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She reached for her phone to jot down a few ideas, then caught herself and dropped her hand back to her lap. For once, she’d rather spend the day with Grady than think about her career. “What can I say? I work fast.”
“I've noticed. It seems to coincide with your driving.”
She gaped at him. “You did not just say that! Who’s being the smart-ass now?”
A wide grin spread across his face. “What goes around comes around, Ms. Sparks.”
“Oh, you're going to pay for that one, Sheriff.”
Laughing, they climbed out of the vehicle. The cool air carried the earthy scents of hay, animals, and damp soil, along with the faint sweetness of something she couldn’t identify. Somewhere beyond the barn, a horse whinnied, followed by a donkey’s answering bray.
She closed her door and adjusted the hoodie tied around her waist as she took in more of the ranch. From the road, she'd been focused on its potential for the show. Standing in the middle of it was different. Something about the familiar smells and sounds felt comforting, even after so many years away from places like this. For a moment, she was reminded of the girl who'd once looked forward to spending her summers in Wyoming because everything here was different from her life in California.
And today, she didn't have a deadline to meet, or somewhere else she needed to be. At least for the next few hours, she could simply enjoy herself.
Grady came around the SUV, and her gaze strayed to him. The amusement from their exchange stayed on his face, and seeing him like this—casually dressed, relaxed, and without the responsibilities of his job demanding his attention—made her glad she'd agreed to come.
Maybe a little too glad.
She dragged her thoughts away from that dangerous territory and nodded toward the barn. “How long has Rissa volunteered here?”
“About three years. She started because she needed volunteer hours for an elective at school, but she kept coming even after she’d completed them.”
That wasn't surprising. She could easily picture the teenager falling in love with every animal that crossed her path. It also said something about her that she'd continued giving up part of her weekends long after she'd gotten whatever school credit she'd needed.
Before they made it more than a few steps toward the barn, Rissa emerged through the open doors and hurried toward them. “You made it!”
Amanda wondered what kind of ordeal his daughter had expected him to put her through on the drive over. “You sound surprised.”
“I figured Dad would talk you out of it.”
Grady stopped beside her, his expression shifting from amusement to disbelief. “Why the hell would I do that?”
“Because you’re old and boring.”
Amanda pressed her lips together as Grady stared at the teen as if she'd just mortally wounded him.
“Old? I’m fifty-four.”
“And boring. Don’t forget that.” Rissa’s grin widened. “I mean, this is the first time you’ve ridden all year.”
Oh, Amanda definitely wasn't getting involved in this. But she was enjoying the hell out of watching it.
“Ha! That’s where you’re wrong, my spawn child. I went riding a few weeks ago with Jeremiah and Dale." He snorted. "Boring my ass.”
The smugness in his voice nearly did her in.
Amanda bit back a laugh. She'd never had children, but she was beginning to understand why parents occasionally looked as though they'd happily trade their offspring for a decent bottle of scotch or wine. Rissa had clearly perfected the art of getting under her father's skin, and judging by the satisfaction on the teenager's face, she knew exactly what she was doing.
Unfortunately, Grady caught Amanda's reaction before she could hide it. He pointed a finger at her. “Don’t encourage her.”
“I didn’t say anything.”
“You didn’t have to. Your face did.”
That did it. Her composure finally cracked, earning her a triumphant look from Rissa and a disgruntled one from Grady. The contrast only made her laugh harder.
Giggling along with her, Rissa motioned for them to follow her toward the barn.
