“Well...if you’re not going for a run, I have a much better idea.”
Holding out his arm, he waited for me to loop mine with his. His smile was still tainted, but life sparked in his eyes. “Let’s go do something fun.”
* * * * *
Fun.
I envisioned a drink in a warmboudoiror hanging out with friends while playing a board game, or even watching a movie with popcorn.
But apparently, that wasn’t what Kes had in mind.
Entering the stables, he placed the shotgun in the tack room and motioned for me to follow. We headed into the long cobblestone-paved building where countless horses rested in cubicles. The floor was scattered with sweet smelling hay and the air temperature was warm and inviting. Scents weaved with the comforting aroma of horse and leather.
My tension dissolved, slipping down my spine and leaving my shoulders free from the choke of worry and deliberation.
Jethro said he would save me.
But Kes saved my mental state by reminding me normalcy still existed. Animals were still there to lick away my sorrows, and the sun still rose on days not so bleak.
I needed reminding of that.
Considering I’d never been around horses growing up, something about them tamed my anxiety, giving me a place to hide and regroup.
Kes smiled, moving between the stalls; horses watched with glossy gazes and pert ears. He stopped halfway down the aisle. A long, grey face and the gentlest black eyes popped over the railing. The horse nuzzled his pockets, nickering softly.
Moth.
I moved faster, still madly in love with the dapple grey that I’d travelled to the polo tournament with.
Kes grinned as Moth switched her attention to me. Her velvet nostrils huffed, seeking oats and other treats as I reached out to stroke her powerful neck. “Hey, girl.”
She pawed the ground, the metal of her shoe clinking against cobbles.
“Wait there.” Kes disappeared to the end of the stables, then came back holding a rosy apple. “Here you go.”
I took it.
Moth followed the fruit with sniper-like attention.
“I just feed it to her?”
Kes nodded. “Put it on your palm and keep your fingers flat. You don’t want her to bite you accidentally.”
Great.
I eyed Moth hesitantly. Her neck strained over the railing, trying to get at the apple. When I didn’t move, Kes chuckled.
“Don’t be afraid.” He stole my hand, bent my fingers till they were flat, then shoved me forward. “Can’t tease the poor girl.”
The second I was within biting distance, Moth pinched the apple from my hand. A loud crunching noise filled the stables. Every other horse pricked its ears, alerted to the sound of treats and the fact that they weren’t getting any.
Apple juice dripped from her lips, plopping onto the dusty floor.
Kes laughed. “She’ll do anything for sweets. She’s a nutcase for molasses.”
I raised my hand, patting between her eyes. Moth nudged closer, demanding more cuddles, telling me exactly how she wanted it.
“She’s lovely,” I said softly, imagining owning such a magnificent animal.
