Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 10

answer. It wasn't like I had to return to Pittsburgh, it was just somewhere to shoot for. Somewhere people knew me. Here, I wouldn't have to explain myself to anyone. I could do my job, bring some life back to the silent house and repay Riley for his unexpected kindness. Managing half a dozen rooms in a bed and breakfast would be pretty damn easy.
    "I can't pay you much. It'll depend on takings. But you'll have a roof over your head, free food and no bills. I'm sorry but that's all I can offer at the moment."
    "All right. I'll do it." It was all I wanted, for the moment. Somewhere to catch my breath – a reason to not have to go back to Pittsburgh with my tail between my legs.
    "That was quick."
    "It's too good to refuse. I need somewhere to rest and get myself back together. This is perfect. But one condition."
    "What?"
    I needed an out. I needed to leave a door open in case it didn't work, in case I got itchy feet. "Give me until Thanksgiving. If it's up and running and doing well, you'll just need to bring someone in to keep an eye on things. I don't want to commit myself to anything long-term at the moment."
    Riley stared into his coffee for a moment, the silence measured by the slow, steady tick of the kitchen clock. "That's only a few months."
    "It's a few months longer than I intended to stay."
    "You're a restless sort, aren't you?"
    "I never used to be. I just don't know what I want right now. My head's still a bit messed up. I think giving it a few months is a fair deal. After all, you may end up hating me."
    "I doubt that but I guess that's reasonable. Let's see how it goes."
    I offered him a relieved smile. "Thanks."
    Riley held his hand out across the table. "I really appreciate this."
    "I'm glad of the opportunity." My hand was squeezed in his.
    His fingers trailed slowly over my wrist before he picked up his coffee. "I guess you'd better work out what needs to be done."
    "It won't take much." The echo of his touch lingered. I wondered if there was more to his obvious delight than just me agreeing to take on the Bed and Breakfast. That thought stirred something in me that I'd thought dead for a long time.
    ****
    I stood on the porch with my coffee. The morning had a chill to it, promising autumn, even though it was only August. Will stood facing a small, scrappy horse in the corral with Jaime. A leather halter dangled from Will's hand. The horse shifted from side to side, trying to see a way past the men. It lifted its head and snorted when Will advanced slowly towards it. While the horse's attention was taken by Will, Jaime crept closer on the other side.
    Jaime sprung forward and swiftly looped a rope around its neck. The horse reared and backed into the fence. Will advanced and slipped the halter over its head. With one shake of its head, the horse sent the halter flying. Jaime tightened his grip on the rope while Will retrieved the halter.
    I sat down and propped my feet up on the porch railing. If Will knew I was watching, he didn't acknowledge the fact. He headed toward the horse once more, holding one hand out, palm up. It snorted and stretched its neck toward Will. At the last minute, Will nodded to Jaime who withdrew the rope. Will turned away and walked a few paces. Jaime slipped through the railing and leaned against the gate, watching his boss and the horse.
    The horse edged forward. Will remained still, staring off into the distance while the horse sniffed cautiously at him. After a few moments, Will walked forward, then stopped once more. The horse followed, halting a foot or two behind him. It snuffled at his shirt, nibbled at his hat and then blew into his hair. After a few moments of this, Will turned very slowly and held out his hand. This time, the horse lowered its head and nudged before standing quietly in front of Will.
    I couldn't hear what Will said. I only saw the horse's ears flick idly toward him. Will ran a careful hand along the horse's neck and back. For a moment, it pinned its ears back and sidled away. Then it returned to him, sniffed at the halter and stood still while Will slid it carefully over the horse's head. In a moment it was over. Will took the rope from Jaime and threaded it carefully through the halter. All the while, he spoke to the animal in a low voice. After a few minutes, he walked and the horse followed, its stride matching Will's easy, ambling steps.
    I finished my coffee and watched them for a little while. If ever there was a man meant to wear denim,