And she was going to have to share, because Trixie was sure Nick was her perfect partner, too. Her mind tiptoed back to last night. When they’d finally gone inside, she’d kissed him good night and went to her bedroom. She’d thought he might tug her back into his arms or come after her, but he hadn’t. That had stung, but it had also been okay, because she knew in her heart that even if it took him time to sort out his feelings and let her in, their connection was soul deep. She felt it in his touch, tasted it in his kisses, and he’d shown her as much by giving her so many little treasures of hope throughout their amazing day yesterday, holding her hand and touching her like she was his girlfriend. She’d caught him gazing at her a number of times when she was getting to know the horses and working with Ed’s daughter, and she wondered if he had an idea that the way he looked at her had changed in the last few days, too.
Annabelle moseyed over to the fence, bobbing her head for attention. Trixie set down her laptop and went to pet her. Alfie trotted over to get in on the lovin’, and both of the horses stared out at Nick. Her new little girl sighed as Nick climbed off Lady and headed their way.
I’m right there with you, Annabelle.
Trixie’s phone dinged rapidly with texts from her brothers and friends. She read Lindsay’s message first. OMG! I want one! So cute! Trixie petted Alfie as she read Shane’s message. “Uncle Shane says you and Annabelle look just like me. He’s such a dork.” As she read Jeb’s message, Congrats! I’m happy for you! a text from Trace rolled in. Love your party ponies. Congrats! He’d added a winking emoji.
“Hey.” Nick petted Annabelle and Alfie.
“Hi. You were awesome out there.”
He cracked a soft smile, another thing she’d been graced with a little more often lately. “Thanks.”
“I can’t wait to see your show. Are you bringing a crew, or do you need me to help with the horses?” The crew usually consisted of a couple of volunteers who helped take care of the horses, brought them out when he was ready, and took them back to the stalls after the show.
“No. I have a local crew in Heart Valley. I’ve done that show a number of times.”
“Is any of your family going to the show?”
“No. They go when they can, but it’s about two hours from here, and everyone’s busy. But I’m glad you’ll be there.”
He held her gaze, and the air sizzled between them. “Me too. What’s next after that show?”
He looked away, as if the connection were too strong. They never talked about the sexy things they did or the hard-to-ignore blistering heat between them. Things never got awkward, but they had these moments, when Nick needed that little bit of space to find his footing. A little space was okay. She was glad things weren’t awkward between them, and she chalked that up to the fact that they were that right for each other.
Nick took off his hat and pushed a hand through his thick dark hair. As he put his hat back on, he said, “Roanoke, in October.”
“Oh, good. I’ll try to go to that one, too, and cheer you on.” It was tough to ignore the way her body caught fire every time their eyes met, but there were worse fates than craving a man too much.
“That’d be great.” His eyes found hers again. “Do you want to go in and grab something to eat?”
“I made us lunch.” She pointed to the cooler by the side of the barn, where she’d been sitting. “Sandwiches, fruit, chips. Nothing special.”
A surprised “Huh” tumbled out. “Thanks.”
They ate in the shade of the barn, and she caught him up on the things she’d accomplished that morning. “I think I’m going to get two minis from Travis. It’s easier to get settled into new places and routines with a friend, and then they’ll be fully trained at around the same time.”
“That sounds like a good idea. Have you considered working with a partner in the future? When you have four trained horses, another handler to take them out on visits might be helpful.”
“I was thinking about that. It’s a good idea, but I’d have to really trust the person.” Her phone chimed with a text, and she glanced at the screen. “It’s Jilly. I sent her a picture of my babies.”
“She’ll go apeshit over them.”
Trixie read the message. OMG! I can’t wait to meet them. Let’s have dinner before meeting Jax and Nick at Tully’s Friday. I’ll pick you up at six. Okay? “You’re right. She’s excited, and it looks like she’s picking me up for dinner Friday night before meeting you and Jax for drinks.” She thumbed out a response. Okay. See you then!
He looked at the horses, the muscles in his jaw bunching. Trixie had seen the same look on his face when he’d said he didn’t like the idea of her going out with Travis. But saying he didn’t like the idea of it was very different from saying he wanted her all to himself. Like that night, she was tempted to try to get a clearer reaction out of him beyond his silent frustration. But whatever came of them, or didn’t, had to come from his heart without use of a crowbar.
She tucked away the urge to climb onto his lap and coax him into talking to her and focused on the horses instead. “Is it weird that I feel like Annabelle and Alfie were meant to be mine? Look how easily they’re adapting to being here. It reminds me of how comfortable I felt the very first time I stayed here. It’s pretty amazing how quickly humans and animals can bond, isn’t it?”
Nick’s eyes collided with hers with a look so intense, it sent her insides into a wild flurry. She thought he was going to grab her and kiss her. Yes, please. But he didn’t, and the longer he stared, the heavier that look became, like the darkening sky before a storm. Her pulse quickened. Was he annoyed? Angry? She thought about what she’d said, but she had no idea what could have bothered him. Just when the silence stretched too long and she reached her wit’s end, the shadows in his eyes lifted and his lips curved up, bringing a gust of relief.
“Maybe y’all are fated to be.”
A nervous laugh tumbled out before she could stop it. “You don’t even believe in fate.”
“No, but you do.” He winked and pushed to his feet. “Thanks for lunch, darlin’.”
He picked up the cooler and headed toward the house, leaving her slack-jawed, and utterly confused.
Chapter Fourteen
FRIDAY EVENING, TRIXIE still had no idea what that look Nick had given her by the barn Wednesday afternoon had meant, but she could describe in great detail what it felt like to be hot and bothered for days on end, thanks to the smoldering-eyed cowboy. She was thrilled that he was helping her with the horses, and he seemed as excited about her business as she was. When Tempest had called to let her know that Jordan had set aside time next Tuesday afternoon to meet with her, Nick had said they’d needed to celebrate. They’d taken a long trail ride, and it had been just the break she’d needed. They’d stopped by to see Walt on the way back, and that had been fun, too, except that she and Nick were insatiable for each other. They could barely look at each other without wanting to tear their clothes off, which had made working side by side, seeing Walt, and yesterday morning’s visit with Travis to select her horses interesting, to say the least. She was sure Travis had noticed, though he hadn’t said anything about it then, or when they’d gone running this morning. At least she and Nick had chosen two of the sweetest horses, a twenty-eight-inch white filly with brown spots she’d named Buttons and a thirty-inch black gelding she and Nick had named Prince, because he carried himself so regally. They were picking them up tomorrow afternoon.