Page 27 of The Christmas Romance Wish

We started talking about jiu-jitsu and it turns out she’s a blackbelt.

Paxton begged her to roll with him and eventually, she gave in. It was a sight to behold. She got him in a guillotine and he tapped out almost instantly.

Her eyes sparkle like the snow. Remnants of a tan like she grew up in the south but has been spending winters in the north tint her skin. I can’t help but notice all the details.

And the inner war continues...

As we enter the barn, Emmie says, “Sounds like the Wild Warriors Winter workshop was a success.”

“Definitely. Weekends like that are both invigorating and exhausting. It’ll be nice to settle into business as usual at HQ this week.”

The scent of hay and horses fills my nose. I wish Emmie and I were going on a trail ride rather than to the airport because the real downside of the weekend was that she and I didn’t get more time together. But that was my doing. I forced myself to remain at a distance, well, until last night when Paxton tried to make a move.

He ignored myhands-offglare, so I had to do everything but put my arms around Emmie and claim her as mine.

Not that she’s even close to that.

I’m afraid he made her nervous or I did with the whole thing about big misunderstandings. Worry lines work their way across her forehead as we near the end stall.

I take an apple out of my pocket and spin it in my hand. Holding it between Emmie and me, I say, “Give her this and you’ll have a new best friend.”

Emmie doesn’t take the apple. “I’m not sure I want a new best friend.”

Maybe she’s not keen on equine.

“We won’t stay long.”

“By all means. You’ve been apart for several days, spend all the time together that you like. Well, I do have to get to the airport, but I don’t want to interfere with your reunion.”

I check my watch. “With this weather coming in, we should probably leave sooner rather than later, if they didn’t delay flights. But I really want you to meet Ginny.”

She winces. “Yeah. Sure. Okay. Let’s get this over with.”

Not sure if she’s reluctant to return to the city or isn’t a fan of large animals, I nudge Emmie with my elbow. “We won’t stay but a few minutes.”

As we round the corner, my beautiful girl makes her nicker-snort sounds that tells me she’s happy to see me.

Emmie peers around, eyes everywhere but on Ginny. “Where is she?”

I rub my hand along the horse’s muzzle. “What do you mean? She’s right here.”

Emmie tucks her chin. “This is Ginny?”

Nodding, I say, “Yeah. Emmie, meet Guinevere Goldspring.”

Jaw dropping, Emmie stares at the animal in disbelief. “Ginny is a horse?”

“Yes. She’s a Spotted Saddle horse. Ideal for this kind of terrain and doesn’t mind the cold too much. My girl is a brownand white pinto with a big heart and a fondness for nuzzles and apples.” I stroke her muzzle, giving her all the love.

“Ginny is a horse and not a person?” Emmie repeats.

I spin the apple in my hand. “And she’ll be your best friend too if you give her this.”

Ginny stretches her neck and opens her horsey lips, practically frothing for the treat.

Beaming, Emmie flattens her hand and offers the piece of fruit to the animal. Ginny snorts happily and scarfs it up before nuzzling Emmie. As if a switch flipped, she seems completely at ease now, not at all intimidated by the horse and like Santa just delivered gifts after the threat of a canceled Christmas passed.

She giggles at the show of affection from the beast. “Yes, girl. We are going to be best friends. This has been a BM of epic proportions.”

---