Besides, it was just one night. Just one little trip a few towns over. What was the big deal?
Thirteen
Charlotte was mucking out stalls the next morning when the vet entered the barn. She finished fluffing the new straw and leaned on her pitchfork as he approached in his usual uniform of worn jeans and a plaid button-down shirt. Only his Lucchese boots hinted that his veterinary degree had paid off nicely.
“Hey, Kyle. How’s it going?”
“Not bad. How you doing, Charlotte?”
“Doing well.” Gunner hadn’t mentioned a medical issue with any of the horses, but maybe it had slipped his mind. “You’re out and about awfully early.”
“I just stopped by with some news. I had a chance to chat with Mayor Hinkley last night. I told him about your new stable and expansion and your vision for tourism growth. He agreed to come out for a ribbon cutting at your grand opening.”
She beamed. “What? Kyle, you’re amazing! I can’t believe you talked him into it.”
“Aw, I didn’t have to coerce him or anything. He said he’salways happy to support new and growing businesses. And clearly your ranch is on the verge of big things.”
“Oh, I hope so. Now some media will turn up for sure.”
“I bet they will. You’ll need to call the mayor’s office and go over the details with his assistant, Meredith. She’ll add it to the mayor’s schedule.”
“I sure will. That’s fantastic news. Thanks for stopping by to let me know and for setting this up. It’ll really make a big difference.”
“I hope so. You deserve good things, Charlotte.”
Cleo nickered from the stall by Kyle, and he reached out to stroke the gelding’s nose. “This one still barn sour?”
“Gunner got him all the way to the paddock yesterday, and that’s farther than I ever got him.”
“Some fresh grass would be good for you, fella. Listen to Charlotte here. She has your best interest at heart.”
“He’s bonding with Chestnut, so I’m hoping I can turn them out together soon.”
“Is Cleo one of your boarders?”
“Yep. The owner doesn’t come out much though. Cleo was his dad’s, and he passed away last year. I keep thinking the guy will sell the horse, but so far he’s happy to just pay for boarding. But I’d sure like this fella to get a little more joy out of life.”
“Sounds like he’s on his way.”
Charlotte rubbed the horse’s withers. “We’re getting there, aren’t we, big guy?” She followed Kyle out of the barn, talking shop as they went.
When they reached his truck, he turned to her. “Listen, Charlotte. I was wondering if you might like to go out for a bite to eat sometime.”
Was he asking her out on a date? Or was this a work-related dinner?
“There’s a nice Italian restaurant that just opened over in Marshall, if you like that kind of thing. I’ve been wanting to try it. Maybe we can do that together.”
“Oh.” Definitely asking her out. She tried to keep the surprise off her face but wasn’t sure if she succeeded. “Um...” She’d never thought of Kyle that way. He was like fifteen years older. But he was kind and ran a reputable business that tied him here. And he was easy enough on the eyes. She could think of worse prospects.
He cleared his throat and tugged at his ball cap.
She’d left him hanging too long. “Sorry. I mean, maybe... I’ve got so much on my plate right now, my head’s kind of spinning.”
He raised his hands palms out. “It doesn’t have to be this weekend or anything. You can think about it if you want. I know you’ve got your hands full right now.”
“It’s just... I’m so nervous about this expansion. Everything’s kind of riding on it.”
“I understand. Last thing I want to do is stress you out. Why don’t we circle back to this a little later?”
