I Heart Geeks (29 page)

“I actually almost named him Ron.”

“You’re not serious,” he said, looking appalled.

“No, I’m not,” I laughed.

Luke fell silent, picking up a stone and tossing it into the shallow creek. I could tell something was on his mind, but I didn’t want to pry.

“So, I’ve been thinking about what you said last weekend,” he finally said. “About downsizing the cattle operation at the ranch to allow more time for breeding horses.”

“Come to any conclusions?” I asked curiously, shifting my body so I’m turned towards him on the log we shared.

“I’m going to talk to my dad about it. The doctors aren’t too hopeful he’ll ever be able to return to ranching. His left side is just too weak from the stroke, and his mobility isn’t getting any better,” he answered, scrubbing a hand through his thick blonde hair. “I don’t want to just run a cattle ranch the rest of my life. I know he’d never consider selling the land since it’s been in the family forever, but I’m hoping he’ll consider my proposal.”

“Have you talked to your mom? She may be able to help convince your dad.”

“Yeah, I talked to her some a few nights ago. She thinks it’s a good idea.” He shook his head, smiling wryly. “Of course, she’d go along with about anything if she thought it’d mean me staying around for good.”

“I can’t say I really blame her,” I agreed, and then realized I’d basically just admitted
I’d
do anything to keep him around; I prayed he hadn’t picked up on that. “What about the help you have at the ranch now? Will they work with horses?”

“Yeah, I spoke with a couple who I think would be really good. I won’t really need a lot of help until things are up and running anyway.”

The way Luke’s eyes lit up as he talked about his dream told me he really needed this to happen. He, like me, was stuck in this small town without much to call his own. He would stay here, regardless, out of family obligation, but it would eat at him.

“For what it’s worth, I have faith you can make this happen, Luke,” I said. Without a thought, I put my hand on his leg to reassure him. The warmth from his thigh shot through my hand, and the feel of his rock solid muscles sent my senses into overdrive. “You’ll have people from all over wanting to get world class horses from you.”

“Thanks, Ains. That’s worth a lot actually.” He gazed at me intently for a long moment while my hand remained helplessly attached to his leg. A startled breath puffed between my lips as he reached down and entwined our fingers. Just touching him scrambled my senses, but holding his hand had my heart racing at hyper speed.

“Have you thought anymore about trying to start up your training facility?”

I blinked.
Training facility? He wants to talk about training facilities?

I cleared my throat and tore my gaze away from his, trying to kick start my brain by mentally reciting the ten main classes of the Dewey Decimal System.

“I researched training therapy horses,” I said. “I already got some of the certification requirements while in college through the equestrian club. I also did some research on start-up, which is where I’d run into problems. It costs too much to get it rolling and I doubt the bank would give me the money I need.” Between student loans and only working part-time at the library, the bank would consider me high risk.

Luke squeezed my hand reassuringly, and even in my disappointment my heart skipped a beat. “Don’t give up or sell yourself short, Ains. I mean, I know your grandpa and dad would be onboard to give you space; you’d just need a couple of horses to train, and then find people who need them. After that it’s all word of mouth,” he said encouragingly.

“You make it sound so simple, Luke.” A corner of my mouth lifted in a sad smile as I gazed across the creek where a turtle was sunning itself on a small rock. “I would need permits, a business plan that I wouldn’t even know how to write, and some start-up capital…”

“I can help with the business plan. They’re not as scary as you’d think; especially with you being good with writing and stuff. With that you could go to any bank and request a loan. Even if it’s not a huge loan, you could get enough to start with one or two horses.” He spoke confidently, all the while running a calloused thumb over my hand. I wasn’t sure which thrilled me more.

“You really think I could get a small loan to start?” I asked, allowing hope to creep in.

“I really do,” he said, sounding sure. “We can work on the plan together, and I can help you write a proposal to the bank.”

“You’re busy enough; I’d hate to ask you to do more.” I shook my head, not wanting him to feel obligated to help me.

“You didn’t ask, Ains; I’m offering. I
want
to help you.” He smiled patiently at me, like I was a horse that just wouldn’t allow myself to be led to water.

