Page 43 of The Cowboy's Magic Touch

“This is why I didn’t mention him before,” she exclaimed. “I knew you’d be worried and jump to the wrong conclusion.”

“Of course I’m worried,” Brody retorted, throwing his arms in the air.

“I’m worried too! About him! I’m sure he’s lost.”

“Okay, let’s start at the beginning. Did you actually pet this dog, or just see him?”

“I’ve run across him twice. The first time he came really close, the second time was right before you arrived with Luna.”

“You mean just now?”

“Yes, just now. I crouched down and he came right up to me. I was petting him but when he heard you he ran off.”

“I don’t know what to make of this. Darn it,” he muttered as his phone rang. “I have to take this. It’s one of the people coming to the clinic.”

“No problem. I can put the horses back in the paddock if you want.”

“That would be great, thanks, darlin’.”

Striding from the tack room and hurrying to his office, he settled behind his desk and accepted the call. Though the questions the woman began asking had been covered in the information he’d emailed, he realized she was nervous and just needed reassuring. As he patiently talked her through the various details he could sense her relaxing.

“Thank you so much for explaining everything,” she said gratefully as he finished. “I’ve never done anything like this before and I’m really nervous. I don’t want to make a fool of myself.”

“Everyone feels the same when they attend a clinic, especially for the first time. You don’t have to worry. It’s all about learning, not judging.”

“I’m so looking forward to this.”

“I am too. If you think of anything else just pick up the phone, otherwise I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Thanks again, Brody. I can’t wait.”

“You’ll have fun, I promise. Bye for now.”

“Bye, Brody.”

Smiling as he ended the call, he rose to his feet and walked back into the barn.

“Annie?”

But it was only Bella who came trotting in from outside.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Grabbing a handful of treats on her way from the barn, Annie jogged up the path to the edge of the forest, then broke into a walk as she entered the trees.

“Merlin? Are you here? Come on boy, I’m back with some yummies for you.”

She waited, hoping he’d come trotting towards her, but there was no sign of him. He’d always appeared from the right, so she decided to walk a little way in. The further she went, the cooler the air became, and the thicker the mist. Wishing she’d brought a jacket and feeling slightly out of breath, she sat down on a tree stump and crossed her arms.

“I wish you’d show up, Merlin,” she murmured, casting her eyes around. She knew Brody would be wondering where she was, but if she’d told him she was returning to the forest he would have said he was worried the dog was a wolf and asked her not to go back into the trees alone. “Why didn’t he believe me?” she grunted, exasperated and rubbing her arms. “I don’t say things that aren’t true!”

“Because I can be a jerk sometimes, and I’m sorry!”

Darting her eyes up, she saw him marching towards her carrying a sweatshirt.

“Brody!” she exclaimed, jumping to her feet. “I’m so glad to see you, and I’m really glad you brought this,” she added as he handed it to her and she hastily pulled it over her head. “How did you know where to find me?”

“Magic.”

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