Breaking Country by EJ Nickson

Author:EJ Nickson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: contemporary western romance, enemies to lovers, raising horses, mending broken hearts, a life changing decision, a montana ranch, city girl and country guy, crashing into each other, he is drowning under the weight of his responsibilities, she has suffered trauma and losses
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group

Chapter 16

Alex had to pump herself up for the interaction as she walked to the little barn.

This is about Tommy. This isn’t about you. Go for Tommy. Go play nice.

She came around the bend to find Tommy and Winn staring at one another. Winn stood with his foot propped on the outside of the fence, and Tommy stood at the opening to the stall. As far as Alex could tell, this was the extent of Winn’s progress with the gelding. Both turned to her when they heard her approach. Tommy picked his head up and his ears shot forward. Winn swore at the ground and then again turned his back to her.

“It’s not a good time,” Winn said to the air in front of him.

“I know, but I don’t care.”

Winn shook his head. “What in the hell is wrong with you? Didn’t I tell you to leave this horse alone?”

“You did, and I ignored you. I like him and he likes me. The more I learn, the more I know I haven’t done anything to compromise your work with this horse.” There was no doubt in Alex’s voice. “But you coming here frothing at the mouth like this…that’s not helpful.”

Winn whipped around at her words. “What? Oh, of course…I’m sure you got a whole soap opera update from Matt by now. It was a rough morning, Alexandra, and don’t insult me by insinuating that I would ever take it out on this horse. Last time that conversation went badly…for both of us.”

She nodded her agreement to that statement and switched tactics. “Why didn’t you tell me that this horse belongs to Blake?”

Winn’s jaw dropped. “Where did you get that idea?”

“Is it true?” she pressed.

“He’s my horse, Princess, that’s all you need to know.”

“Bullshit, there’s more to it. I know Blake beat this horse and made him the way he is.”

“Jesus, I’m going to kill Mattie. You don’t know the first thing about what you’re—” He stopped when Alex boldly started to climb through the fence rails.

Winn reached out to stop her but froze when she shot him a steely glare, almost daring him to touch her. He withdrew his hand and she continued into the paddock.

“Don’t blame Matt, he didn’t connect these dots for me,” Alex said over her shoulder. She kept her eyes on Tommy who watched her from the stall entrance, with his eyes constantly bouncing back to Winn.

“You make him nervous,” she ventured.

“I know, but it makes sense,” he conceded.

“Can they tell the difference between men and women?”

“Sure.” Winn nodded.

“So that’s it? You’re bigger, too much like his abuser?” Then with sarcasm added, “Whoever that may have been.”

“Yes.” Winn refused to be baited.

“So what’s your plan?” She turned and held his gaze.

Winn eyed her, obviously weighing his options. She planted her feet to make it even more apparent that she wasn’t going anywhere and wasn’t letting this go.

“You’re looking at it. Obviously, it’s slow going, but I’ve got time.”

Alex continued to watch him, trying to read his expression.

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