Once a Rebel by Sheri Whitefeather

off of us? Sure.” She took a bite of the enchilada she’d barely touched, grateful her appetite was coming back. Cathy was the reason she’d accepted his dinner invitation. Amber, too. But she’d already grilled him about his ex. “Tell me what you know about her.”
    â€œShe’s fourteen, I think. And she’s originally from California.”
    She scooted closer to the table. “Northern California?”
    â€œSouthern. The L.A. area. I’m not sure why her family moved to Texas, but they’ve lived here for about six months. Her dad is a gardener on the ranch. He manages the greenhouse.”
    â€œWhat’s he like? What’s your assessment of him?”
    Ethan continued eating. “He seems like a good guy. Hardworking, easygoing. He’s older, though. About Ryan’s age.”
    â€œAnd Cathy’s mother?”
    â€œShe’s in her late thirties. A homemaker. She babysits for some of the ranch hands’ kids. That’s why she used to watch Amber’s son when we went out. She came highly recommended.”
    â€œDoes Cathy have any brothers or sisters?”
    â€œNot yet. But her mom’s pregnant, so she will.” A masculine smile crawled across his lips. “I guess the old guy is pretty potent.”
    Susan rolled her eyes. “Spoken like a true man.”
    The smile remained. “What can I say? He handed out cigars when he found out. He seemed proud.”
    And Cathy appeared to have a nice family, but appearances could be deceiving. “Why do you think she’s so rebellious? Does she seem jealous that her parents are having another baby? Or embarrassed by it?”
    â€œI don’t know. But I think she prefers to interact with animals more than people. She pretends that Chocolate annoys her, but I’ve seen her slipping him treats. And she hangs around the barn before school, bringing carrots to the horses.”
    â€œMaybe that’s the way I can reach her.” She snared his gaze. “Maybe we both can.”
    â€œThat kid isn’t interested in being reached. She’s a loner.”
    â€œWho prefers animals to people. Like you did when you were young.”
    â€œFine.” He softened his voice. “Next time you see her, you can ask her if she wants to go on a ride along.”
    â€œWith you?” Her heart made a grateful little leap toward his. “On your rounds?”
    â€œYes, but you have to come, too.”
    She agreed, and they looked at each other from across the table. Friends, she thought. And saviors of lost teenage souls.
    If not Cathy’s, then at least their own.

Five
    E than entered the barn and walked the first row of stalls. Dinner had ended on a tender note last night, and he’d gone to bed thinking about Susan, anxious to see her again.
    So here he was, the following morning, scouting the ranch for her, hoping his instincts paid off.
    And they did. Just a few minutes later when he saw her standing at Serene’s stall.
    Rather than make his presence known, he stopped and watched her. She fed the mare an apple wedge, and the horse gobbled it up. After Serene nudged her for another bite, Susan laughed and obliged the determined Appaloosa.
    â€œAre you spoiling my horse?” he finally said.
    Susan spun around, and he smiled at her. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. She smiled at him, too. Serene chomped noisily in the background, but it didn’t matter. A connection had already been made.
    â€œDid you bring Chocolate with you?” he asked, wondering why the dog wasn’t driving them nuts.
    â€œHe’s still asleep in my bed.”
    Lucky mutt, Ethan thought. He suspected her bed was warm and silky, overflowing with pillows and scented with a hint of lemon.
    â€œAre you working today?” she asked.
    â€œNot until later.” He kept his gaze riveted to hers. “I came here looking for you because I knew you’d come here