“Think Tom would mind if I rode his bay gelding?”
Mel chuckled. “Not a bit. If we put a greenhorn on, he’d be upset, but he’d be pleased to know the famous three-time World Champion Cowgirl Addie Romero was exercising his horse while he’s away at college.”
Addie blushed, and Mel enjoyed the sight of Addie’s pleasure and discomfort.
“Shut up you,” Addie said. “That was a long time ago. Want to know a secret?”
“What?”
“Half the time I was getting all those belt buckles and prize money, I kept wondering if you could beat me.”
“Guess what.”
“What?”
“I couldn’t. I was good, but never as good as you.” Mel stood, grasping Addie’s hand and pulling her to her feet. “Come on. We need some real breakfast before Hoyt puts us to work.”
They’d finished their bacon and eggs and were drinking yet
