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They turned to the black stallion. “Is that Cash?” He walked toward the stall.
“It sure is.”
“Hey, boy.” Chase reached out and stroked the horse’s neck. He turned back to her in awe. “I think he remembers me.”
She smiled as her heart melted a little. “You two spent a lot of time together. Of course, he remembers you.”
“We sure did. You’re getting to be an old man now, aren’t you?” he said to the horse.
The horse snickered and pushed up on his hand.
A smile filled her face. “He’s telling you to speak for yourself.”
“Hah. I’m afraid you might be right, big fella.”
Jacquie stepped next to him and ran her hand down the horse’s head. “He doesn’t get out as much as he needs. Come back tomorrow and take him for a ride.”
“I’d like that.” He turned and faced her. “Though I doubt the doctor will allow you to ride that soon.”
She gave him a sly smile. “What Doc doesn’t know won’t hurt him.”
“True, but it might hurt you. Let’s give it a couple weeks.”
“Okay, if you still think you’ll be around.” Would he? She hated that she wanted to hear what he would say. Now that he was back, she wasn’t sure she wanted him to go. She knew nothing about his life. He could have someone back home. She watched him closely, waiting to hear how he’d respond.
He got a faraway look, then peered down at her. “Let’s hope we solve this case before then.”
A good dodge. She decided to try the direct approach. “You haven’t told me anything about your life in Charlotte. How did you get involved with Guardian Securities?”
“Two buddies and I started it together when we got out of the service. We were MPs and didn’t want to work for a police department.”
“Why not?”
“Too many rules.”
She nodded in understanding. “You never did like rules.”
“No, I didn’t. One of Suzy’s friends needed help pretty soon after. We helped her, did a good job, and decided we liked the work.”
“Suzy?”
“One of my buddies.”
“Oh.” She hated that the disappointment was so clear in her voice. She really should go take a nap.
“It’s not like that,” he said, his gaze catching hers.
Her chest tightened as she realized he knew what she was asking. “It’s not?”
“No. Like I said. Friends.”
Her cheeks warmed. “Oh. I should probably go in. I’m getting tired. Not thinking straight.” She hoped he bought the flimsy excuse.
He pivoted toward her, reaching for her hand. “Charlotte isn’t that far away.” He moved closer to her. Very close.
Jacquie sucked in a breath, fighting an overwhelming urge to step into his arms and rest her head against his chest. To feel his heartbeat against her ear and his warmth on her cheek.
“Chase,” she murmured, looking up at him, her gaze falling to his lips. What would it be like to kiss him after all this time? Would he still feel the same? Would his kiss still leave her knees weak? As her thoughts spun through her mind, his lips fell over hers. Her eyes drifted closed, her head tilting back as the warmth of his kiss spread through her. Her hands fluttered to his chest as she held on to keep from falling.
