It makes me chuckle. I’ve yet to meet a horse that was easy to break. “You’ll just need to sign some paperwork inside, and then you’ll be all set,” I explain and point toward the office. He gives me a head nod and goes that way.

As Angel is tied to a post, I take a step back, crossing my arms and looking at her. She’s a beautiful gray leopard appaloosa with a black mane and white socks. Holding my hand out, I allow her to make the first move and sniff me. Once Angel seems calmer, I lead her to her stall. By the time she’s settled in the barn, I walk to the front, and the owner is long gone.

Diesel and Grayson step out of the office, ragging on each other.

“If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t even be at work this morning,” he tells Diesel.

“And that’s why you’re my right-hand man,” Diesel explains. “You keep me in check.”

Grayson rolls his eyes and grins. “There’s Casanova.”

“What?” I chuckle.

“I heard Maize got roses on Valentine’s, and I’ve been meaning to ask you if you sent them,” Diesel says.

I tilt my head at them because there’s no damn way either would know ’cause Maize’s sealed like a vault. “I’m not the type of man who kisses and tells, boys. So, you need to go on with all that rumor mill shit.”

“You’re no fun,” Diesel whines.

“I’m plenty of fun, or at least that’s what the ladies say.” I shrug and laugh.

“The rodeo’s next week, right?” Grayson lifts his cowboy hat and smooths his sweat-covered hair down before setting it back on his head.

I nod, answering him with Maize on my mind. I wonder if we’ll ever be anything more, and chasing women isn’t in my forte. Feeling the constant hot and cold from her is a new experience for me, and I’m not sure I like it. Though I do enjoy the chase of it all.

“How’s Cooper doing? Nervous yet?” Diesel asks.

“Actually, he’s doing really well. Wouldn’t be surprised if he placed. I know the competition won’t be easy, though. As long as he stays on his A game and gets out of his damn head, he’ll make it happen,” I explain. “We’re actually meeting tonight to continue our lessons. Most of it’s mental, but a large portion is physical too. You ever thought about riding?”

Diesel’s a big guy with lots of muscle, and with the right training, he could probably go far.

He snorts. “Hell no!”

“Big D here’s too much of a pussy,” Grayson snaps with a chuckle. “He nearly cried when he saw a spider in the truck last week.”

I burst out laughing.