Bareback(4)

    Chapter Two

    Skyler leaned against the barn door frame as a big pickup truck drew close pulling a sleek aluminum gooseneck trailer. After a sloppy parking maneuver, the driver climbed out of the vehicle and surveyed the paddocks while Kate looked over the paperwork he’d handed her. Powerful hooves drummed an angry message from inside the trailer.

    “Son of a bitch!” the driver cursed. “I’ll be glad to be rid of that devil spawn.” He rubbed a fresh bandage on his forearm. “I’d watch him when you unload him. He bites and means business when he does.”

    Skyler made no move to approach the trailer. “It’s your job to unload him. He’s not my insurance responsibility until he crosses the threshold of this barn.”

    The driver mumbled something under his breath and motioned to a blond man waiting in the truck. “Come on, let’s get rid of him.”

    Hooves slammed against the side of the trailer again as the two men cautiously opened the back door and stepped inside. The trailer rocked violently, and the blond man backed down the ramp in a hurry as a large Hanoverian charged headfirst after him, teeth bared. The driver yanked on the horse’s lead line as the stallion dragged him across the yard, oblivious to the stud chain digging into the top of his nose.

    “He’s well-named,” Skyler said.

    “Rampage…yes. Jess said he was spirited.” Kate turned around as a white Ford Explorer hurtled down the driveway.

    The vehicle had barely skidded to a stop when the driver’s door opened and a booted foot hit the ground hard, followed by the end of a cane. The young woman who sprang out quickly assessed the situation, then flung her cane down to hurry over and grab the lead line from the struggling man. Elbowing him out of the way, she spoke to the frantic horse in quiet, soothing tones that didn’t match her quick movements and angry ice blue eyes. She turned the big bay in tight circles until he calmed and finally stood still, lathered with sweat and snorting his displeasure.

    The driver spat on the ground and waved his arm in a good-riddance gesture.

    The horse squealed, bared his teeth, and aimed for the nearest flesh—the young woman’s arm. But she dodged his open mouth and grabbed his nose, rubbing it hard. The surprised stallion rolled wide eyes at her and withdrew his head.

    “Still playing that game, huh?” she said firmly. “I’ve got your number, tough guy, and I’m not intimidated.” She turned back to the driver. “I thought I told you to wait until I got here to unload him.”

    “I wanted him out before he hurt himself and tore up my trailer. You’ve got your work cut out for you there, lady,” the man said before heading back to his truck. “Good luck,” he threw back over his shoulder.

    “What does he know, big boy? Dumb jerk got you all worked up,” she muttered as she walked the big horse, watching his legs for any signs of lameness.

    “Jess, Jess, Jess.” Kate smiled. “You never have been one to take the easy way.”

    “Kate, it’s so great to see you.” Jessica moved away from the restless stallion to give her a lingering hug. As she stepped back, Rampage tried once more for a nip at her arm, but she dodged him without turning her head, grabbed his nose again and rubbed hard.

    “I hope he’s a quick study or you’re going to rub all the hair off his nose before he quits biting.” Kate laughed.

    “He’ll learn.” Jessica’s eyes danced. “You should see him move, Kate. I’ll admit he’s more high strung than I would usually take on, and I prefer geldings. But he’s got more potential than I’ve ever seen in a horse.” Her excited words tumbled out. “He’s been trained for advanced dressage, but the people who owned him ignored the fact that he loves to jump. That was their first mistake. Their second mistake was the guy who was riding him didn’t understand him and tried to muscle him. They racked up some good points on the circuit this year, but I think I can get more out of this horse with a different approach.”

    “Whoa, we’ll see.” Kate chuckled. “How about you, kid? How’s that leg coming?”

    Jessica rubbed her thigh. “It’s okay. The therapists keep telling me to slow down, but I’m going to be ready for the trials. You’ll help me, won’t you, Kate?”