Less than thirty seconds after Hunter left, Colt muttered, “Talk about unprofessional.”
“What do you mean? I thought he was perfectly professional.”
“Of course you did,” Colt snorted. “He’s flirting with you.”
“He is not,” she insisted, suddenly flustered.
“It’s as plain as the blush on your face.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.” Penny glanced away, uncomfortable with the dark glint in Colt’s eyes—almost as though he were jealous. But that would be crazy. Even if Hunterwasflirting—which he most certainly wasn’t—why would Colt care?
Unsettled by the thought, Penny straightened as Hunter emerged from the stables leading two of the most beautiful horses she’d ever seen.
“Here ya go. Maverick is your ride today.” He passed the tawny leather reins to Colt.
“Well, aren’t you a nice-looking fellow?” Colt crooned, softening slightly as he pet the horse’s glossy black coat. “Named after Tom Cruise inTop Gun, by any chance?”
“Sure is.” Hunter grinned. “I noticed the airplane emblem on your T-shirt and figured you two would get along. Do you fly?”
“Yeah. I took my first solo in a Cessna 172 about five years ago. You?”
“I’ve been around planes since before I could walk. I fly a Piper Super Cub. There’s a landing strip on the ranch if you want to go up sometime.”
Penny hid a smirk at the conflicted crease in Colt’s forehead. She could tell he wanted to find fault with Hunter, but the man was making it difficult.
“Thanks. I just might.” Colt rubbed Maverick’s neck as though they’d been pals for years.
“And for you,”—Hunter said, turning toward Penny—“I have Frost.”
“As in Robert Frost? He’s my favorite poet.”
“Aw, shucks. I’m tempted to say yes. But he’s actually named Frost because he’s a Camarillo White Horse. They’re incredibly rare. Somehow, I had a feeling you’d appreciate that.”
Flushing all the way to the tips of her ears, Penny buried her face in the horse’s alabaster mane. “He’s gorgeous.”
“And a gentle ride for first-timers. Did you guys sign up for a tour? I’d be happy to take you.”
“We’re doing the self-guided tour,” Colt said with a firm note of finality. “But thanks.”
“Some other time, then.” Hunter tipped his wide-brimmed cowboy hat in casual acknowledgment. “There are several great trails. The one that leads to Lake Chickadee is my favorite.”
“Thanks. We’ll check it out.” Colt seemed eager to escape, and Penny shot him a reproachful glare before turning a grateful smile on Hunter.
“Thank you so much for all your help.”
“Anytime.” He shuffled his feet shyly before adding, “I’m always looking for interesting items to decorate the lodge. I’ll have to look up your place in Poppy Creek and swing by some time.”
“I’d like that.” The words slipped out before she had time to think, and she immediately regretted them. She didn’t want to lead him on. He seemed like a great guy. And it wasn’t personal. She’d turn down Prince Charming himself if he showed up at her door with a glass slipper and empty promises.
To her relief, Maverick whinnied and stomped his feet, as though he’d had enough of their small talk.
Hunter’s gaze lingered on her a moment longer before he stepped back, waving goodbye. “Enjoy your ride.”
“Thanks, I’m sure I will.”
As she reached up to stroke Frost’s mane, she realized her anxiety had completely melted away, as if the horse had magical soothing powers.
She only hoped the spell would last.
