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 There s Brynn s Bakery and Wynfield s Department Store. If you need any clothes, Wyn
probably carries them.
 I might. I brought enough for a couple of weeks but I d never turn down a shopping
trip. I might need a laundromat, though.
 I ve got a washer and dryer. Naomi glanced sideways at her as she drove.  You
should just bring over the rest of your stuff. Not much point in keeping the room at the Inn.
Courtney smiled.  I thought we were keeping it for appearances.
 I don t know why I said that. It s not like we re hiding from people.
 I understand, and it s fine. You have to live here even after I m gone.
A twisted knot of nerves formed in Naomi s stomach. She knew it was true, but
thinking about Courtney leaving was painful. She d just have to try harder to convince the
woman to stay.  Let s not talk about that. She turned down a country road on the outskirts
of town.  Are you ready for my surprise?
 Yes! Courtney peered through the window as if trying to catch a glimpse of where
they were going.
Grinning, Naomi reached their destination and pulled into the long drive. A big sign
announced the EZ Does It ranch.  Here we are.
 Wow, now this place looks cool. Who lives here?
Naomi nosed her vehicle down the lane but turned off before they reached the main
house. She pulled up to the stables and parked.  Ezra James. He s a great big teddy bear of a
guy. Don t let his demeanour scare you, he s a sweetheart. He just likes to act all tough and
grouchy-like.
 Okay, Courtney said uncertainly and followed her from the car.
Naomi headed into the stables, calling,  Ezra? You in here?
TRUTH OR DARE Jamie Hill
54
Shuffling noises came from the last stall, and a pitchfork full of straw flew out.  Back
here.
 Don t shoot, Naomi teased, approaching the man.  Hi, Ezra. This is my friend
Courtney Cross. She s a famous writer from Chicago. Courtney, this is Ezra James.
 Hello, Courtney said softly.
 I been to Chicago once. It was noisy with too many people milling around.
 That pretty much describes Chicago. Courtney smiled.  I m enjoying my visit to
Cattle Valley. It s a whole new world.
He nodded.  It is, at that.
Naomi strolled down the length of the stable, stopping to pat the nose of a horse or two.
 I d like to ride Misty, of course. I m not sure which horse would be best for Courtney. Have
you ever ridden?
 No. She eyed the animals uncertainly.  I ve never even seen a horse up close.
 Don t let them know that. Ezra walked two stalls down.  I ll have Jax saddle up
Dolly. She s gentle. He can lead you around until you re comfortable taking the reins.
 I don t know. Courtney chewed on her lower lip.
Naomi moved closer to her. I hope the decision to come here doesn t backfire on me. Getting
out of town and back to nature was something Courtney probably didn t get to do very
often. Naomi found it relaxing. If Courtney would only try it, she might too.  If you really
don t want to do this, we won t. I just thought it might be fun.
 Have you ridden a lot?
 I wouldn t say a lot. Ezra actually taught me, on Misty. She s the only horse I ve
ridden.
 She d pitch a fit if you tried to ride one of the others, Ezra muttered in his gruff voice.
 You ve got her spoiled rotten. I suppose you have an apple in your pocket?
 One or two. Naomi smiled at him sweetly.  I thought Courtney could use one to
make friends with whatever horse she got.
 Oh sure, go ahead and spoil Dolly too. He shook his head as he walked off.  I ll send
Jax over.
 Thank you, Ezra! Naomi called after him.
 Is he mad? Courtney appeared nervous.
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55
 Nah. He acts like he s not the one who suggested using apples to befriend a horse.
Selective memory, I guess.
 I don t want to make him mad.
Naomi saw her watch the big man walk off and chuckled.  He s not. That s just his
way. Believe it or not, he used to be worse. Once he got himself a sweetie, he mellowed
considerably.
 He has a sweetheart? She must be one tough broad.
Naomi grabbed her forearm and squeezed.  She is the handsome proprietor of
Wynfield s Department Store, Palmer Wynfield. Everyone calls him Wyn. He s a nice,
dignified, quiet guy.
Courtney slapped her temple.  I should have known. Sometimes I forget where I am.
 No biggie. Here comes Jax. You want to do this? She looked into the blonde woman s
eyes and bit her lip. If she pushed Courtney to do something that made her feel
uncomfortable, the whole day would be ruined. She wanted her guest to be relaxed and
totally at ease enjoying the good life in Cattle Valley.
 Sure. Courtney nodded, squeezing the hand on her arm.  I ll give it a try. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]