Page 19 of Daddy's Little Cowgirl

“That’s his name? Like, for real?”

“Yeah. His official name is long and doesn’t fit him at all. Rascal is a nickname, but he’s had it his whole life. Can you guess why?”

She thought about it a moment. “Because he’s feisty?” she guessed.

“You could put it that way. Some people call him a brat.”

“I’ll never call him that.” She shook her head.

She hung back even as Ridge pulled her closer.

“There’s no need to be afraid, Baby. I will never let anything hurt you.”

She exhaled and relaxed. She believed him and already felt safe with him. He raised her hand.

“Touch his nose.”

She tentatively used her fingertips. “Oh, my. It feels like velvet.”

He grinned.

Ellie wanted to use her lips to feel how soft it was and leaned forward.

“Whoa, wait,” Ridge said. “You want to kiss him?”

She looked up at him. “Yes. Is that bad?”

He chuckled. “No. Not at all. Don’t tell anyone, but I sometimes will kiss my horse when no one is looking.”

Her eyes widened. “Really?”

He nodded. “Let me show you the right way to give him a treat and pet him.” He reached for something. “Open your hand.”

She did and was confused when he put a carrot in the palm of her hand. “They like carrots?”

He nodded. “This knucklehead likes about anything.” He flattened her hand. “Keep it like this. Now watch me.”

Ridge raised his hand and let the horse take a treat off of his palm. “Always keep your hand flat, or they might accidentally bite.”

“Oh.” She pulled her hand back.

“Do it the way I just taught you, and you’ll be fine. I have to tell you there are a few horses here that I don’t want you to be around.”

“Why?”

Ridge stroked his hand down the neck of the horse. “Because some horses, like people, can be mean, and I don’t want you to get hurt. I’ll have Layton put a red piece of tape or something on the stalls I want you to stay away from.”

She nodded.

“Now, let’s try this.”

He held his hand under hers and made sure it was in the right position before he raised them to the horse.

She giggled when his lips caressed the palm of her hand. “That tickles.”

He laughed.

“Can I try again but by myself?”

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