Page 30 of Saddle Storm

“Orange sorbet.”

“Sorbet?” My brows rise. “You been spending too much time with Ginger.”

“It’s Mom’s favorite.”

Dad’s sitting next to him, and I catch his eyes flick in my direction.

“Ah, you said your mom works here, right? Don’t you have better things to do than hang out in a kitchen with these two?” I move my thumb between Dad and my brother. “Ginger’s way more fun—that woman used to let me get away with everything.”

Probably because she felt bad for me, but we won’t get into that.

“Mr. Thorne is cool.”

I glance at my dad. “In what universe?”

“It’s like fifty degrees outside and I’m eating ice cream.”

“You make a good point.” I open the freezer and take out a carton of the orange sorbet. “I’ve got to try this.”

“Wait,” he calls, jumping off the stool. “It’s way better with sprinkles. We’ll go get you some.”

Ellie hops off and follows him out to the main bar.

I dig out a spoon. “Cute kid. Kind of cool you and Ginger babysit for the staff.”

Dad and Dallas exchange a glance. Then Dad leans back in his chair. “We don’t, so don’t go spreading false rumors. Max is an exception.”

I frown, reaching for a few chocolate chips from the bowl, then smirk. “You don’t make exceptions. So why don’t you tell me who he really is.”

Dad watches me with a frown but there’s suspicion behind it.

“I’ll bet the kid’s related to Ginger. Heard you mention his name when you were picking up lunch yesterday. Why would you be having picnics with him unless he’s somehow related to your girlfriend?”

Dad knocks lightly on the counter. “Can’t get one past you. Say, why don’t you take Ellie and Max over to the training pen. Think Storm wanted to give the ponies a few walks with the kids leading them.”

I rub the back of my neck with a wince. “Doubt she’d be thrilled seeing me twice in one day.”

“Dad,” Dallas cuts in. His tone a mix of question and warning.

Dad waves him off. “She’ll be friendly given the kids are around. Go ahead. Dallas was going to take them, but he’s got his hands full this afternoon.”

My brother glares at Dad and I’m picking up on something I don’t like.

“Do you not trust me with Ellie?”

Dallas jerks. “What? No. That’s not at all—”

“Look, I get it, you don’t want me anywhere near your farm or your cattle, but I’m perfectly capable of taking care of my niece and a staff member’s kid.”

Dallas scoffs, scratching his beard. “Look, I don’t know what your problem’s been with me since you got here, and I was going to give you a little bit of a heads-up about something, but since you’re being a dick—never mind,” he clips, then grins, but it’s almost wicked. “Have fun.”

11

I take a few more sips of my iced coffee, taking the longer route to the barn because Max is loving the ride in my Maserati and I don’t know if or when I’ll get to drive him around again.

That and watching him and Ellie in the back seat reminds me of another duo finding adventures on Blue River Ranch.

I ease the car to a stop near the barn just as Storm comes into view, riding along the fence line like she’s got nowhere else to be. The sun’s low enough now to catch in her hair, turning her loosened ponytail a rich gold. It lights her up in a way that feels unfair.