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“Come on, Jodie, it’s time to ride!”
“Bye, girl,” I say. The little girl waves back and smiles, and then leads the horse away. I sigh. I’m jealous because at that age, I’d have given anything to own a horse. But my parents would never be on board. For them, it’s all about being serious, going to college, and getting a real job.
I wander down the aisle some more. Next to Jodie is a big, beautiful black stallion, and he’s the largest horse in the barn, easily, with high shoulders, a glossy pelt, and long legs. He’s got to be twice as big as Jodie. He doesn’t have a nameplate, so I can’t say his name as I reach forward and pet him. The horse nickers and tosses his head.
But then, out of the corner of my eye, something moves. I jump back, my heart racing. What was that? Was that the horse? No, can’t be, because it came from the other direction. Yet I thought I was alone back here, and come to think of it, it’s pretty dark. Could it have been an owl? Or a squirrel?
Then, the shape materializes, and I gasp because it’s a man. He’s partially in shadow, but he’s huge. Broad shoulders block out the light, and he’s got a hat on which make his features seem mysterious. I can just make out a square chin and strong, proud nose.
I’m immediately intrigued.
I have no idea who this man is, but I want to find out. Maybe the Corinthian Fair will deliver me a hot farmer, after all.3TravisA young woman stares at me with wide eyes. She trembles, her curvy form vibrating a bit like a captured rabbit. I can see her breasts shake as her lashes flutter a bit.
“I’m sorry for startling you,” I growl. She swallows hard, licking over her glossy pink lips.
“Oh, it’s okay. I thought I was alone back here, that’s all.”
I smile, although it probably looks more like a grimace. She’s gorgeous and I’m already having a physical reaction to those luscious curves.
“I see you’re admiring Big Black,” I manage in a neutral voice. Her eyes flicker to the black stallion.
“Is that his name? Yes, he’s beautiful. Is he yours?”
I shake my head. “Unfortunately not, but his owners are friends of mine.”
“He’s an impressive horse.”
I take a step forward, closing the distance between us. She’s even more gorgeous upon close inspection, and my pants tighten again.
“That he is. I’m Travis, by the way. Nice to meet you.”
She bites her lip, and I wait for a hint of recognition, but it never comes. I wouldn’t call myself famous, but Corinthian is a small town and more often than not, I get recognized as the CEO of Keystone, an agricultural giant located nearby.
“I’m Pepper. It’s nice to meet you,” she finally murmurs. We shake hands and her grip is soft and innocent. Then, she turns her attention right back to Big Black, and I let out a sigh of relief. She has no idea who I am, which is good because I hate women who just want me for my money and position. Clearly, Pepper has no idea.
“Are you enjoying the fair?” I ask in a casual voice.
The curvy girl nods excitedly. “Yes, definitely. It’s my favorite event of the year. Even when I was at school, I made sure to be back every summer so I could come.”
I chuckle.
“It is a good time. I haven’t had a chance to enjoy much of it yet, but who knows? I have two weeks to explore.”
She throws me a curious look.
“You’ve never been before?”
I shake my head.
“This is my first time.” To be honest, Keystone is a major sponsor of the fair this year, so I was forced to come. But Pepper doesn’t know that. She merely smiles sunnily.
“Wow, you have to get the full experience then. There’s so much to see, and I know you’ll love it. Take your time, especially when it comes to the baked treats. There are so many varieties of pies, and I swear I’ve tasted them all.”
I wish I had that much time on my hands, but I doubt it. As a sponsor, I have to press the flesh, make speeches, and generally be seen. It sucks. It may be Saturday, but the work never stops when you’re the CEO. Nonetheless, I try to keep our conversation going.
“I got to see the sheep shows today, and that’s what my goal was, so I feel satisfied.”
She giggles.
“You like sheep?”
Now it’s my turn to grin. “Hell yeah! I used to show them as part of 4-H when I was a kid. It’s great to watch this generation doing the same thing.” She smiles happily.
“Wow, that’s amazing. I grew up in Corinthian with farmland all over the place, but I never showed animals or anything. I wish I had. The most I’ve owned is a cat, and he hated people.”
