Courted by the Cowboy (The Boones of Texas 3)

“It’s all part of my charm,” he countered.

“Kylee,” Shawn called her closer.

Kylee was at his side, staring up at him and the horse. “What’s he saying?”

“He wants a proper introduction,” he said, stepping back from the horse. “Waylon, this pretty lady right here is Kylee. Kylee, this big, beautiful beast is Waylon.”

Waylon nickered softly, making Kylee chuckle. “What did he say?” she asked, watching the horse.

“He said it was mighty fine to meet you.” Fisher added, “And he’d be honored if you’d feed him an apple.” He paused.

“All that?” she reached out, hesitant.

“Trust me, horse is my second language.” He watched her, her fingers running along Waylon’s neck.

“Here, Kylee.” Shawn offered her an apple.

She took it, smiling when Waylon sniffed around her chest and head.

“Keep your hand flat,” Shawn said. “That way your fingers don’t get chomped.”

Kylee glanced at Shawn, then Fisher, then Waylon. “You won’t bite me, will you?” she asked quietly. She kept her hand flat as Waylon devoured the apple.

“Who will Shawn ride for camp, Uncle Fisher?” Eli asked.

“I was thinking Soldier,” Fisher said, tearing his gaze from Kylee to check with his sister.

“Or Trigger,” Renata added.

Fisher nodded. “Both are good, even-tempered, sure-footed horses.”

“I’ll show you,” Eli said.

Shawn and Eli sprinted off, running in and out of the light halos cast by the lamps mounted along the fence line. Renata and Josie ambled after them.

“He’s really beautiful,” Kylee whispered, her fingers sliding through Waylon’s mane. Waylon turned into her, head-butting her shoulder and whiffling her hair. She giggled, stroking the horse’s fore

lock. “What is it?”

She looked beautiful, her smile so sweet he felt its warmth deep inside of him. He swallowed the lump in his throat. “He likes you.”

“I doubt that,” she argued, amused. “He likes apples.”

Fisher regarded her closely. “It’s possible he likes both.”

She glanced at him. “I guess.” She patted Waylon’s shoulder, finally aware that they were alone. “Any progress with Brook?”

He frowned. “Define progress.”

“Have you asked her out?” She paused. “Told her she’s pretty?”

“Is that what I’m supposed to do?” he asked, giving Waylon a final pat before making his way back to the barn.

“If she was here right now, what would you do?” she asked, walking at his side.

He shrugged.

“What do you want to do?” she asked.