They entered the barn, and the temperature dropped a couple degrees. The smell of hay and horses hit his nose, and Hunter took comfort in the familiar. He was in unfamiliar territory with Zoey, and being on his home turf was a confidence booster. “Hey, I’m sorry about the whole wedding thing …”
Zoey slid off her horse and turned to loosen the cinch. “That was forever ago.”
“Was it?” Seemed like only yesterday he’d felt her curves press against his body as they’d swayed to the music.
“I mean, I’m not offended you were helping my brother. He told me about the barn and how you guys saved his life. I get it now—you’re good people.”
“Wait, wait, wait.” Hunter’s hands flew out in front of him. “What does helping Brandon have to do with dancing with you?”
She huffed as she lifted the saddle off and moved it to the saddle stand. “You asked me to dance as a favor to him. Probably because he worried that I’d be alone all night, or stir up some trouble at his wedding—like I’d do that … intentionally.” She removed the blanket and grabbed a brush. “I mean, it’s not like I go out of my way to cause trouble or anything.”
Hunter narrowed his eyes as the pieces began to fall into place. “You think I asked you to dance as a favor to Brandon?”
Her arm stilled, the brush resting on the horse’s back. “Didn’t you?”
“No.” His answer came so fast he wondered if he’d even said it out loud.
“Oh.” She started brushing again, this time using small and fast strokes. “Well, then I’m sorry I jumped to the conclusion that I was your pity dance.”
Hunter tipped his head back and laughed.
Zoey put her fist on her hip and scowled at him. “What’s so funny?”
“The thought of you ever being anyone’s pity dance.” He shook his head. “That’s funny.”
A myriad of emotions ran over Zoey’s face, playing like a blockbuster movie. Shock. Understanding. And then a light blush that spread ever so slowly. Hunter was mesmerized.
He pulled himself away—staring was rude.
He made his way to Penny’s stall, opened the door, secured her bridle, and led her out to the hitching post.
Zoey gasped. “She’s beautiful. I’ve never seen a Knabstrupper in person before. Those spots!”
Hunter chuckled. “She gets that reaction a lot.” And it was just the type of reaction he wanted when someone saw a horse from his herd. He rubbed his hand down Penny’s neck. The stud he wanted more than anything had the same gene that created the spots all over Penny—though he had some gray in him as well. Freckles, as Tess called them.
“How does she ride?”
“Like a princess.” He couldn’t help the note of pride in his voice. Maybe it was a sin, but it was one he believed God would forgive. After all, horses were His creation—He had to feel pretty good about that.
Zoey rubbed Penny’s nose. “She’s a beaut.”
“Thanks.” Hunter wanted to spill his whole plan to raise and breed horses and set up his own ranch and just everything he’d ever dreamed or thought about to Zoey. But he held back. They’d made some progress today, talking without fighting or storming off, but baring his soul was not going to happen.
Zoey stepped around and untied her horse. “Well, I’ll be back tomorrow.”
“Wait.” Hunter surprised himself. He hadn’t meant to say anything, but the word shot out before he could stop it. “Uh …” His eyes landed on a shovel. “Did you clean the stalls?”
Brandon always mucked out the stalls when he used the arena. It wasn’t required—in fact, Dad always told him to forget about it. But Brandon was the kind of guy who pitched in, which was one of the reasons he fit in so well with the family.
Zoey’s mouth dropped open. “What?”
Her shock triggered the Westbrook teasing gene. Hunter swiped the shovel off the hook on the wall and held it out. “Everyone who rides in our arena has to clean out at least two stalls.”
She worked her mouth, but nothing came out. Finally, she said, “For real?”
He laughed. Her reaction was priceless. “Unless you don’t know how …”
Her expression turned stormy. “I’m not an idiot.” She grabbed the shovel from him and stormed into Penny’s stall. She came back out with a shovel full of manure. “Where do you want it?”
