He dismounted the bike. “I knew you’d like it. Mind if I check on Midnight before I go?”
“’Course not. I’ll come with you. Daisy seemed a little off when we stabled her earlier.” They headed toward the barn.
“What was wrong with her?”
“I’m sure she’s fine. She just seemed a little down.”
“She’s not due to foal for a few weeks, is she?”
“Kyle says about another month.”
Kyle.Gunner hated the thought of the two of them together, but he should be grateful for the extra barrier the man presented. “How’s that going, you and Kyle?” He couldn’t seem to stop himself from asking.
“Oh, it’s fine. It’s good. He’s a nice man.”
Fine. Good. Nice. Not exactly the words a woman typically used to describe a man she was falling in love with. But that was none of his business. He shoved those thoughts aside as Charlotte went to see about Daisy.
“Hey, fella.” Gunner approached Midnight.
The horse stared at him from the other side of the stall, lowering his head, ears turning toward him. He remained relaxed despite Gunner’s appearance—a positive sign.
“How’s it going tonight? Why don’t you come over here and see me.” The horse stared back. “You know you want to.” On another night Gunner might’ve gone straight for the oats and honey. But tonight he wanted the horse to seek him out simply for the pleasure of his company. Whether it would work or not was another matter.
But a few seconds later Midnight gradually approached the gate.
“Thatta boy.” Gunner reached out slowly and stroked the horse’s face. “See, I’m not gonna hurt you. You know that already, don’t you?”
The gelding held steady eye contact with Gunner. His eyes were more warm and inviting than wide and wary, as they’d been in the beginning. Another good sign of progress.
“I know you’ve been through some bad things, but you can trust me, buddy. You’re starting to figure that out. I think you could use a friend. What do you think?”
“He’s letting you touch him.”
Midnight darted toward the back of the stall.
“Sorry. Didn’t mean to spook him.”
“Doesn’t take much. That was only the second time he let me touch him, and the first time with no treat involved. He’s coming along. How’s Daisy doing?”
“She seems fine now. Maybe she was just in a mood before.”
He followed her to Daisy’s stall. The mare whinnied at their approach. Gunner stroked her face and the horse nudged him. “How you feeling, girl? Taking good care of your foal?”
Charlotte propped her foot on the gate. “Kyle suggested we cut back on her grains. She’s getting a little too big.”
“I saw that on the board.”
“Otherwise she’s coming along great. Aren’t you, girl?” Charlotte leaned in to give the horse some affection, bringing her closer to Gunner.
He caught a pleasant whiff of her shampoo, something light and fresh. Addictive. Their arms touched on the stall door. He really should move away.
“I admire your patience with Midnight,” she said softly.
“He’s obviously been through a lot. He deserves a little patience.” Gunner felt a strong connection with the horse. As if they understood each other somehow.
“Do you think he’s ready for more?” Her gaze burned a hole in the side of his head.
For some reason, his pulse raced. “Nah, he’s still pretty nervous.”
