Sunrise Canyon (New Americana 1)

Kira was about to draw back when the highway crew in the valley below set off the first dynamite blast of the day. The explosion boomed, echoing like thunder off the canyon walls.

Jake’s body went rigid, his eyes narrowed to slits. Kira laid a hand on his arm. She could feel his straining muscles as he fought an inner battle against the rising shock waves. This time he would know what he was hearing, and that it wasn’t a danger. But long exposure to war had programmed his nervous system to react.

Her fingers tightened on his arm. “It’s all right, Jake,” she said. “It’s only the highway crew.”

“I . . . know.” With a long exhalation, he brought himself under control again. His body was shaking. Kira checked the impulse to wrap him in her arms and hold him like a frightened child.

“It’s bound to happen again,” she said. “They could be blasting all day. Will you be all right?”

“I’ll be fine. I’m fine now. Don’t fuss over me,” he growled. “So what do we do next, just open the gates and let the horses run in?”

“Not quite.” Kira gathered the halters and ropes. Walking outside, she selected one set and laid the rest over the paddock fence. “We’ll have to lead them in. Come on. It’s lesson time.”

* * *

Jake followed Kira into the paddock, where ten horses waited. All of them were calm. They’d probably done this drill hundreds of times. But he didn’t like horses, and he didn’t like being here, especially with a bossy female who thought she knew it all. No doubt, Kira had a good heart. But her take-charge ways were getting to him like a bur under his jeans.

“Come over here,” she said. “We’ll start with Sadie. She’s my own mare.” After separating one rope and halter, she thrust the rest of the tangled gear into Jake’s hands and strode toward a fine-boned animal that raised its head at her approach. Stepping around a pile of steaming manure, Jake followed her.

“Always the left side. Remember that, and make sure the students remember it.”

Jake watched as she slipped the nylon halter over the mare’s head, as easily as one might slip a harness onto a dog. When the halter was fastened in place, she clipped the end of the rope to a ring under the chinstrap. “See, it’s easy,” she said, handing the rope to Jake. “The important thing is to stay calm and let her know you’re in charge. Now walk close to her, on the left. Lead her out of the paddock and into the first stall—the one on the right. She’ll know where to go.”

Jake took Kira’s place to the left of the mare’s shoulder. She swung her massive head around to look at him. Her big, soft eyes held a glint of suspicion. For a nickel, he would have

walked away right then, but he had to man up and show Kira he could handle this job. Maybe then, she’d stop treating him like one of her troubled kids.

The mare snorted and shook her head. “She can tell you’re nervous,” Kira said. “Calm her down. Talk to her and stroke her above the shoulder. She likes that.”

Jake laid a cautious hand on the mare. Beneath his palm, her coat was like warm satin. He could feel the taut, quivering muscle underneath. Could she be as uncomfortable with him as he was with her?

“Easy, girl,” he murmured, running a hand along her withers. “You’re all right. Nobody’s going to hurt you.”

He could feel the mare relaxing. The strange thing was, he could feel himself relaxing as well. “Easy, now.” He ran his hand down her shoulder, letting the sleek warmth and earthy, animal aroma creep into his senses. “That’s it. Good girl.” Keeping a grip on the rope below the halter, he moved forward a couple of steps. The well-trained mare stayed even with him. “Come on, Sadie, let’s go get breakfast.”

Kira opened the paddock gate and closed it behind them. They moved at a brisk pace, crossing the short distance to the open door of the stable. “Don’t let her bolt for the hay,” she coached. “Take her in easy. Then unclip the lead and let her eat. Careful now. That’s it. Stay clear of her hindquarters as you leave.”

Kira was grinning as she closed the gate of the box stall. “See? Nothing to it. Come on, let’s get the others inside.”

* * *

They finished stabling the horses in time to join the students for breakfast. Kira couldn’t help but notice the change in their behavior. Yesterday they’d been boisterous and pushy, whining and teasing each other like siblings on a long car trip. Today they were meek little lambs. Calvin even got up to pull out her chair before she sat down.

The looks they gave Jake combined fear and hero worship. Consuelo had mentioned his reading them the riot act last night. Whatever he’d said to them, it must’ve sunk in. They all seemed to be on their best behavior.

Kira was happily surprised with the way Jake was handling his new duties. But she could sense the rebellion seething beneath his compliant surface. This ranch was not where he wanted to be; and she was not the person he wanted to be with—especially after what she’d told him about her role in Wendy’s death. He had to be counting the hours and adding up the wages, just waiting for the time when he could write off his debt to Dusty and hit the road.

But why should it matter? Kira asked herself. She hadn’t wanted him here in the first place. And with so many painful memories between them, she certainly didn’t want him to stay.

Did she?

* * *

After breakfast Jake dismissed the students with instructions to meet outside the stable in fifteen minutes with their work gloves and helmets. Jake was about to go back to the stable, but Kira stopped him on the porch. “What did you say to them last night?” she asked.

“‘Say to them’?” Jake raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence.

“You know what I’m talking about. Yesterday they were acting like spoiled pests. This morning they were saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you.’ They bussed their dishes and actually thanked Consuelo for breakfast, and they didn’t leave until you dismissed them. You must’ve really put the fear into them.”