Luke slipped his fingers from mine and stood up, turning to look down at me. “We should get back; it’s going to be dark soon. We can get together in the next couple of days to start your plan.”

“If you’re sure,” I relented, standing up.

“If it makes you feel better, you can make me a promise in return for help on the business plan.” His face split into a mischievous grin.

“What kind of promise?” I asked slowly, curious as to what he could possibly want from me.

“Promise me that when Riley gets home, you won’t ditch me or let her steal you away from me.” He widened his eyes and pouted, giving me the same exaggerated puppy dog expression from the diner. I could already tell this was going to be a problem, unless I suddenly developed immunity to that look.
Not likely.

“That’s easy enough,” I relented, warmth rushing through me. “You have my promise that I won’t ditch you when Riley gets home.”

“Or let her steal you away,” he added. “Because she likes to keep you to herself. She doesn’t share well.”

“I won’t let her steal me away,” I parroted back, laughing. I felt special, knowing that Luke was worried about not getting to spend time with me.

We ambled back to where the horses had wandered to. After making sure everything was adjusted correctly, I climbed into the saddle and waited on Luke. We rode back to the ranch in a companionable silence, listening to the crickets chirp in the dusky twilight.

Once we arrived back at the stables, Luke loaded Odin into the trailer while I took Buckbeak to the stable and groomed him. Luke popped his head in to say goodnight and to let me know he’d call the next day with details of the cookout for Riley; we could arrange a time to get together to look at setting up a business plan then.

Just knowing I’d get to talk to him again tomorrow was enough to make me giddy with excitement. Gram was in the kitchen when I came in to grab a bottle of water on my way up to my room. She gave me a knowing look and a smile that said
I told you so,
before turning back to the cookies she was baking.

Luke called the next day as promised, but he wasn’t able to get away from the ranch until Sunday night. He said he wanted to talk to his dad some on Saturday about breeding horses. I wished him luck and we agreed to meet Sunday after dinner to start working on a business plan.

I decided to talk to my dad and grandpa about my idea as well. After all the best business plan in the world didn’t mean anything if I didn’t have a location. I waited until they came in for lunch before broaching the topic.

We were all seated around the worn wooden table in the kitchen, eating chicken salad sandwiches and creamy cucumbers Gram had prepared before leaving to meet friends for their weekly lunch date.

“So, I’ve been thinking,” I started, taking a deep breath. “I want to look into starting a training facility for therapeutic horses.”

“Like rehabbing horses the way you did with Buckbeak?” Grandpa asked, looking interested.

“Sort of,” I responded. “I’d like to train horses to be therapy animals for people who have emotional or social disorders; primarily children. But I could use rescued horses to train, as long as they had the right personalities.”

“That sounds like a great idea sweetness,” my grandpa said encouragingly.

“I agree; it’s a good idea, Ains. Do you think there is enough demand for that sort of thing around here?” my dad asked, while making a play for the last chicken sandwich. My grandpa, however, was faster and snatched it up first.

“If not in the immediate area, Austin isn’t too far from here,” I replied.

“You’re not planning on moving to the city?” Grandpa asked, his brows creasing in worry. “People want a service bad enough; they’ll drive to get it.”

“I was kind of hoping you would let me use one of the stables and some of the land to work with the animals. I’d need to use the bigger building when it starts to get colder, for training too.” I looked at my dad and grandpa hopefully.

“I think we could work something out,” my dad said, looking relieved. “If this is something you want, we will support you and do what we can to help.”

“You could use the room above the stable for an office too,” Grandpa added.

“Thank you!” I said excitedly. “You guys are the best!” I jumped up and hugged them both, landing a kiss on my dad and grandpa’s cheeks on the way around the table. I plopped back down into my chair and noticed they’d both become flustered at my sudden burst of affection. I couldn’t help but laugh at them; it didn’t matter how many times I showered them with hugs and affection, their reactions were always the same.

“Luke is going to help me write a business plan to get a loan from the bank and permits,” I said. “Nothing will be set in stone until I can secure funding.”

