Page 55 of Carnal Risk

“They’re all rescues of sorts. Mocha, here, was a jumper. But like many horses, she was injured. She’s recovered now, but she can’t compete. When that happens, sometimes they go up for sale. Sometimes they’re bred. But sometimes if they’re too injured or if the owner can’t afford the vet care, they might be put down.”

“How did you start adopting them? Do you compete?”

“Me? Oh no. But you know how it is. You go to these charity events or whatever, and you meet a few people who are involved with horses. I was at a competition with a friend when someone told us about a horse that needed a home. I have the room here, so I thought I’d help him out. Next thing you know, I have six here. I have a nonprofit set up for other rescues, too. But this girl, here? She’s my baby.”

“Where are they all?”

“Most of them are out in the field. Seth was coming by today to round up Angus. He’s probably out on a trail.”

“So I take it you don’t personally muck out these stalls?”

“Yeah, no. I’ve got staff. Don’t get me wrong. If I have a day off, I don’t mind getting my hands dirty, but you know how it is over at Emerson. It’s not like I have a lot of time.” Garrett regarded Selby with a critical eye and set his hand on the stall. “I know you probably think that I was some kind of a trust fund baby, but that’s not me. I didn’t come from money. All this,” he looked around the modern, cedar barn, “it’s new to me. Fifteen years ago, I was getting through college on school loans. Mom and Dad didn’t have a pot to piss in, but I worked hard, got lucky.”

“I read about you in school.”

“So you said. But the struggle…I’m sure they always gloss over that part. All those people at Altura, they supported me in a dream to make something out of an idea. And now we develop products and services while doing what we love.”

“Where’s your family now?”

“Mom and Dad moved to Costa Rica. Retired. My baby brother, Erik, is out sowing his oats. He used to work here but we had a small falling out.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

“How about you?”

“My mom died. I’m not in contact with my dad. He kind of left us. Mom wasn’t exactly mother of the year but at least I had her when she was alive. So it’s pretty much just me now.” Thoughts of her mother broke her heart but she tried not to dwell on what she couldn’t change. She hadn’t heard from her father in years and had no plans on initiating contact. The last she’d heard, he was working as a dealer in Atlantic City.

“You wanna feed her?” Garrett changed the subject. “I’ll be right back.”

Selby eyed Mocha and inched closer. Slowly she reached her hand toward her, and gently stroked her forehead. The horse whinnied in response.

“You are a good girl, aren’t you?” she whispered.

“She likes you,” Garrett said from behind her.

Selby laughed. “She’s sweet. Sometimes I get a little scared. They’re so big.”

“True. You need to treat them with respect and they’ll respect you back. Here.” Garrett handed her some carrots. “She’s spoiled but she’s earned it. You remember how to feed them? Hold your hand flat. That’s it.”

Selby presented her palm, and Mocha quickly gobbled down the treat. She smiled to Garrett, who watched their interaction.

“Did you mention that Seth is here?”

“Yeah, I let a few of my friends ride them. He loves Angus.”

“Thank you for showing me your horses.”

“We’ll go riding soon. After yesterday…”

“I feel okay,” she assured him.

“All the same, I’d feel more comfortable waiting. Better safe than sorry.”

“Did I just hear the word safe from you? I thought you were all about the danger.” Selby gave him a flirty smile.

“I’m about maximizing risk, while minimizing injury.”

“You’re a paradox.”