Page 63 of Saltwater Cowboy

As if to prove him right, Bronco yanked his head back suddenly, nearly knocking the bottle out of my hands. I yelped, scrambling to keep my grip.

Wells grinned. “Told ya.”

I shot him a look. “Are you enjoying this?”

“Immensely.”

Shaking my head, I refocused on Bronco. “Alright, buddy, slow down.” But he had no interest in taking it easy. The second the bottle ran dry, he released it with an offended huff and immediately head-butted my knee.

“Ow!” I stumbled back as Wells burst into laughter.

“Tough love,” he said, clearly entertained.

“You could’ve warned me!” I scowled, rubbing my knee.

“I did.” He stepped closer, his hands settling on his hips. “But you’re a city girl. Gotta learn these things firsthand.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Oh, is that how it is?”

“Yep.”

Bronco, apparently deciding I was no longer interesting, trotted off to rejoin his herd. I brushed dust off my jeans, sighing. “Well, that was an experience.”

Wells smirked. “Ready for your next lesson?”

I crossed my arms. “Dare I ask?”

He reached for another bottle from a nearby crate. “You’re feeding Storm next.”

I glanced over at the goat in question—a bigger one, standing in the shade, staring at me like he was already planning my demise.

I exhaled. “This feels personal.”

Wells laughed, handing me the bottle. “Oh, sweetheart. It’s just getting started.”

I eyed the next bottle in Wells’ hand, then flicked a glance at Storm, who was still sizing me up like I owed him money.

“I don’t think he likes me,” I murmured.

Wells smirked. “He doesn’t know you yet. Go on, introduce yourself.”

With a sigh, I cautiously approached, bottle at the ready. “Hey there, Storm. Be nice to me, okay?”

Storm took one slow step forward, then another, his eyes locked on the bottle. I held it out, bracing for impact. But instead of a full-speed head-butt, he simply latched on and started drinking.

My shoulders sagged in relief. “Oh, thank goodness.”

“See? You’re a natural.”

I turned to Wells, suspicious. “Was this some kind of test?”

He just grinned. “Maybe.”

I rolled my eyes, but a smile tugged at my lips. As Storm finished his bottle, I gave him a tentative pat on the head, half-expecting him to retaliate. But he just flicked his ears and wandered off.

“Well,” I said, dusting my hands off. “That was… oddly rewarding.”

Wells leaned against the fence, arms crossed. “Always is.”