Page 6 of The Rancher

"I guess animals are better than people."

“They're certainly better than some people." Stone sneaks a glance my way, then reaches out to give my hand a light squeeze. "You were so good, Remy. Just dramatic enough without being over the top. You made it look like I had no choice but to buy him for you, no matter what. It was perfect."

"Do you feel bad giving money to…” I hesitate. "A cheap asshole?"

"No." He pats my knee. "That farmer might have four kids to feed at home and one going to college. Maybe the roof collapsed last winter and he's about to default on his mortgage. You never know what someone else is going through."

"That's a very kind way of looking at it."

He shrugs. "Life has been very good to me. But desperate people do desperate things these days." When we pause for another truck at a crossroad, he looks over and peers at me. "Can I trust you?"

I burst out laughing. "Well, I've certainly trusted you – I'm staying at your house and I don't even know you."

Stone grins, resting his hand on my knee this time. "And that means a lot to me, Remy. Seriously." When he pulls his hand away, I miss the feeling of his body touching mine. It's like I'm addicted already just from that one hug.

"Sometimes there are people who don't pay attention to their animals at all. Just leave them in a back field somewhere, to let nature…take its course."

My mouth falls open. "What?"

"Anyway, the word is gradually spreading that if anyone sees something like that, they can call us and we'll take care of it."

"In a movie, ‘taking care of it’ means somebody's going to get whacked," I laugh.

Stone chuckles. "I've never had to take anyone out. Well, so far. I've also never come across an animal that I couldn't nurse back to health." He turns and winks, then taps his knuckles on the side of his skull. "Touch wood."

Seeing such a tough-looking guy being silly warms my heart. He's so balanced. I wonder if the animals can sense that?

"But, the thing is, I am a horse thief," he continues. "I figure if they can't be bothered to care for the animal or even call someone who can, they don't have the right to keep it. So I'll sneak by in the dead of night, break a fence, and lead the animal to the trailer."

"Whoa," I sputter. "That's a pretty big deal out here in the mountains, isn't it?"

"A huge deal. But I haven't heard anyone complaining yet." He shrugs. "I have a great lawyer. I know in my heart I'm doing what's right."

We chat about animals in movies, the best films for certain kinds of weather, and what kinds of days are the best for curling up and reading. I end up knowing Stone a lot better by the time we arrive back at Bone River Ranch.

I feel like he's getting to know me, too. I'm usually closed off. Chatting with people feels like I’m wasting time when I should be working. Distracting me from my work. But hanging out with this incredible man makes me feel alive and free. Like my energy is being replenished.

He drives into the back of an enormous stable, then leads Prince into a stall. The horse looks around, decides he approves of the space, then heads straight for the water.

"I guess you'll be feeding him nonstop?" I ask.

"No, actually. We have to be careful. Small meals, frequently. Letting him gorge would be a shock to his system."

He shows me something called an auto feeder. It has a camera attached. "This machine will make sure he gets many small meals all day long. I'll keep an eye to see how fast he eats and set the timer accordingly. I’ll also watch to see if he's super focused on the food or not." He chuckles. “Some horses get bored of eating and wander away, but we’ll mostly keep him in the stall for a few days so he can rest.”

Stone smiles at me. "I've done this a lot, and every horse is different, but the first couple of weeks always require patience. Do you want to pet him again before I set the feeder?"

"Yes please.” Reaching up to him in his roomy stall, I let him smell my hand again. He instantly butts his nose against my palm. I pet him gently, loving the way he looks at me with those big eyes. He already seems a bit happier than he did in the field.

"We won't give him too much stimulation at once," Stone says as I step back. "We have to assume he was out there alone for quite some time. Tomorrow we'll work on his coat a bit. If he seems ready, we'll let him meet one of the other gentle horses.”

Interesting. Stone just assumes I'm still going to be here?

I mean, I want to stay for a while. I really do. Being with him makes me feel grounded. Also, I've gotten more fresh air in the past two days than I have in… I can't even remember.

And being physically close to this wild rancher makes me feel incredible.

Does he know how badly I want to snuggle in his arms again? Want him to hold me, whisper in my ear, and make me feel all protected and warm… and his?