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“You said there are horses?” She looks out toward the stables. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen one up close.”
“Really?” I gesture toward the stables and walk with her, Alfie trailing behind us. “I have three right now. All of them rescues. The two mares are stubborn and ornery. But the gelding is gentle as can be. A real sweetheart. He even lets Alfie jump on him and ride him around the pasture sometimes.”
“Wow.” She glances back at Alfie. “That’s brave.”
“It would be brave if he tried it on Peanut or Butter. Jelly is just as silly as Alfie, so they’re a fun pair.”
“I like their names.”
“Thanks. I guess I was hungry when I picked them up.” I walk her to Jelly’s stall.
He comes over, his nose working overtime as he sniffs her. “Jelly, this is Roxanne.”
“He’s so big.” She looks up at him, her eyes going round. “Can I–”
“Of course. He won’t bite.”
She lifts her hand, but she doesn’t move any closer. “I don’t know …”
“May I?” I take her hand, the feel of her skin so soft against mine. “We’ll go slow.”
She stiffens for only a second, then relaxes as I move her hand toward Jelly’s snout. “He’s not scared?”
“No. He’d have his ears back if he was apprehensive. He’s as unconcerned as he can be.” I press her palm against his snout.
He steps closer, leaning into her touch. I don’t blame him. I do the same, cradling her hand in mine even though I could’ve already let go.
“This is wonderful.” She beams as she strokes his snout, her hand still in mine.
“I’m glad you think so.”
Butter nickers, and Peanut paws as the ground in her stall.
Roxanne looks at me questioningly.
“They’re just jealous.” I shrug.
Alfie jumps up and prances along the front of the stall, trying to get her attention.
“And they’re not the only ones.” I pop his hind quarters lightly, and he twitches his tail.
She pulls her hand away.
I should let go. Now I’m just standing with her, holding her hand.
She looks up at me, pink coloring her cheeks, but she doesn’t pull away. Fuck, why does that one simple thing strike me as nothing short of life-changing? I don’t know, but I don’t want it to stop.
After another few moments, she clears her throat and steps back, taking her warmth with her. “What about the rest of the place?” She looks around, her eyes shrewd.
“Want to see the house?”
“I’d love to,” she answers quickly. “I mean, um, sure. Yes.”
“Okay.” I walk at her elbow, watching her from the corner of my eye. She watches me right back. It heats my blood, making me think all sorts of things that are entirely out of place for two people who just met.
Then again, I’ve never met anyone like Roxanne.
9
