“Took most of the morn
ing, but yes, we found the calf in a ravine and mama standing guard out past the north ridge. How they managed to get so far from the herd is beyond me, but Travis and Casey will bring them in with them later today and I’ll get the vet out here tomorrow.”
“Sounds good. I’ve been asked by several hands when they get to meet the pretty blonde.”
Kurt cut him a sharp glance, his brows furrowed. “How do they know she’s a blonde? Rumor?”
A smile creased his manager’s weathered, lean face. “Nope. She’s been on the porch with Leland for the last hour, playing chess. Relax, Kurt.” Roy rushed to assure him. “There’s been someone within feet of the porch at all times even though no one can get close enough to the house to get to her or take a shot without being detected first. That’s why you brought her here.”
“Yeah, I know.” The tenseness went out of his muscles. He’d spoken with Grayson every day this week, asking for news, but so far no leads had turned up. The sheriff’s frustration matched Kurt’s. “I planned on giving her a tour this afternoon on our way to the target area. I’ll make some introductions then.”
“I’ll let them know.” Roy started to turn away then paused to say, “I wouldn’t be too quick to turn this one loose like you have all the others.”
“If the authorities can’t free her of this threat I may not have a choice.” And that thought ripped at his insides with sharp talons every time the possibility snuck into his head.
“Then let’s hope they’re successful.”
As Kurt slapped Atlas’ rump, urging him into the paddock to romp with the mares waiting for him, he turned his mind to pulling more information from Leslie, teaching her to defend herself and reminding her of how he could distract her from her troubles. He spotted her still sitting on the porch next to Leland as soon as he came around the stables. Tipping his Stetson down, he stalked across the lawn wishing his father would look as pleased when they were together as he appeared with Leslie. Since his return, Leland had either been withdrawn or argumentative, but at least he hadn’t hurled blame for Brittany’s death at him again. That small boon gave Kurt hope they could eventually find their way back to a decent relationship. Right now he had another relationship that needed attention.
“Who’s winning this match?” he asked them as he came up the steps.
“Girl’s a damn good player, and devious. Challenges me then blackmails me into accepting.” Leland glared at Leslie, but there was a twinkle in his eyes Kurt hadn’t seen in way too long.
Leslie shrugged, her bland expression unconcerned with the accusation or his father’s peevish tone. “You don’t have to accept. Cory offered to play with me.”
“I don’t pay him to play chess.”
“No, you pay him to drive you into therapy and help you get stronger here at home,” she returned, jumping a pawn and snatching up one of Leland’s men.
“I’m going, aren’t I?”
“Not without arguing,” she shot back.
“I owe you for getting him there twice this week, regardless of his reluctance,” Kurt stated, enjoying their banter. Not many people stood up to his dad. “You’ll have to pause this match. Leslie and I have a date for target practice.”
She whipped her head up. “We do?”
He loved the skepticism in her eyes. “I told you I would teach you to defend yourself while you’re here. You’ve recovered enough to spend an hour or two on your feet.” He held out his hand to her as he looked at Leland. “Dad, do you need me to get the door for you?”
Leland’s gaze flicked toward the cemetery then quickly away again. “No, I’ll sit out here for a while.”
Leslie reached for Kurt’s hand, wondering if she was the only one who noticed the flashes of guilt Leland portrayed whenever he eyed his son approaching him. And then Kurt’s firm, calloused grip closed around her hand, diverting her attention to the immediate frisson of pleasure that simple touch radiated up her arm, making her question whether this was a good idea. The struggle to keep her longing for him and his sexual control at bay these past few days was more difficult than she’d imagined. The threat, her new surroundings and his nearness coupled by those probing, dark-eyed gazes kept her tense and always on guard with coping with all three. As he pulled her up, the peek she got at his expression from under his hat gave her pause. She knew that intent, determined look very well.
“Where are we going?” she asked as he led her across the lawn, the cool breeze more noticeable away from the protection of the house.
“We have a target range well away from the livestock and cowhands but I want to take a few minutes to show you around the grounds, even though I don’t want you wandering around without me.” He pointed to the nearest ranch building. “We board our personal mounts in this first stable along with the Thoroughbreds we breed and sell.”
Like the house, the stable sported walls of half brick and half white painted siding with black trim. The building was massive with wide double doors opened to reveal rows of neatly kept stalls. The heads of several regal equines hung out window openings along the outside as they walked by.
“I’ve seen them in the pasture. They’re beautiful to watch.” And much bigger this close up, she mused, reaching up to rub a hand over the soft muzzle of a dark sable mare.
“That’s Annie. She’s too spirited for you. Tomorrow, if you’re up to it, I’ll take you up with me on Atlas and give you a riding lesson in the pasture.” Kurt shifted and pressed one hand against her butt, prodding her forward.
Leslie tried to ignore the distracting goosebumps his touch produced but that proved impossible as he squeezed one cheek before resting that hand on her hip and halting to introduce her to the three cowhands coming their way. Flicking him an annoyed scowl, she held out her hand to the young men who looked to be in their early twenties and greeted her with polite ‘Nice to meet you, ma’ams’ before getting back to their chores.
“Everyone is so polite,” she stated, fighting back a grin as she watched Kurt’s employees swaggering strides they all seemed to have in common.
“A combination of good upbringing and wanting to earn brownie points with the boss.” Pointing to a much smaller barn, Kurt started that way, saying, “Over here we house the livestock in need of special attention or veterinary care.”