“Same, here. In fact, seeing you surrounded by everyone and everything you love… you’re damn near irresistible.”
“Which leaves you some room to resist me, querida?”
“Clearly not much, since we’re on our way to have sex in my trailer. I wouldn’t have thought of that in a million years.”
“Only took me about ten seconds.”
“I hope you know what you’re getting into. It’s not easy maneuvering in there with two people.”
“I realized that when I checked it out today. We’ll have to get undressed in the living/dining area.”
“You’ve been plotting this episode since then?”
“You betcha. I didn’t know my opportunity would arrive this fast, though.”
“Makes me wonder what else is going on in that imagination of yours.”
“What can I say? You inspire me.”
“I do?”
“You didn’t know that? You don’t know I think you’re amazing?”
“I guess I do. I mean, we’ve had a pretty good time in?—”
“That, too, but I’m saying in general. Talk about imagination and living your dream, you’ve accomplished a fudging miracle by?—”
“Fudging.” She laughed. “You said fudging.” Which made her think of her horse. They should pay him a visit… but later.
“Yeah, I kinda like how it sounds. But to my point, you started with nothing except talent and grit and you’ve created the life you imagined. That’s damned impressive.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m not surprised that you succeeded. I saw what you bring to the table. Your intuitive understanding of horses is rare and you’re one of the most focused people I’ve ever met.”
His extravagant compliments stole her breath. “That means a lot, coming from you. When I watched you in the arena, I figured if I could be even half as good?—”
“You’re kidding, right?” He stopped a few yards from the trailer and turned to her.
“Not kidding. You’re the gold standard.”
“I had the advantage of working with my dad for years. I should have skills. Unless you had a mentor you never told me about, you started from scratch. Which tells me you have a gift.”
She stared at him as she struggled to accept such high praise. “If I have a gift, it’s for hard work. That’s what got me here.”
“I’m not implying you don’t work hard. I’m sure you do. But you also have a sixth sense about horse behavior and what it means. Everybody doesn’t just naturally have that.”
“Then why did I have to ask you if I should take the road down here fast or slow? I should have sensed what Fudge wanted.”
“For one thing, you were stressed about him, about me, about imposing on my family. Nobody operates well at times like that. You also seem to think I know more than you, which isn’t true, by the way.”
“Of course it is. You just said you spent years being taught by your dad. I came late to the party. I couldn’t fully throw myself into this until I could leave home and move in with Cole.”
“Which makes my case. You’re a phenom.”
“That’s—”
“You are, querida.” He took her by the shoulders. “I could learn things from you. And while we’re on the subject, I didn’t think of this before because I was fixated on that cozy bed of yours. But we’re right here next to the barn. We should go see Fudge.”
