For Him, I Would

Chapter Six - You can't teach someone to understand.

Oakley was exhausted.

She purposely made her horse walk slower than David's and Corey's who were ahead of her. All day long she had followed them up and down pastures, through the trees, along the mountain trails, and even over a river. But what annoyed her the most is they wouldn't show her what they were documenting. David had made that very clear when they arrived a little after eight this morning.

It was now eight pm and Oakley had only eaten half a sandwich earlier for lunch while they were riding. Her job was to lead them along the land and make sure they didn't get lost while David wrote down in his notebook every so often. Corey had barely said three words to her all day, but that's not necessarily new.

"How much longer until we're back?" David barked from over his shoulder.

"Just over the hill," Oakley called back. "You'll see it."

Sure enough, the main house came into view as their horses led them over the hill, the rest of the ranch followed while they made their way in.

"I need a shower," David said to Corey. "These fucking things stink."

Oakley frowned, this was yet another reason she despised David, he had no respect for anything outdoors...and he worked for the Ag department! She watched them as they got closer and movement above their shoulders caught Oakley's eye. A few of the wranglers had come out to meet them and probably take care of their horses.

David and Corey dismounted and tossed their reigns to the closest person before heading back up to the house. David paused and turned around to look at Oakley.

"We'll leave for the Crosby ranch around seven tomorrow," He glared at her. "I'm not sure if I want you with us or not...I'll decide in the morning so just be ready."

They both walked off while Oakley slowly dismounted her horse, handing her reigns to Lloyd with a tired smile.

"You doing okay Oaks?" Lloyd asked.

"I'll be better when they're gone," Oakley said.

"We all will," The older man smiled. Oakley started to walk away when Lloyd called her name again. "Kayce said you could eat at the foreman's house if you wanted to. John is up at the main but...I don't know, that's just what he told me."

"Thank you, Lloyd," Oakley smiled. "I think some distance from those two, and some alone time with John Dutton will do us all some good."

Lloyd tipped his hat before walking her horse back into the barn. Oakley slowly made her way up to Kayce's cabin. While she grew up riding, she wasn't used to a full twelve hours almost all on horseback. Her thighs were screaming at her and she was pretty sure, despite David's rude comment, she did stink.

Before she could knock on the door it opened up, revealing Kayce in a dark brown button-down and jeans, his boots off. For once, Oakley didn't hide her smile, nor did she try to calm the warmth in her chest as Kayce smiled at her.

"Hey," He said.

"Hi," Oakley responded. "Lloyd told me you might have a dinner option here?"

"It's not as fancy as what Gator had probably," Kayce stepped to the side, allowing Oakley to walk inside. "But it tastes good."

"I'm sorry if I stink," Oakley said while stepping out of her boots.

"You're fine," Kayce chuckled. "How was it?"

"Um..." Oakley thought a moment. "Brutal. I have no idea what they wrote down on their inspection. They hardly spoke to me except to ask directions. I don't know what they're planning, Kayce, but I don't think it's good."