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“Rick, I don’t want to leave you, but I could follow the van in my car, make sure Piggy’s settled, then come back, or maybe I should—”
“Bailey, stop and take a breath. Just let the answer come to you. It will.”
“How can you be so sure?”
“Doesn’t it always?”
She grinned up at him.
“I guess you’re right, and I just realized I want to put her on the lunge line and see how she is.”
“I was about to suggest you do just that. There’s a small arena you can use not far from the barn she’s in, and I’m sure Deedee will have a lunge line you can use. Speakin’ of Deedee, there she is. Hey, Deedee,” he called, waving his arm. “Do you have a second?”
“For you two, always,” she replied, striding up to them.
“A horse van will be arrivin’ in about an hour to pick up the horses. They’ll need a pass.”
“No problem, what name should I use?”
“Mandy Granger,” Bailey replied, “and do you have a lunge line I could borrow? I want to see how my mare is moving and make sure she’s alright.”
“Sure thing. Follow me. You should probably look at the other two while you’re at it.”
“I plan to, and thanks so much for taking them in.”
“I’m glad we had the space,” she replied as they entered the barn and she led them into a large tack room. “In the last locker you should find whatever you need. Just text me when you know your plans.”
“I will, and thanks again.”
As Deedee left, Rick closed the door behind her, then slowly wrapped his arms around Bailey and hugged her tightly.
“How did you know I needed this?” she whispered, sinking against him.
“Findin’ Miss Piggy and the other two and gettin’ them out, it’s a big deal,” he murmured. “Your head’s gotta be all over the place.”
“I’m so happy and relieved, but I feel weird as well.”
“Of course you do. It’s an emotional roller-coaster, and Bailey,” he continued, shifting to stare down a her, “regardless of what you decide about goin’ home, I’m not sure you should perform today.”
“Maybe you’re right,” she murmured, letting out a heavy sigh. “After I finish here, I’ll call Tammy and tell her about everything and see what she thinks.”
“Good idea,” he said softly, then leaned down and kissed her, gliding his lips over hers and making her toes curl.
“You’re a really good kisser,” she breathed. “Has anyone ever told you that?”
“Not in so many words,” he replied with a wink.
“Rick Campbell, you are so bad.”
“Yeah, but that’s one of the things you like best about me. Now I’m gonna get that lunge line before I give into temptation.”
“What temptation?”
“Lockin’ that door, layin’ you down and havin’ my way with you.”
“Having your way with me?” she repeated with a giggle. “That’s hilarious.”
“Now you’re makin’ it even harder to—.”
