Free Racetrack Romance BOX SET (Books 1-3) by Bev Pettersen

straightened Lazer’s already perfect mane, determined to keep Kurt in the business side of her brain. His casual questions helped her relax, and she soon slipped into an easy conversation. He was a good listener and seemed especially interested in G barn, and she was surprised when they reached the barn so quickly.
    She dismounted. A lanky teenager appeared with a red cooling sheet draped over his wiry arm.
    “This is Martin,” Kurt said as he unbuckled her saddle. “He’s working mornings and evenings for me.”
    She nodded, remembering Martin and what Sandra had confided. The teenager was a loner, a non-achiever at school, and worked his spare hours at the track. Julie had glimpsed him hot walking horses, but Martin was shy and rarely spoke.
    “Hi, Martin,” she said. “Glad to meet you. Sandra says you're a good hand with a horse.”
    “Thanks.” A flush stained his cheeks and he studied the floor. “I saw you ride at Lethbridge once.” He scuffed the toe of his worn boot, peering at her from beneath too-long hair. “You're the toughest rider I've ever seen.” He gave a bashful smile.
    She grinned. Martin had an endearing smile and a cowboy's sweet manners. Once he had more confidence, he'd have plenty of girls chasing him. “It's not hard to stay on,” she said. “The real job is teaching horses to run straight. If you want, Sandra and I can give you some riding tips.”
    His eyes sparkled but he said nothing more. Only an emphatic nod revealed his interest.
    “Walk Lazer around until he’s cool, Martin,” Kurt said, his tone mild. “I’ll wrap his legs later.”
    Martin nodded again, and another clump of brown hair escaped from beneath his ball cap. Julie watched as he expertly turned Lazer and guided the colt along the walkway. Sandra was right. Martin was assertive enough with horses, just uncertain with people. Her gaze met Kurt’s, and she realized he’d been watching her. She dipped her head and adjusted the zipper of her vest.
    “Let's see how you and Ace get along,” Kurt said, his voice husky as he turned and walked down the aisle. It was a relief his attention had switched to his horse. He’d seemed to be scanning her face, looking for something, and despite the cool morning, his appraisal made her feel oddly warm.

 
     
    Chapter Nine
     
     
    Julie watched as Kurt tied his two-year-old to a ring in the stall. The brass tag on the leather halter read ‘Ace of Spades.’ Ace stood quietly for the saddle and even lowered his head to be bridled. She doubted many horses argued long with Kurt. He had a fearlessness that animals probably sensed; she certainly sensed it, although that first day she’d mistaken it for arrogance.
    He wasn’t arrogant, just…bold. She wiped her warm forehead and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. Gave a quick swipe to her cheeks, hoping her face wasn’t dirty then reminded herself that her appearance didn’t matter.
    It was more important she ride well tonight. He’d promised to watch the races, and if he liked what he saw, she’d earn the mount on Lazer. Simple. No sucking up or feeding peppermints or smiling at stupid jokes. And he was letting her work Ace from the gate, so she might have a chance to earn that mount too. Finally her business was picking up. She let out a sigh of contentment, a sigh so tiny she was surprised when he turned and arched an eyebrow.
    “You okay with this?” he asked. “Working a green horse from the gate?”
    “Of course,” she said, embarrassed he’d heard her sigh but even more mortified he’d attributed it to nerves. “I was just wondering why you gelded Ace before he ever raced?” she asked quickly.
    “He’s a little knock-kneed, and his breeding isn’t fashionable. I picked him up cheap as a yearling.” Kurt gave a reassuring smile, but his eyes probed her face. “He's been popped from the gate before, so there shouldn't be any problem.”
    His lingering gaze made her uneasy, although the feeling