Over the Barrel by Breanna Hayse Read Free Book Online

very things that have
hurt you in the past, yet you choose to behave as though everyone is like your
aunt or that headmistress."   Sloan kept walking, not looking behind him as he spoke.   "I hope that you leave a better
impression on your grandfather than what you have left with me.   It is really unbecoming for such actions
to accompany such an intelligent and beautiful woman.   If you want men to respect you, then you
need to find another means to do so."
    Blair stared at him dumbfounded.   She swallowed and lifted her chin.   "You're right, Mr. Adkins.   I apologize."
    It was Sloan's turn to stare back at her
with the same perplexed expression.   "You agree with me?"
    "As much as I detest hearing these
words leave my lips, yes, I agree with you," Blair declared.   She wiped her forehead with the back of
her hand.   "When I caught those
fish, I felt something that I had never experienced before.   Pride.   And when you praised me, I was
elated.   I am admitting this for
your edification as well as my own.   You made me realize that I don't know how to graciously take a compliment
or how to conduct myself in a manner that I do not feel defensive.   It is my flaw, among many that you will
not hesitate to bring to my attention during our journey.   Of that, I am certain."
    "It takes a lot of guts to admit a
weakness or a need to change.   For
that, ma'am, my hat is off to you," he placed his hat on his chest and
made a quick bow.   "Does this
mean that I can expect less backtalk from you now?"
    "I will try to be more pleasant, if
that is what you are asking."
    "I thank you kindly for the
attempt.   Why don't you curry the
horses and I'll get these fish gutted."
    The early summer sun was nothing more
than a few orange streaks in the sky when Blair returned from grooming the
horses.   The fish were on skewers
and roasting merrily over a small open fire, and the kettle was starting to steam
with an aroma of mint.
    "You all right?   I was about to go looking for you,"
Sloan asked, pouring her a cup of tea.
    "Skinwalker tried to bite me when I
combed him.   He acted like he has
never been groomed before.   I
thought horses liked that."
    "Horses and women are a lot alike in
how they preferred to be handled.   Did you talk to him first?"
    "Women are nothing like horses.   First, we …"
    "Do you like to be talked to before
anyone attempts to approach you on an intimate level?"
    "Of course, but …"
    "Come here and let me show you
something.   A comforting voice can
soothe the nerves and open the ears.   Did you touch him gently with your fingertips before you jumped into
brushing him?"
    "No.   I just started to brush.   It is not that important."
    "Would you rather a man touch you
like this before he kissed you?" Sloan asked, running the backs of his
fingers down her cheek.
    Blair instinctively lowered her eyes and
tilted towards his hand.   "I
don't know.   I have never been
kissed before."
    Sloan pulled his fingers away from her
face and lifted her left hand to his lips, kissing her knuckles.   "We both know the answer.   A man who treats his horse well will be
just as good to his woman.   Try
approaching the horse in a way you think you would like, and see how it
goes.   Wash up in the stream and
come sit for dinner."
    Blair closed her eyes as the trout melted
in her mouth.   It was sweet and
smooth, with just a hint of wood smoke.
    "You like?" Sloan asked,
tossing the bones into the fire.
    "It is delicious.   I have never had trout before.   The mint tea is also wonderful, but does
need a drop of honey.   And what is
this?"
    "Wild onion.   Would you like some more?" he
offered her another fish.
    "No, thank you.   Please, you eat it.   Thank you for cooking."
    "We will try to grab some more fish
in the morning and I'll show you how to gut them.   Without a frying pan, this is the best
way to cook a catch."
    "Would you show me how to shoot
tomorrow too?"
    "After we make some headway.   I