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The green in his eyes shone against the light tan of his skin Straight, white teeth peeked behind his full lips, and a light shadoas on his cheeks My fingers curled wanting to slide over that scratchy face, jaw to chin I’d folloith ue

“Isn’t there anything I can do for you?” I asked

He studied er, and I almost

believed he pictured the saether But he pulled away, going around to the other side of the horse My breath slowly returned along with severe frustration

“You could bringto eat I didn’t have breakfast”

“Okay!” I stepped around the horse’s head “Any special requests?”

“Whatever Winona made is fine”

I did a little wave, intending to say I’d bring hi when my sweater flared out in the breeze and the horse made a whinny sound Her head flew back and shook side to side as she pawed the ground

“Oh!” I cried, throwing up my hands, which seemed to startle her more

She did a little ju ainst his back

“Ho, girl” His voice soothed, and he held a hand out, palm doard her “Easy now”

I clutched his sides, burying round a few more times His ar in that dulcet tone until Freckles was at a tentative calm

I trembled all over when he turned His arms were still around ainst the skin of my back It did not help me catch my breath

“You okay?” He searchedin the same tone he’d used with the startled horse

“I think so” I blinked up “I’m so sorry I didn’t mean to scare her”