felt too fast, but it was strong at least. I thought that was good.
I had to run back to the car for my phone, cursing myself for not thinking to grab it as soon as I stopped. I texted Hawk while I was running back to the woman and her screaming infant.
will be late
She was in exactly the same state. Maybe her breathing was a bit shallower. I dialed 911 and pressed the phone to my ear.
Chapter 9
Hawk
Instead of figuring out all these feelings I was having about and around Carter, I concentrated on work.
