“Maybe Destiny doesn’t have a rush hour, but any horse in this county has to learn how to act in town. I’m sure that Matt, Sean, and Jena will ride them to the Wok for lunch once in a while.”
“I bet you’re right. Most of the ranching families do.” Jacob cinched up the straps of the saddle on Sean’s Appaloosa.
They walked the horses out of the barn just as a ten-year-old red Chevy drove up. Jena popped out of the passenger side, and a beauty with long, dark hair got out of the driver’s side.
“Josh, who is that gorgeous woman with Jena?”
“I don’t know, but I’m going to find out right now.”
“Hi, guys.” Jena walked up with the newcomer right behind her. “Where are Matt and Sean? They sent me a text to meet them here.”
“They just left, Jena,” he told her. “I’m surprised you didn’t pass them.”
“Carrie and I came up County 66.”
Her name is Carrie. “Jena, Easton Black called. Cindy Trollinger has been spotted in Denver. Matt and Sean wanted us to tell you to head straight to TBK.”
Carrie stepped up and petted Matt’s horse. Her face was filled with appreciation.
“You’ve been around horses before?”
She smiled. “I have. Yes. I just love horses.”
Josh felt his heart jump out of his chest. “Then you must have a nice seat.”
Carrie frowned. “A what?”
“I–I mean a nice seat in the saddle. You know. You can ride, right?”
Jacob laughed. “Forgive him. He doesn’t know how to act around someone as beautiful as you.”
“And you do?” he shot back at his cousin, trying not to act like a fool.
Jacob grinned. “At the moment, better than you.”
Jena turned to Carrie. “I wasn’t expecting this. My surprise is ruined.”
“That’s exactly what Sean said a few minutes ago.” He knew how perfect Jena was for Sean and for Matt.
Jena’s eyebrows shot up. “Why would he say that? I didn’t tell anyone I was bringing Carrie to Destiny.”
He looked over at Jacob, hoping he would help him out of this mess, but his cousin just shrugged. “I don’t want to spill the beans.”
“Josh Phong, don’t pull that with me.” Jena’s tone was sharp. “What’s this about?”
“They have a surprise for you, but I don’t want to ruin it.”
Jacob smiled, turning his attention back to Jena’s friend. “Nice to meet you, Carrie. I’m Jacob and this is my cousin, Josh.”
“Carrie, I hate to do this, but I have to go. I’ll drop you off at my house and get back with you as soon as possible. My mom can get you settled in.”
“Sure. That’s fine.” Carrie continued petting the horses.
“Carrie, why don’t you stay with us?” he said, more in control of himself than a moment ago. “Jacob and I were about to go on a ride.”
“All three are saddled up. Two riders and three horses?” Her eyebrows rose. “It’s like you were expecting someone else to arrive. Were you?”
Not wanting to give any clues to Jena about her surprise, he said, “Joe just called and said he can’t be here. So we need another rider.”