Free Montana Wrangler by Charlotte Carter Page B

Angry at himself, he bit into the sandwich.
    Sighing audibly, she said, “What did you have in mind?”
    Smiling around his mouthful, he nodded and swallowed. “Attagirl. I knew you weren’t a quitter.”
    She cocked an eyebrow, a cute expression that said she was wary but willing to listen. He appreciated a woman who was open to hearing his opinion. Idly he wondered if anyone had kissed that clever eyebrow and how she had reacted.
    â€œI want you to get to know Peaches,” he said.
    Both of her brows jumped up. “Your girlfriend?”
    He chuckled. “No, but she is the sweetest thing around here on four legs. Peaches is a pinto. Wonderful disposition. You’ll like her.”
    â€œAnother horse? Jay, I’m simply not sure—”
    â€œRemember, you’re doing this for Bryan’s sake.”
    â€œI’d just as soon he not see me making a fool of myself again.”
    â€œWhich is why, as soon as I finish this sandwich, we’re going to go meet Peaches.”
    Her enthusiasm for the idea was equal to that of someone about to be hanged from the nearest tree.
    * * *
    Paige stood back from Peaches’s stall wondering why it was so important for her to learn anything about horses. It wasn’t like she ever intended to own one, or even go for a ride on one. She understood Bryan would miss his horse after he moved to Seattle, but he’d find other activities to enjoy. She hoped.
    Jay stepped into the stall with Peaches, patted her neck and rubbed his hand over her nose.
    â€œPretty thing, isn’t she?”
    Paige had to admit she was a pretty horse, as horses went. And not as tall as Bright Star or as imposing as Jay’s horse Thunder Boy.
    â€œCome on in and get acquainted,” he urged, his eyes pleading. “I’ll be right here with you.”
    An anxious flutter in her stomach warned of oncoming panic. She said a quick prayer and stepped into the straw-covered stall.
    â€œGood. Now say hello to Peaches.”
    â€œHi.” The word stuck in her throat.
    Archie, the barn dog, chose that moment to enter Peaches’s stall. The horse and dog touched noses and sniffed.
    â€œThey’re friends,” Paige said in surprise.
    â€œYeah. Archie is pretty much friends with all the horses.”
    Unable to resist, Paige reached down to pat Archie. “How are you doing, girl? Those puppies are getting big, aren’t they?”
    Peaches stuck her nose right by her hand, and Paige found herself petting the horse. “Is she doing this because she doesn’t want Archie to get all the attention?”
    â€œI’d say so. We kind of spoil her around here.”
    She smiled at that. It had never occurred to her a horse could be spoiled. Peaches assessed her with patient eyes, inviting Paige to continue petting her.
    â€œTry stroking her along her neck,” Jay suggested.
    Paige did and felt Peaches’s muscles ripple beneath her skin.
    â€œYou’re doing fine,” Jay said. “Are you feeling comfortable?”
    She considered that for a moment and nodded. “I’m okay.”
    â€œExcellent. Would you like to brush her mane? She really likes that.”
    Paige’s hand froze. Would it be just like brushing Krissy’s hair when they were young? Both she and her sister had enjoyed those moments together.
    â€œOkay, I’ll try.”
    Jay handed her a stiff brush, which she pulled through Peaches’s dusky-brown mane. The strands straightened to rest smoothly on the horse’s sturdy neck. “Pretty girl,” Paige crooned.
    She was also increasingly aware of Jay’s closeness. Although he wasn’t touching her, she imagined she could feel the heat of his body. That if she leaned back, he’d wrap his strong arms around her. Hold her tight. Safe.
    Somewhere in the barn, a phone rang. Automatically Paige stiffened, halting her wayward thoughts.
    A few minutes later, Grandpa came