Read Online Escaping Love by Debra Smith - Free Book Online Page B

enough to fill the whole state of Wyoming. You’ll just have to see for yourself. He’s down by the barn. We have to keep him away from the other animals. He tends to cause a lot of damage. So let’s go meet him.”
    Her eyes were the size of saucers. It took every bit of control he had to keep from busting up laughing.
    Most of what he said would prove to be true. Old Gus liked certain people. Clint wasn’t one of them.
    She followed in silence , twisting the front of her shirt while staring at the ground. He stopped just in front of the corral, waiting for her to see all that the mighty Gus had to offer.
    She punched him in the shoulder.
    “You are so mean. That’s it—this tiny little pony is the animal that gives you so much grief? I’ve seen wild boar bigger and meaner than him.”
    “His not a pony , darlin’. He’s a donkey. Don’t let his looks deceive you. He’s Satan’s mighty steed.”
    She snorted. “Yeah , okay. Just tell me what I need to do.”
    “The little gr ay shed over there is where we keep his feed. Grain him once a day, the scoop to measure is in the can, give him two leaves of grass, once in the morning and once at night. Muck out his stall and let him out into the larger pasture after you feed him in the morning. He’ll come home right before his second meal. Make sure you lock the gate to the pasture or the little devil will run out after he’s done eating. Any questions?”
    She looked as though she did have some, but she just shook her head no. She’d be fine. He’d check on her later. After this morning’s close call he needed to awaken her passion. One thing he could do was sweep a girl off her feet. He’d plan a surprise for her. He knew just the thing too.
    “I’ll be around gathering eggs from the hens and fixing a fence here or there. Call if you need me. I ’ll see in a bit.”
    She muttered a goodbye and slowly made her way to the shed , never taking her eyes off the little bugger. He wished he could stay and watch but there where chores to do. Life on the ranch would never be easy, entertaining, but never easy. He wouldn’t stray too far, not with people after her. They shouldn’t be able to track them here, but he’d keep within earshot just in case.

Chapter Eight
     
    Really? This rough and tumble little creature brought fear into the hearts of men. Not likely. She could practically hear Clint telling the story for years to come of how little Old Gus got the best of the city girl Alex. Well she’d show him. She kept her gaze on the little creature waiting for him to sprout fangs and blood red eyes, but nothing happened. He just stood there watching her right back chewing on some errant blades of grass. What he really needed was a bath and a brush ran through all his hair. Then maybe he would feel better about himself.
    “You know , Gus. I think we could be friends.”
    He farted.
    Pinching her nose, she hoped it wasn’t a sign of things to come. The shed, more of a mini barn, was complete with a little family of cats. The kittens came out to greet her immediately. Felines could sense their own kind. She played with them for a few minutes, especially one that was completely white with green eyes, just like her. She named her Luna.
    Once the little one s were safely back with their watchful momma, she found a wall filled with brushes, pitchforks, and a shovel probably for cleaning up Gus’s droppings. A wheelbarrow sat next to a large plastic container.
    She opened the lid and found the scoop nestled into the grain. Now all she had to do was figure out what a leaf of grass could be. She should have asked for clarification but she didn’t want Clint to see her struggle. He seemed so capable all the time, and after all, she was supposed to helping out not making him doubt her abilities or intelligence.
    She grabbed the scoop, filled it with the sweet -smelling grain, and walked back to the corral. Gus still followed her every movement, seeming curious and