She thought of the kiss, avoided his gaze and nudged Paelo with her heel to get him moving around the ring. “I already told you.”
“Yeah, but making him hike that far, I’m guessing in his riding boots, seems a little extreme for just a few smart-ass comments. Even for you and your tendency to not think things through before you leap.”
“The hiking thing was a stupid mistake.” Really stupid.
“I won’t argue that. But—”
“But nothing. I’ve learned my lesson, okay?”
His grim smile told her she’d protested too much. Time to change the subject, so on her way past him again, she asked, “What’d he say to piss you off?”
“Apparently my fishing around last night moved me up on his suspect list.”
A quick pull on the reins halted the stallion. “You’re a suspect? But you’re practically a ranger yourself. Your application is in with Ryan and everything.”
“I doubt Morgan knows that.”
“Then I’ll tell him. I’m sorry, Case, I didn’t mean to put you in the middle.”
He shook his head and pushed away from the fence. “Don’t worry about it. I volunteered, remember?”
“Volunteered for what?”
They both turned to see Mark approach with his distinctive, bow-legged cowboy swagger.
“To clear the Twin Sister’s trail. Do you care who I take with me?”
“Jon or Mitch. I’ve got some training to do with the new wranglers today so they can get started with the guest trail rides next week.”
“Sounds good. Britt—you going to Billy’s for the Kick-off?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
“See you tonight then.”
As he headed for the barn, Britt dismounted and led Paelo to the gate. Mark swung it open for her.
“I meant to tell you yesterday, I really appreciate that you’re here.”
“I’m happy to help. Whenever you need me to fill in or pick up extra hours, just let me know.”
His chin dipped. “Thank you.”
“You took a chance on me that first summer; it’s the least I can do.”
/> Outside the stall, he took the saddle after she’d released the cinch and carried it to the tack room. When he returned, he leaned a shoulder against the door. “There is something else I’ve been meaning to talk to you about.”
“Shoot.”
“You really like it in Chicago?”
She cast him a surprised glance. “Well, yeah. It’s my home.”
“I don’t know, you’ve always been pretty comfortable out here.”
She swept the brush down Paelo’s gleaming black neck as she contemplated his words. “I love Colorado, but I’ve never planned to stay.”
“Well, if you change your mind, I got a job for you anytime you want it.”