Born Of The Bluegrass. Darlene Scalera

don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.” At the moment, he was the one feeling uncomfortable as the small woman stared at him. He saw her cheeks color, but it wasn’t until she spoke, he realized her flush was more from anger than embarrassment.

      “I’ll take care of your horse, Mr. Hamilton—”

      He didn’t bother to correct her.

      “And I’ll take care of myself.” Her voice was resolute but low and steady, not wanting to spook the horse.

      “Good, but should something occur otherwise between you and the crew, I expect you’ll tell me directly.”

      She paused as if struggling with her answer. Finally she nodded.

      He knew she was lying.

      She knew he knew.

      “We’ll turn Solstice out today, give him a little rest after the trip. You can check in the training barn, see if they need any help with the yearlings.”

      She nodded.

      “Have him tacked up for training early tomorrow.” He felt her gaze on him as he walked back to the front of the barn. He met Bennie coming out of the barn’s office.

      “What house is she in?” he asked, referring to the tenant residences scattered around the property.

      “The one out past the foaling barn.”

      Reid looked to the other end of the barn, saw Dani’s slight silhouette as she stepped outside the stall. “I want her closer.”

      Bennie scratched his wiry head. “There are none closer. That’s it.”

      Reid thought a moment, his gaze on the woman until she disappeared back into the stall. “There’s the cabin at the one end of the lower pasture. It can be seen from the main house. I’ll have it aired out and cleaned up. Move her in there tomorrow.”