To Seduce a Rogue by Tracy Sumner

felt Taber take the brunt of a kick. He fought to control the bucking animal and watched helplessly as Big John pitched over his mount’s head.
    “Get out of the way,” Adam shouted to the men gathered around. Sitting deep in the saddle, he pulled on the reins, hoping Taber would use his head to maintain balance. The horse seemed to understand and limped to the side of the path.
    Adam wasted no time getting to the ground. Blood soaked Taber’s hindquarters, thin drops already falling to the ground. He stood as still as a stone, rage, shock and grief tearing through him.
    “Here, let me see him.” Charlie stepped to the horse’s side and ran her hand along the wound. She brushed hair from her face, leaving a crimson smudge behind. Her deliberate, confident movements calmed Taber, while igniting a frantic barrage in Adam.
    Her gaze lifted to his, her face regaining color. He hadn’t realized how pale she was when she rushed to him. “It’s not as bad as it looks. A long cut, but not deep. We need to put a few stitches in, though. I can do that if you take him back to the house.”
    He opened his mouth to speak, but couldn’t form the words.
    “Go to the barn, Adam. Luckily, you’re close. Sit before you fall, and I’ll be right there.” When he didn’t move, she gave him a nudge. “Go on. You need to get Taber off his feet.” She tipped her head in the right direction.
    He grasped the reins, all the while talking in a low voice to Taber. The horse followed at a slow pace. As Adam passed the crowd gathered around the fallen rider, he paused.
    “How is he?” Adam asked Miles, who was crouched beside Big John.
    “I think his arm is broken, but he’s been talking, so his head is fine. Heck, it’s a pretty hard head.”
    Big John’s ashen face contorted with pain. “Damn it, man.” His eyes opened, his gaze searching the crowd. “Your horse?” he asked when he located Adam.
    Adam went down on one knee. He patted the injured man’s shoulder. “He’ll be fine.”
    “I’m sorry.”
    “Not to worry.” He went to stand, then paused. “Your black?”
    Big John closed his eyes, sinking back into the mud.
    Adam recalled the sound of bone splitting as the horse dropped to the ground. His stomach churned as he headed to the barn.
    * * *
    Charlie entered the barn, bucket of water in one hand, box of medicinal supplies in the other. In the shadows of the far corner, she spotted Chase, sitting cross-legged at the rear of his horse.
    He looked up as she approached. “Charlie, I didn’t want you to lug a bucket of water all the way in here.” He got to his feet, brushing at the seat of his trousers.
    She deposited the bucket on the ground; water sloshed to the straw-covered floor. “I’m not as weak as that, you know.”
    “No argument here, Miss Whitney.”
    She didn’t think he was laughing at her, but his words carried a slightly amused tone. As the blush swept across her cheeks, she was very glad she stood in shadow.
    “Go ahead. Sit.” He indicated the spot he had vacated. “Are you close enough to have a go at it? Do you need more light?”
    She glanced at the oil lamp by her side. “Yes, I’m close enough and no, I don’t need more light. Not yet, anyway. Just move the lamp a bit to the left, in case Taber kicks.”
    He stiffened. “Yes, of course.”
    She inspected the box of supplies. It was a well-furnished kit: needle and thread, cloth, soap, alcohol, ointment. “Good. This should do nicely.” She glanced at Adam and managed a small smile. He looked as nervous as a new father. “Don’t worry. I’ve done this a time or two. We don’t have a veterinarian in town. People tend their own, or they call someone who can.”
    Taber blew a breath through his nose as she began washing the wound.
    “Take it easy, boy,” Chase whispered.
    “It isn’t as deep as it looked. Somewhat jagged, but a few stitches will take care of it.” As she applied alcohol to the wound, she heard only a