style="font-size:15px;"> “Temperamental?”
“Folks need to be cautious when they approach him. He can be unpredictable. He needs a firm hand.”
“I understand. I’ve spent the last twelve years dealing with prickly males.”
Caleb’s eyes widened, then he snorted. “Point taken.” He liked her quick wit.
“Well, he’s a beautiful animal. And I think I’ve won a friend.”
“Just be warned, he’ll be looking for a treat from now on.”
“I hear you. But remember, I was a public-affairs officer. My job was to read people and interface with the local population.”
“Interface?”
She caught the irony in his voice. “Sorry. Force of habit. It’s easier to talk and get to know the local civilian population if you come with a present.” She sobered. “I guess I’ve joined the ranks of that civilian population, haven’t I?”
Obviously, the lady’s choice hadn’t been one she’d welcomed. Circumstances had overwhelmed her. He identified with that. “But something tells me you’re the right person to tackle that charity rodeo. Since you interfaced with the locals, I think you can probably do this job in your sleep.”
“Sometimes dealing with your own hometown is more of a challenge.”
He knew that. “You’ll be better than Joel. Or me.”
She laughed, a clear, beautiful sound that transformed her into a stunning woman. He didn’t think she had on a speck of makeup, but there was a natural beauty to her. She wasn’t like some of those girls who showed up at the rodeo, playing at being a cowgirl, pretending to be something they weren’t. He could tell that Kaye had been through some hard experiences, but she wore that experience with dignity. And that appealed to him.
“Well, since I’m at a crossroads, I guess I’ve got the time.” Razor dipped his head, looking for another carrot. She gently pushed his face away. “One wasn’t enough for you?”
The horse raised his head. She pulled a second carrot out of her other pocket. The horse nodded and took the second one from her. “If I pull this thing off, are you going to compete?”
“Not me.”
“Why not? I though you said you knew Joel through the rodeo.”
“True, but that was a long time ago. I started working as a pick-up rider. My brother was the star.”
“Oh, good, you could ride pick-up for the charity rodeo. That will work, as well.”
“No can do.” He didn’t look at her but rubbed Razor’s neck.
“Why not?”
She’d touched a raw spot in his heart. He didn’t know if he wanted to charge that hill yet, so he hoped to divert her. “I can help with other things—with your vendors, stock supplier, but I won’t do pick-up.”
Confusion filled her eyes, and she opened her mouth, but then closed it. “Okay. I’ll take you up on the offer to help.”
He nodded.
She studied him. “If you don’t mind me asking, why’d you become a pick-up rider? Most of the guys I knew growing up here wanted to compete and win. That’s where the action and glory are.”
“And if they don’t win or place, they don’t get money. What I did pays every rodeo.” And since he’d supported his brother and him, he’d needed a paycheck he could count on. He knew she wanted to ask more, but he wasn’t willing to say more. “Why’d you join the army?”
“At the time, it seemed the best choice.” Her bleak tone told the story.
He’d sung that same song, the same verse of that heart-wrenching tune. Of course, he knew the real reason she’d joined the army. He’d been with Joel in Phoenix getting ready for the rodeo when Joel had gotten the bad news his parents and grandmother had been killed in a car accident. That New Year’s Eve had dramatically changed his friend’s life. Kaye’s, too.
He stole a glance at her. Her expression told him she didn’t want to talk anymore about why she’d joined the army.
“You must’ve liked the army since you became a captain.”
Facing him, she leaned against the fence. “You know the thing I liked the most about the army?”
“What was that?”
“The order. And structure. You can depend on certain things. And you always knew that you’d have a place to sleep, clothes on your back and three squares a day.”
He understood that. There were times when he hadn’t known where Sawyer and he would get their next meal. They’d often did without when they were living with his mother, but once he’d had custody of his brother, they’d never gone without. “I understand.”
His tone must’ve caught her ear, because her gaze searched his. “You do?”
“Yup, I had more peanut-butter-and-sugar sandwiches and ramen noodles than I care to think about.”
Razor bumped her shoulder. “Sorry, big guy, you ate it all.” She rubbed his nose. “I’ll come prepared with more next time.” Razor nodded.
“I think you’re on his good side.”
“I’m glad I haven’t completely lost my touch, unlike my stumbling into this rodeo deal. Joel may have thought he pulled one on me, but I’m not going to let you and my brother off the hook. I’ll need help.” Her tone brooked no argument.
He raised his hands. “I told you I’d help.”
She nodded. “This rodeo is scheduled for the last weekend of May. That gives me ten weeks. I’ve done events for the army in less time, but I had the manpower.”
“Which means that you’re going to be working us hard.”
“You got it, cowboy.” The humor in her eyes matched the curve of her lips. “Will you be available? You don’t have a rodeo scheduled, do you?”
Her consideration astonished and sobered him. He knew if he called Steve Carter now, he could be working next week. She hadn’t assumed. She’d thought to ask. At her rank, issuing orders was natural. His respect for her grew. “I’ve got the time, and between you and Joel, I think you’ll keep me busy.”
“Thanks, Caleb.” She turned and walked toward the house. He saw that she limped noticeably. When she got to the stairs, she paused, then slowly placed her right foot on the first step. She brought her left foot up to the riser before she tackled the next one. He knew she’d broken both legs in several places, but never once today had she complained.
Razor nudged him with his nose.
“Well, you made me look like an idiot. Here I was issuing a warning about what a skittish creature you are.” Razor moved his head,
