Free The Black Sheep and the Hidden Beauty by Donna Kauffman Page B

sexual tension between them was clouding the stall in a thick fog.
    Petunia took that moment to nod her head and whinny softly. It might have just meant she was suffering from a sudden lack of attention, but it looked like she was agreeing with Elena about his scent, which made Elena laugh. It was a rich, full-bodied sound that invited a person to join in, and brought an unbidden smile to his face.
    â€œWell, at least I’m doing something right,” he said, not wanting to be charmed by her. Needing not to be. Despite Mac’s suggestions—and his own body’s response—to the contrary, he had rules about how he did his job. Rules that didn’t include getting involved with his subjects.
    â€œYou’re doing pretty well, actually,” she responded.
    He was pretty sure she meant with the horse, but neither of them was looking at Petunia. “You sound almost surprised by that.”
    She lifted a shoulder. “Maybe. A little bit. As I said before, for a guy who wants to learn to ride, you just don’t seem all that excited about the actual prospect of being around a horse. And it’s hard to ride one without encountering that minor detail.”
    â€œI suppose I thought it would be like signing up for a trail ride at a vacation resort. You line up, climb on a horse, and meander along a bit until you figure it out. I thought I would be coming down here, hoisting myself up, and trotting around the ring a few times while you told me how to do it right. I guess I didn’t realize there would be so much more to it.” Or you . “I didn’t think—”
    â€œThat maybe the horse cared who climbed on its back?”
    â€œWell, they’re used to it, aren’t they? Does it really matter who climbs on once they get used to being ridden?”
    â€œThey’re highly sentient creatures. It matters.”
    â€œI didn’t mean any disrespect.”
    â€œTell that to Petunia.” Her lips curved then, and the dry smile put them back on an even keel.
    â€œI already promised her carrots. At this rate, she’ll have me catering meals.”
    â€œApples.”
    â€œExcuse me?”
    â€œHer favorite treat. Preferably Granny Smith. Take a bite, then give it to her.”
    â€œWhole?”
    Elena nodded. “No cooking or catering required.” Then she grinned. “She probably won’t even hold you to the movie offer.”
    He swore he felt his cheeks warm slightly. “Thanks. I’ll, uh, keep that in mind.”
    She shrugged. “Just trying to give you an edge.”
    â€œI need an edge?”
    Her grin turned a shade wry. “Maybe you’re not used to needing one. But it wouldn’t hurt your chances.”
    â€œWhat you’re saying is, that women aren’t all that different, no matter the species. So when you come calling, have something in hand.”
    Her eyes twinkled. “It certainly never hurts.”
    And how was it he’d never noticed the light scatter of freckles across the bridge of her nose? Their implied innocence was so at odds with her knowing eyes and full-bodied laugh. But then, she was a study in contradictions when it came to his reaction to her. What was one more thing?
    Somehow they’d come to stand closer to one another than he’d realized. She was stroking Petunia’s neck, and their fingers accidentally brushed across one another. She pulled her hand away, and stepped back. Other than that flash of embarrassment when she’d mentioned noticing his scent, it was the first time he’d seen uncertainty in her expression or demeanor.
    â€œOkay, enough fraternizing,” she said, and he wasn’t sure if she meant him with the horse…or the two of them with each other. She nodded toward the halter. “Time to get that on her if we’re going to get anything else done today.”
    â€œYou’re the one who insisted on me making friends