Free The a Circuit by Georgina Bloomberg Page B

you,” Fitz said to the photographer, who was still hassling Tommi. “What do you think you’re doing?”
    “Trying to earn a living, kid.” The photographer smirked. “Guess none of you trust-fund brats would know about that.”
    “Okay, you’ve had your fun. Time to get lost before someone gets killed.” Fitz maneuvered Dazzle around, forcing the agitated pony to sidepass toward the man.
    “Hey, keep that thing away from me,” the man complained, suddenly looking a lot less cocky.
    At that moment Dazzle tossed his head, almost breaking loose from Fitz’s grip. “Uh-oh!” Fitz shouted. “Dangerous horse! Clear the decks!”
    Mackenzie’s eyes widened in alarm. “Don’t worry, sweetie,” Kate whispered, sidling closer. “Fitz is just kidding around. Dazzle will be fine.”
    She watched as Fitz continued to angle the pony toward the man. Finally Dazzle reared in annoyance, letting out several loud snorts. Fitz let the reins slip through his hands, then reeled the pony back in. The photographer was frozen in place, looking terrified.
    Kate noticed that Tommi had taken advantage of the distraction to slip off toward the barn with Legs, who was jigging a bit but behaving well otherwise. Unfortunately the photographer noticed, too.
    “Hey! Miss Aaronson!” he called, darting around Fitz and the pony.
    Great. So the pony’s antics hadn’t totally distracted him. Still, Kate wasn’t too worried. Tommi could handle herself. At least now that both intruders were gone, she should be able to get things back under control.
    “Everything all right in here?” Fitz asked, leading Dazzle back into the ring and kicking the gate shut behind him.
    Kate shot a look around. Dazzle had settled as soon as he was back in with the other ponies. Mackenzie had already caught the pinto and returned it to its owner.
    “Yeah, I think so,” Kate said. “Thanks to you. I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t shown up when you did.”
    “I aim to please.” Fitz handed Dazzle’s reins to Mackenzie as she hurried over. “But if you really want to thank me, I can think of a good way.”
    “Really? What?” Kate was a little distracted as she watched Mackenzie croon to her pony.
    “With a kiss.”
    “Huh?” That got Kate’s attention—and the attention of all four pony girls, who immediately started giggling.
    “Kiss him, Kate!” Gigi cried.
    “Yeah!” another girl added. “Give him a big smooch!”
    Kate felt her cheeks go hot. “Girls, he’s just kidding around,” she said quickly.
    “No, I’m not.” Fitz grinned at her, looking as completely comfortable as she was embarrassed. “Come on, Kate. I thought I was your hero. Doesn’t that deserve a measly little kiss? You know, like in all the Disney movies?”
    “Kiss him! Kiss him!” Mackenzie chanted.
    Glancing around at the giggling girls, Kate felt trapped as she realized Fitz had done it again. After what had just happened, she’d expected to spend at least three-quarters of the lesson coaxing the riled-up, nervous little riders onto their mounts. But now, with his simple request, Fitz had them all laughing. That would make her job a lot easier.
    So what choice did she have? It was the least she could do to thank him.
    “Fine, if you insist.” Kate did her best to sound casual and amused, though she had a feeling she hadn’t really pulled it off. Her face was still flaming, and her heart was thumping so hard and fast that it sounded like a herd of galloping horses. She could only hope the girls’ giggles covered it so Fitz couldn’t hear.
    She stepped toward him, feeling awkward. He leaned a little closer, still grinning. Taking a deep breath, Kate stood on tiptoes just long enough to give him a quick peck on the cheek. Up close, his skin smelled surprisingly sweet, like fresh hay and citrus.
    “Very nice, but you missed,” Fitz exclaimed. He tapped himself on the lips. “A little to the left …”
    “Hey, Fitz.” Mackenzie