Cowboys & Horses

Chapter 29

I sucked in a breath so deep, I nearly choked. "Husband?"

"Anna," the woman said, extending her hand towards me. "Mrs Anna Lancaster, but you got that already."

I faked a smile as I shook her limp hand.

Her bright blue eyes glittered with energy. She smoothed out her baby pink skirt suit and curled her nose up. "Are you going to take your darling wife home, Mr Lancaster? We have some catching up to do." She licked her lips and winked.

I backed away from Brady, nausea and disbelief swarming over me. "I...I'm sorry, so sorry. I didn't know he was married..."

"Oh, no worries," she said, waving a hand through the air. "I know what he's like with the ladies. What's a woman to do when even this won't keep a man interested?" She motioned a hand over herself and gave a wistful sigh.

Brady glowered at her, distaste mixing around in his eyes. He glanced across at me, his hard edge softening. "Sophie—"

"It's ok," I said. "Honestly, it's fine." I backed up several steps, feeling more than uncomfortable. My mind racing, I jumped to the one thing which always put things in perspective. "I, um, I'm going to take Cody out for a ride if that's ok?"

Before Brady could answer, Anna jumped in with a voice laced in sarcasm. "Ooo. Allowing her on Kelsa's horse? She must be special."

"Shut up, Anna. I'm not sure, Sophie. I wouldn't mind if there were others going out too, but after the fall and everything—"

"I'll be fine. I've got my phone. I won't go far. Just need some time and space."

Anna smirked, reaching out and tracing a long nail down Brady's perfect bicep. He jerked away and scowled at her.

"I don't know, Sophie," he said, turning back to me. "I just don't feel comfortable with the idea."

Anna went back to him, this time curling her whole hand around his solid muscles and squeezing. "My, oh my. Has dear hubby been working out?"

Brady blinked several times and clenched his jaw.

"Please?" I asked, desperate to just get away and spill my tears in peace.

"Get off me, Anna!" He grabbed her hand and picked her fingers from his skin. "Ok," he said, turning back to me. "But be careful. I mean it. It's easy to get lost out there."

I nodded, whirling around and getting the hell out of there as quick as I could. What on earth had I gotten myself mixed up in? Humiliation flooded me as I realised Ben was right. Even Brady's immaculate wife couldn't keep his interest. His comments on city girls began to wander back to me—she was definitely a city girl.

Cody nuzzled at me as I tacked him up, my mind elsewhere. I led him out of the stall to see Brady stalking towards me as if his life depended on it.

"Sophie, before you go, please let me explain—"

"You don't need to, Brady. It's fine, honestly." I continued walking, brushing past him.

"Sophie—"

"Brady, come on." Anna's voice trickled over from his truck, parked only a few feet from the barn. "I do apologise," she said, smiling sweetly at me. "My husband is like a dog on heat at times."

I managed a thin smile but said nothing as I tightened Cody's cinch.

"Anna, get in the truck," Brady said, walking to my side. "I'll be there in a minute."

She stood in defiance, crossing her arms over her ample chest. "So you can kiss your bit of stuff goodbye? You disgust me." With a big sigh, she opened the passenger door. "Oh, nice show by the way. Hopefully I've solved your little love triangle problem."