Page 35 of Save the Dance

He took the spark of interest in Tara’s eyes as a positive sign. Resisting the urge to take her hand, he crossed to the entrance of the barn, where a pair of enormous wooden doors had been propped open. Stepping from the bright sunlight into the cool, darkened interior, Jason led the way. Halfway down the wide corridor that ran between rows of stalls, he stopped in front of the pen that housed his favorite.

“This is Lady,” he said when a large white horse stuck her head over the railing. “She’s retired from the carriage business, so she gets to spend her days here or in the paddock out back.”

Blowing softly, Lady nudged Jason’s shoulder.

“Just a minute, old girl.” He stroked her long cheek. “Would you mind giving her some attention while I scrounge up a treat for her?”

Tara smiled broadly. “I’d love to.” She moved closer. Without a moment’s hesitation, she ran her fingers through the mare’s silky mane.

“You’ve spent some time around horses, have you?”

“I know my way around a muck rake, if that’s what you mean. In college, I was assigned to the stables as part of the work-study program. I never quite figured out what that had to do with my Journalism studies, but I enjoyed it.”

While she treated Lady to a good scratch, he aimed for the snack bins at the end of the aisle. He returned with a couple of carrots, which he broke into quarters and handed to Tara. Holding a piece in the palm of her hand, she offered it to Lady. The horse nipped it gently. Tara’s answering giggle warmed his chest.

“Their lips are always velvety soft,” she said in a breathy gasp.

Tara looked so cute, standing there with her hand outstretched as she offered the horse a second piece, that Jason had to give himself a stern reminder that she was off-limits. He settled for brushing shoulders with her while they listened in companionable silence as Lady’s powerful jaws made quick work of the carrots.

On their way out of the barn minutes later, Tara glanced around. “We aren’t far from the center of town, are we? You’d think this would be farther out.”

“It was,” he acknowledged. “Heart’s Landing grew up around the barn and stables. The town is filled with businesses that have been handed down from one generation to another. Your Ride Awaits is one of the oldest. It’s been here nearly as long as the Captain’s Cottage. Tom Denton—he’s the current owner—he makes a big production out of getting brides to the church in style. When he’s not busy with that, he takes people on carriage rides.”

“I’ve heard the carriage business can be hard on horses.” Tara’s lips tugged hard at the corners. Her arms folded into a protective stance across her chest. “There were some instances in New York—”

“That doesn’t happen here,” he said, interrupting before she could finish. “We have one of the best large-animal veterinary clinics in the state, just over that hill there.” He pointed to a small rise behind the barn. “Doc Cooper, he keeps a close eye on things, and he flat-out won’t tolerate neglect. Not that he needs to worry about Your Ride Awaits. Tom cares more about his horses than he does some of his family members.”

Tara’s arms relaxed. “Well, Lady certainly did look healthy. Her coat is soft. There wasn’t a single tangle in her mane.”

“That’s what I’m talking about. She might be past her prime, but she gets excellent care, plenty to eat, and regular exercise.”

He’d barely finished when, with a jangle of metal, two high-stepping black horses rounded the curve and pranced into sight. Silver trim on the gleaming white carriage caught and reflected the sun’s rays. Seated on a high bench and resplendent in top hat and tails, the driver steered his team into the barnyard. He circled the parking area and pulled to a halt with a creaking of leather and wood.

“Your ride awaits, madam.” The driver doffed his hat.

Jason risked a quick glance at Tara. She stood entranced, her lips slightly parted, her eyes wide. After a little bit, she turned to face him. “What’s this all about?”

“Tom and I—this is Tom, by the way—we thought you’d like to take a carriage ride through Heart’s Landing. See the town from the perspective of a bride on her way to her ceremony.”

An excited grin stole across Tara’s face. “I’d like that very much!”

Tom set the brake and smoothly climbed down from his perch. “Allow me,” he intoned. The step he lowered from beneath the carriage snapped into place. Extending a hand, he assisted her onto the leather cushions.

But when Tom bent to fold the step back into place, Tara leaned forward. Her pointed gaze landed on Jason. “You aren’t coming?”

“I’ll drive and meet you at Bow Tie Pasta.” The more time he spent with Tara, the more difficult it became to maintain his distance. A task that would be impossible if he joined her in the buggy’s tight space.

“Well, then…” Tara gave the cushions a wistful look. “If you’re not riding in the carriage, I’m not either.”

He’d spent enough time with Tara these last few days that he recognized the futility of arguing with her once she’d made up her mind. Oddly enough, he liked that quality in her. “Do you mind dropping us off at the restaurant?” he asked Tom.

“It’d be my pleasure,” the livery owner answered with a knowing grin. “Guess she’s got your number,” he whispered as the carriage sank beneath Jason’s weight.

She had his number, all right. And here he’d been doing so well with the whole keep-your-distance thing. But how was he supposed to remain detached and separate from Tara in a carriage built for two?

Now what have I done?

She should’ve done the smart thing and just gone along with Jason’s plan, but she hadn’t been able to resist asking him to join her on the ride. And when he’d refused, she’d known that he’d insist on coming with her rather than let her miss out on the experience. He was caring and generous like that. But what was she going to do now? No matter how much she wanted to, she couldn’t very well rest her head on his shoulder or enjoy the feel of his arms around her. She’d simply have to make the best of the awkward situation.

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