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Sky reluctantly dragged her gaze from the corrugated grooves of his midsection, outlined against the tight pull of blue material, as the tingles ran rampant through her body once again. Why’d she have the insane urge to slide her hands under the hem of his shirt and graze his abs and chest with her fingertips? Ever so lightly, teasing him. Making him want more. Making him hard.
She bit back a groan.
Steady there, girlfriend.
He inspired thoughts she hadn’t had in so long, she’d figured nothing—rather, no one—would spike her lust ever again. Worse, he had her conjuring a few indecent fantasies she’d never even given consideration to before. He did things to her insides, melting her with his heroic horse saving. And what she wanted him to do to her body…
She blinked. Averted her gaze.
So off men.
For good reason.
Yet, something about Sam silently called to her. Maybe it was the way he cared so much about the horses. He was gentle and genuine with them. He wouldn’t intentionally hurt a soul, she was already convinced of it. Felt it deep in her bones.
He was protective of the animals in his charge and not only did he want to help them heal, he respected them.
When she slid a glance his way again, she found his gaze on her. He grinned, and it touched his emerald eyes, making them glow warmly.
Exhilaration shot through her. Enticing at first, but as her heart suddenly stammered with an erratic beat, she realized she was moving quickly into dangerous territory.
So she excused herself and focused instead on her job.
Fueled by confidence born of great reviews, Sky spent the next several days mastering some of the more difficult recipes in her box. She also visited the stable regularly.
On Monday, Sam introduced her to Dr. Dalton Andrews. Then he told the specialist, “Midnight’s taken an interest in her.”
Sky smiled. “He’s so beautiful. And attentive.”
Dalton eyed her curiously, then slid a gaze toward the stallion’s stall.
She added, “I haven’t touched him. Just let him sniff around while I chat with him a bit. Sam told me he needs to get used to me first.”
Dalton nodded. He watched Midnight come to the gate as Sky spoke. He suggested, “Why don’t we see if he’ll take some carrots from you?”
“Sure.” She crossed to the stall and scooped out a handful of chopped carrots from a bucket hanging on a wooden peg next to the gate.
Sam said, “Stand back a little, darlin’.” Concern tinged his deep voice.
Over her shoulder, she told him, “I’ll be careful. I know what I’m doing. No startling him. Keep a good distance in case he rears up.” She returned her attention to the horse. “But he won’t.”
“He’s still wary,” Sam reminded her.
She smiled at the stallion. “I don’t blame you for that. But I bet you’re ready for a little treat.”
Holding her hand palm up, she showed him the carrots. A puff of air blew from the horse’s nostrils.
Pleased by his responsiveness, Sky said, “Good boy. You know I’m just here to help you, like everyone else. Show you the kindness you deserve.”
Midnight sniffed around her hand, then nibbled the carrots. When he’d finished with the snack, Sky turned back to Sam and Dalton.
“What do you think?”
They both grinned.
Sam said, “He’s smitten.”
“So am I.” She glanced back at the horse. “Maybe someday, you and I’ll go riding.”
