Page 94 of Country Contract

“English or Western?” The words leave my mouth before I can do anything about it.

“We have Western out there, but if you want English, I can get it.” She beams.

“That would be great,” Harrison adds.

When she slides open the arena door, I’m floored. She’s gorgeous. Her coat is jet-black, healthy, and shining off the bright lights. Her mane is neatly kept in a bunch of evenly spaced small knots down her crest. Her tail is perfectly groomed and right in between her hock and fetlock. The only discernible thing outside of her sheer black beauty is one white sock.

“Oh my God.” It comes out in a whisper, my jaw dropping. She’s working with a young man as he uses a lunge whip and lead to have her circle him. She’s trotting with elegant precision, her hooves making the perfect beat on the dusty ground below her.

“Get that tack ready,” Harrison jokes to Mrs. King.

Before I know it, I’m on the back of this girl. We click almost as fast as Harrison and the puppy sleeping in his arms. We walk for a long time before I bring her to a trot and then back to a walk.

“Bring her to canter,” Mrs. King yells and I do. Withouthesitation, she picks up as soon as my left leg and heel apply pressure.

Harrison and the gentleman who was working with her earlier stand in the middle of the arena, gabbing away as I ride. I could be here all day, but this isn’t my horse, it’s Harrison’s. After we circle a few more times, I walk her to where Harrison and his friend stand.

“Hop on. See how you like her,” I offer, dropping my right foot from the stirrup. I run my hand up and down Majesty’s neck and give her praise for her hard work.

“Nope. I saw everything I needed to. She’s going to be for guests and for fun. You were perfect to make sure she’s the right fit.” Do his words sting for absolutely no reason? Yes. Do I let it show? No.

After I dismount, I stand with Sally, Harrison, and . . .

“Howdy, I’m Tommy.” His hand shoots out in front of him, and I happily take it. He’s got a firm, but kind handshake. Taller than both Harrison and me, he stands with broad shoulders dressed in a fleece gray flannel and a hat to match his mother’s, with curly brown tresses peeking out from under it.

“Harlow. Pleasure.”

“You ride like a pro.”

“I’ve been riding most of my life. I love it. Can I brush her down?”

“Her stall is in there; you’ll see her nameplate.”

I nod and smile over at Harrison, who’s now crouched down and playing with his future dog, looking more boyish every time I look at him.

After taking off Majesty’s tack and brushing her down, I clean out her hooves and hum to myself. I forgot how much I love caring for horses after a ride. It’s as if I’m letting themknow my appreciation and giving them the care they deserve after their hard work.

I hear the heavy drops of boots against the cobblestone walkway before I see Harrison at the stall opening.

“You about ready?” He leans against the wall and smiles warmly.

“Where’s your pup?”

“She has about two more weeks here before I can come get her. Majesty will be delivered this week sometime. So, you’ll get to ride her again before you leave.”

His eyes move all over me; they travel up and down my body with no hesitation or worry. He doesn’t care that I know he’s looking at me, and frankly, I don’t care that he is. When our eyes meet again, his usual warmth is replaced by something more carnal. There is a heat behind his blue eyes, a need.

“You undressing me with those eyes?”

“Much worse, witch, so much worse.” He throws me another wink and jerks his chin toward the hall.

Time to go.

Chapter 37

Harrison

She’s been in the bathroom for a while, soaking in the tub and relaxing. I open a duffel I packed but left in the truck until now. I hope she doesn’t find my suggestion rude or ridiculous.

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