“If you need someone to co-sign a loan girl, you let me know,” Grandpa said, sitting up straighter and puffing up a bit. His tone took on a gruffer quality when he added, “And if they give you a hard time down at the bank, you just have them call me.”

“Thanks Grandpa,” I said, a little overwhelmed by emotion. I may have gotten the short end of the stick with mothers, but the rest of my family more than made up for it.

After doing the lunch dishes and cleaning up the kitchen, I headed upstairs to get to work on making lists. I tended to be more methodical when it came to tackling a major project. I made a list of possible supplies I’d need, another that was essentially a to-do list for starting a business, and then I indulged and allowed myself to brainstorm possible names for the center. I was immersed in my lists when my cell phone rang.

“Hi Luke!” I answered cheerfully, after unburying the phone from under papers.

“Ains!” a familiar voice exclaimed.
Definitely not Luke
I thought, heat flooding my face. I should have checked the caller ID! I hadn’t spoken with Riley in a few months, which was normal for us. We’d go months without talking but then it’d be like no time had gone by when we got back in touch.

“Riley!” I said, still embarrassed, but happy to hear her voice. “Luke said you’re coming home next week!”

“I sure am! I need a break from the East Coast, and my life in general I guess.” She sounded exhausted and not like the normally upbeat, carefree Riley I knew and loved. I made a mental note to grill her on it when she got home. “Luke told you huh?” I should have known she’d latch on to that particular detail.

“Yeah, we’ve been hanging out some. He’s become a good friend over the past few weeks.”

“Friend, huh?” she said with humor in her voice. “Being a friend implies having the ability to talk to each other.”

“I’ve come a long way Ri,” I said laughing. Riley had always teased me about my shyness around her brother. She knew I had a crush on him, but never made me feel weird about it.

“I can’t wait to catch up with you, Ains!” she said. “I’ll be in town by next Friday for sure. I know my mom is planning some sort of barbeque, but maybe we can find time that weekend to catch up some.”

“Definitely! My schedule is flexible so just let me know!”

“Luke told me I couldn’t monopolize your time when I get back, but I think since you were my friend first, I get first dibs,” she teased. “I have to get going for now. Just wanted to chat a bit.”

“Ok, I’ll see you for sure next weekend if I don’t talk to you beforehand,” I replied smiling. “Safe trip back!”

After hanging up, I set aside my research and wandered down to help Gram in the kitchen. She was more than capable, but sometimes it was nice to have extra hands.

Sunday night, Luke came by to start work on the plan. Grandpa sent us on out to my makeshift office above the stable. He had already equipped it with a desk and chairs. I brought my laptop out; happy to find the Wi-Fi signal from the house was strong enough to reach the office. I showed him the research I’d done the day before and some of the lists I’d made, and he turned it all into graphs and spreadsheets. Watching him take my lists and make them into sensible data was exciting. Actually, it was probably being in the small office, sitting so close to him that had me excited. After about two hours of pouring over numbers, projections, lists, and other odds and ends, we were well on our way to a solid plan of action.

“The spreadsheets are starting to blur on the screen. I think we need a break.” Luke pushed the laptop aside and stretched his muscles. I had to force myself to look away to avoid drooling.

“I really appreciate all this, Luke.” I gathered up the notebooks and set them aside.

“I’m glad you talked to your dad and grandpa about it. I knew they’d jump on board.”

“How did the talk with your dad go?” I asked, looking up at him.

“Well, he didn’t immediately shoot me down, but he didn’t exactly say yes either.” He sighed, his shoulders slumping. “It’s ok though, Riley said she’d work on him when she got home too. Between her and mom maybe he’ll come around.”

“It will work out Luke,” I said confidently. As I researched the training facility, I also looked at added costs for breeding the horses on-site. I figured if anyone could breed quality therapy horses, Luke could. I decided I’d wait and see if his dad came around, but if he didn’t I already had a plan to hopefully make both of our dreams come true.

“I hope so, Ains.” He smiled. “But regardless, I’m going to help you get up and running.”