Sally entered the fenced area but kept her distance from Nolan and the horses.
“Come on over here. I promise they won’t bite. Or kick. Maybe,” Nolan joked.
“I don’t trust you. Or them,” Sally spoke warily.
“I was just kidding. I promise. We’re going to do this together, so you can get used to them and they can get used to you. Grooming can actually be very therapeutic. For both you and the horses,” Nolan added. “Hang the bucket on that peg there. Ladies first, so we’ll start with Clover.”
Nolan reached into the bucket and pulled out a large pick. “This here’s a hoof pick. I’m going to use it to check each hoof and dislodge anything that might be stuck.” Nolan proceeded to carefully examine each hoof one at a time, softly cooing to Clover as he did so. Once he completed the task, he replaced the pick and took out an instrument that looked like a large comb. “This is a curry comb. We’ll use it for the first round of grooming. Think of it as foreplay,” he added with a grin as he took Sally’s hand in his.
Nolan steered Sally over to Clover’s left side, as Lucky looked on and gave a contented snort.
“Okay, city girl. You’re about to groom your first horse.”
“I don’t know about this, Nolan.”
“I got you. Here, take the comb.”
Nolan put the comb in Sally’s hand and then placed his over hers, positioning himself behind her. “Okay, now let me lead you. We’re going to curry our girl to loosen up the dirt and dust so she can get nice and clean.”
As Nolan spoke, he began guiding Sally’s hand in circular sweeps over Clover’s frame. “Relax, city girl. She can sense your tension.”
Nolan was close enough to feel Sally take in a deep breath then expel it, which caused her to fall back slightly into his chest. He leaned in ever so slightly as well and continued to guide her motions, while checking Clover’s coat for any marks or scratches. As they continued their work in a comfortable silence, Nolan could feel Sally relaxing, while he was anything but. Her body was perfectly aligned with his, especially the curve of her backside against his groin.
Keep it together, man, he said to himself.You’re supposed to be helpin’ her relax, not gettin’ yourself riled up. Nolan decided he needed to distance himself to get his mind out of the gutter, so he paused their movements and cleared his throat. “Okay, we’re done with the comb. Now we’re gonna work on the mane and tail.”
He got Sally to spritz Clover with grooming spray to help with tangles, then showed her how to comb the tail, and, more importantly, where to stand to avoid being kicked. He talked her through it, while keeping his distance and willing his manhood to settle down.
Sally seemed to enjoy this part of the process, chatting with Nolan as she combed. “Strangely, this reminds me of brushing Mama’s hair. I used to love to do that for her.”
They worked in close proximity again, as Nolan showed Sally how to use the body brush, and then the finishing brush to give Clover a glossy, shiny coat. After Sally gently brushed her face, Nolan heard a shriek of surprise as the horse unexpectedly nuzzled her neck in appreciation.
He chuckled in response to Sally’s reaction. “See, she likes you. That’s her way of saying thank you.”
“If you say so.” Sally gave him a skeptical look.
You did great with Clover. How do you feel?”
“Surprisingly, relaxed. And it was fun.”
“Great. I think you’re ready to handle Lucky while I do the final cleaning of Clover’s ears, eyes, and butt.”
“Lucky you,” Sally joked.
“No, you get Lucky, now,” Nolan quipped. “Get busy, city girl.”
As Nolan worked on the final detailing of Clover, he kept an eye on Sally and Lucky. He had been confident that working with the horses would be good for her, but he was amazed at how quickly she acclimated to them and how calm she seemed. A happy and contented Sally made an even more beautiful Sally.
After helping her finish up with Lucky, Nolan commented, “I think we’re done here. Let’s put them back in their stalls.” He untied their leads and handed Clover over to Sally. “Follow me and Lucky, city girl.”
Chapter 24
Once we get inside the barn, Nolan settles the horses and puts the grooming bucket away. I watch from a distance, admiring the view of my handsome country boy in his element. Finally, he turns his attention to me, pulling me close. “You did great today. How do you feel?”
“Good. Relaxed. Appreciative.”
“How appreciative?”
“Let me show you.”
