Wrangling The Cowboy's Heart. Carolyne Aarsen

      “Of course.” Jodie sighed, looking back at the house. “For now I’m stuck here, though, thanks to the condition Dad put on the will.”

      Finn’s curiosity won out over his desire to keep her at arm’s length. “What condition was that?”

      “He wanted each of us girls to stay on the ranch for two months before we could sell it. So I’m doing my duty. Lauren will do hers as soon as possible and we’re hoping Erin will come, as well.”

      Two months? At the ranch?

      That the idea created such conflicting emotions both surprised and annoyed him.

      Finn couldn’t deny that Jodie being around that long held a strong appeal for him. At the same time, she wasn’t the type of person he should allow himself to be attracted to, and he knew it deep in his soul.

      “So you’re positive I’ll only get meat prices if I bring these horses to the auction mart in town?” Jodie was asking, turning her attention back to the horses.

      Finn nodded, wishing he could detach himself from the thought that these amazing animals would be slaughtered. “I wouldn’t make a decision right away, though,” he said. “Maybe ask around. See if there’s anyone who would be willing to take them.”

      Jodie nodded again. “For now, it looks as if they need their hooves trimmed. Do you know anyone who could do that for me?”

      “I could, if you wanted,” he said. He owed that much to Keith.

      “That’d be good.” Jodie’s smile tugged at his resolve to keep his distance from her.

      Then Vic was back to grab his riding horses. Time to go.

      “I’ll see you tomorrow when my shift is over,” Finn said to Jodie.

      “Stop by the house. I’ll give you a hand,” she replied.

      He nodded, then grabbed his horse’s reins and walked over to the horse trailer to load it. But as he did, he couldn’t help sneaking a quick glance back to where Jodie still stood.

      To his surprise she was watching him, a curious expression on her face.