He’d somehow missed her break—a good one, it seemed like. She’d sunk... two balls, both stripes. Quite the lucky break.
A solidwhacksent the cue ball across the table. It kissed a stripe and the ball sank in the side pocket.
Or maybe not so lucky.
She took her time chalking up her cue, then blew off the extra dust before she slid him an amused look, those green eyes twinkling at him.
Nineteen
From the shadowed window of the barn, Charlotte watched Gunner lead Falcon around the pen on the lunge line. The gelding would be boarding with them once the new stable was complete, and the owner asked Gunner to work with him.
Charlotte’s routine had been the same the past few weeks, but a new invisible boundary arose between Gunner and her. When they talked it was cordial and they stuck to business. He obviously felt a closer relationship was ill-advised—as was another game of pool with her. She’d beaten him that night, despite her lack of focus.
But every second they spent feeding the horses and mucking out the stalls, she was aware of his presence. Aware of the way his shoulders contracted under the weight of hay bales. Aware of the snug fit of his jeans over his thick thigh muscles. The trickle of sweat sliding down the back of his neck.
He couldn’t come near without her pulse racing and her heart leaping in her chest. And no amount of warning herself of the consequences seemed to help. She was flat-out attracted to him.
Yet she couldn’t have him. Both of those things were true, and the sooner Charlotte accepted that the better. For the umpteenth time she mulled over her options. Two of them, as far as she could tell: continuing on as she was, driving herself crazy with wanting more, or firing the man.
The first option was becoming difficult and the second was unfair. Gunner was doing a great job, managing both the training position and the increasing reservations of trail groups with ease.
Besides, she’d never find another trainer on such short notice. And with the grand opening just around the corner, she couldn’t afford to be short-staffed. Plus, it would be bad management—and possibly illegal—to fire a perfectly good trainer just because she couldn’t control herself. He’d become so invaluable on the ranch that she feared she’d be unable to replace him even when the time came, certainly not for the meager pay she offered.
But that worry was for another day.
For now she had to figure out how she would get over her little crush on Gunner. Because yes, that’s what she’d decided to call it. These couldn’t be real feelings as she’d known him less than two months. They hadn’t even shared a meaningful touch.
So, yes, definitely just a crush.
“Hey, Charlotte.”
She jumped away from the window, clutching at her chest.
Kyle Lemmings chuckled as he strode into the barn. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.”
“I guess I was lost in thought. Thanks for coming out. I didn’t realize Rogue hadn’t had his rabies vaccine until I was going over his records the other day.”
“No worries. I always enjoy stopping out here.” He greeted Rogue, then set his bag down outside the stall. “Almost ready for your grand opening?”
“As ready as we can be. The new stable looks amazing. We’ll be ready to move our horses over in a few days. That’s why I was going over their vaccination records.”
“Good move. I’ll double-check and make sure they’re all up-to-date.”
“Thanks.”
He prepared the vaccine and entered the stall. Rogue warmed up to him quickly. It was obvious Kyle cared about the animals he treated. He took a few minutes after the shot to give the gelding some attention.
She didn’t know Kyle well outside of their professional relationship, but he seemed like a good man. He had a dependable job he excelled at, and like her, he was born and raised here in Riverbend. He was rooted here and he was attractive for an older man.
Plus, he’d already asked her on a date.
“Everything okay?” Kyle asked.
He’d caught her staring. Her face warmed. “Um, yes, of course. I was just...”Just go for it, Charlotte.“I was wondering if you’d still be up for that meal. The one you mentioned before. Italian. Or it doesn’t have to be Italian, I just meant...” She rubbed her forehead. What had she meant?
Kyle’s dark-brown eyes sparkled. “I’d love that. If you’re sure you’ve got the time.”
She had the time to ogle her trainer, so... “No. I mean yes, I have the time. A bit of fun right now would actually hit the spot.”
