Free Riding the River by Jeanne Harrell Page A

pest?”
    “And do you have to answer everything I say
with a question? It’s annoying.”
    “Is it really?” He couldn’t help himself and
started laughing. He doubled up at her angry face – She looked
darling. When he calmed down, he said, “You just can’t help it, can
you?”
    “What?”
    “… Never mind. You’re mad at me enough
already. Let’s head back to the house. Can you get on your
horse?”
    She gave him another stern look. “Why
wouldn’t I be able to get on my own horse?”
    He held out his hands in front of him. “Just
being polite…”
    “Well, knock it off…” She put on her cowboy
hat, stuffed the horseshoe back in the saddlebag.
    Matt watched Sarah gracefully mount her
horse, pull the reins and gallop off. Richie said she’d had her
first lesson this morning, but he couldn’t tell. He could have
sworn she ridden her whole life. Matt smiled watching her ride
away. He mounted his horse and rode after her. Maybe this week
wouldn’t be so bad after all -- She was beginning to chip away at
him.
    Could he really stay away from her? It was
beginning to look like the answer to that question was no. But she
was probably still mad at him. Well, let her sulk… Maybe Richie was
right -- This might be fun after all…
     
     

 
    CHAPTER ELEVEN
     
    Sarah woke up with sunlight streaming in
through her window. The warmth gave her skin a rosy glow. She
yawned, stretched and curled back under the covers. Not having to
get up for work was nothing short of Heavenly…
    Slowly, very slowly, an eye reopened and
glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. Eight o’clock? It’s
eight o’clock? She’d never slept that late in her life. First
there was school, then college, her first job, Grandfather’s
endless campaign breakfasts, and lastly her job with Joe the
Tyrant. Sleeping in late had never been on the menu in Sarah’s
life. But it was now…
    Boy, did this feel good...
    She finally roused herself to get into the
shower. She had to share shower facilities with a few women on her
side of the building, but that was all right… Just another part of
the experience… She laughed to see a sleepy Tess walking towards
her in pajamas with a towel and a bar of soap. Sarah laughed just
seeing Tess’s auburn hair sticking up every which way.
    “Nice hair. Have it done recently?”
    “Oh, ha. Yours doesn’t look spectacular this
a.m. either.”
    “… What a grouch. Up for a ride after
breakfast?”
    “Yeah, but let’s make it a small breakfast. I
ate so much dinner that I’m not that hungry.”
    Sarah laughed. “I hear you. A few months here
and my jeans would never fit.”
    Both women showered, got dressed, fastened
ponytails, and were ready to eat. After a quick breakfast and
telling Dale she’d help him at lunch, Sarah and Tess hurried out to
the barn. Walking out, Sarah showed Tess her list.
    “Look, Mr. Walker gave me a list of animals
that it might be possible to see around here.”
    “Cool. Let me see – Hummingbirds, owls,
hawks… Neat. Let’s go….”
    They headed into the barn to get two horses
and bumped into Richie and Matt just coming out. Richie’s smile was
big and kept spreading.
    “Mornin’, ladies.” He tipped his hat at them,
as did Matt.
    “Mornin’,” said Matt.
    “Good morning,” said Tess raising one
eyebrow. “How are you two this fine morning?”
    “Morning,” said Sarah looking at Richie. Her
good mood had dissipated.
    Richie glanced at Matt. What’s up?
    “Very well, thanks. We’re about to go sort
cattle. A cowboy’s work is never done,” he sighed.
    “Would you like to see how sorting is done?”
added Matt looking from Tess to Sarah. His gaze lingered on
Sarah.
    “… That sounds interesting…” began Tess.
    “… But we already have plans. Thanks all the
same,” finished Sarah heading into the barn.
    Richie and Tess both shrugged their
shoulders, while Matt called after her, “Doing what?”
    “… We’re going for a ride,” yelled