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Stacey had never been around horses. She always thought they were large, menacing creatures. Pretty from afar and majestic, but not something she needed to meet up close.
But here she was, standing in a pasture among four of these beasts. The one she was petting was a chestnut mare—according to Tristan—who went by the name of Ginger. Tristan stood with his arm under the horse’s head so it rested on his shoulder. He was so relaxed around these beasts, and Stacey swore that Ginger was sending her the message,This is my man. Stay away.
“Ginger loves apples.” He held out one toward Stacey.
Stacey raised her brow, staring at the piece of round red fruit in his hand. “Are you sure this horse won’t bite my hand off?” She held the apple flat in her palm like Tristan demonstrated.
Tristan released a deep, throaty chuckle. Man, that was sexy.
“I promise. Here.” He took the apple from her and grabbed her hand, placing it on the side of the horse’s head. It was soft and as long as she petted it in the direction of the fur, it felt like silk. The other way, not so much. The horse tossed her head, making Stacey step back, and laugh.
“There. See. She’s not gonna eat you. She likes you. Now, take the apple and feed her like I showed you.”
Stacey grabbed the apple, and placed it in her flattened hand, and stuck her palm out to the horse with surprised calm. The horse took it from her.
Its head nodded like she actually thanked Stacey for her favorite snack. She watched the horse’s mouth as she chewed the apple and came back for more, nudging toward her pocket.
“Hey, that’s all I’ve got for you.”
“So, are we getting used to the horses?” Adler came ambling over with one arm over Desiree’s shoulder and the other holding the reins to a brown horse with spots on its backside.
This horse was a little taller than Ginger and a lot more devilish. It bit Ginger on the butt, causing a bit of a ruckus. Ginger pranced sideways and reared up slightly, kicking her legs.
Stacey scrambled out of the pasture through the rails, not able to get away quick enough. Her heart thumped wildly in her chest.
Adler roared with laughter. “You might be a girl from a small town, but that doesn’t mean you’re from the country.”
Asshole. Stacey pushed her shoulders back. “I never said I was from the country or ever went to the country. This is my first time on a farm.”
Adler looked around, his hands in the air. “Well, this isn’t a farm, honey. Just a cattle and horse ranch. A farm has goats, pigs, or chickens, also. None of those things here.”
Stacey’s inside curdled, and she scrunched her eyes. What a jerk. Who does he think he is? Rich and rude? Tristan coaxed her back between the rails and draped an arm over her shoulder. “Okay, let’s get to the main yard. I’m sure everyone’s going to be here soon.”
“What are we going to do while you two are busy?” Desiree gestured between Stacey and herself.
This is something Stacey wanted to hear. Hopefully, she wasn’t going to be expected to actually get on one of these things.
Tristan shrugged and walked the horse back to Jonathan, the ranch hand. “You two can do whatever you feel comfortable doing. You can stand and watch us with the kids, help bring the horses to and from the stable, and help guide the kiddos. Between Jonathon and Carla and us, you’ll have lots of help and experience behind you.
Stacey turned to say something to Desiree but stopped when she saw her guiding the huge beast that Adler had earlier. “How do you know anything about horses, Des?”
The pretty brunette shrugged. “I don’t really. I just went riding a few times with a friend of mine. She has horses. They aren’t as scary as they look, Stace. Promise.”
Stacey rolled her eyes, and Tristan’s arm went around her waist.
He leaned into her ear. “Just relax.”
She looked up at him, and dang it, there was that crease. She felt her body relax.
The guys rode in front of the ATV, discussing some things they wanted to do with the kids. Desiree and Stacey rode in the back.
“Hey, you, okay?” Desiree asked as Stacey held on for her life, trying not to fall out of the ATV as they bumped and sped over the uneven terrain.
She looked into Desiree’s warm brown eyes. “Yeah, I’m glad you’re here. I’m a little out of my element. All this and big animals.” She waved her arm through the air. “Meeting parents, well, aunt and uncle.” She breathed in deep and out hard.
Desiree’s arm went over her shoulder. “Well, at least they know you’re Tristan’s girlfriend. Picture being the flavor of the month.”
Stacey’s face crinkled. “I love you, and I don’t want you to get hurt, but it’s more like the flavor of the week.”
