Page 72 of More Than a Fling

As Gabe brushed Midnight, he was also mentally preparing to let go of her. She had blossomed under his tutelage. Her personality was beginning to shine as her confidence grew. His shoulders slumped as he thought about another transition and adjustment to go through. He only hoped that he had given her a strong enough foundation. She had proven to be resilient and courageous. Those were innate qualities he had nothing to do with, he had only helped her to find them in herself.

The trailer was scheduled to arrive the following Monday to pick her up, so he had six more days to work with her. He would make them count. Cal appeared and asked if there was anything else for him to do before leaving for the day.

“Did you throw some extra bales down from the loft? We’re getting low.”

“I forgot, I’ll do that now,” Cal said.

“That’s it for today then, thanks for all your hard work.”

“No problem. You’re going to miss that filly aren’t ya?”

“Yeah, unfortunately it goes with the territory,” Gabe said.

“I suppose it does. I’ve never had that kind of connection with a horse, I guess it’s ’cause I’ve never had the opportunity.”

“I hope you get to experience it one day. There is almost nothing as deeply satisfying, only a few things I can think of,” Gabe said, smiling.

“Does one of those happen to have red hair?”

“Um you could be on to something there.”

“I’ll catch ya later then,” Cal said.

“See ya.”

He was turning Midnight out when a black sedan pulled up. Curious, he walked toward the vehicle just as a stunning brunette got out. “Hey Gabe, long time no see.”

“Brianna! What brings you to these parts?” he asked.

“Honestly? You,” she said.

“Me? Last I knew you left me in a trail of dust and moved to California for your big break,” Gabe said.

“Well, you know how that goes, it was pretty empty without you there.”

“It’s been two years since you dumped me, hard to believe it took you that long to decide you can’t live without me,” Gabe said, unable to keep the irony from his voice.

“That’s just how special you are,” she said seductively while reaching for his hand. “I’ve missed you Gabe. Hollywood men are narcissistic and shallow. You’re the real deal.”

“You’re a bit too late, I’m afraid,” he said kindly, just as Annie pulled up.

Gabe pulled away from Brianna’s grasp but not before Annie caught them holding hands. She jumped out of the car like a sizzling firecracker.

“Really?” Annie said eyes blazing.

Brianna smiled condescendingly at Annie, while looking at Gabe from under her lashes. “Hi, I’m Brianna.” She held out her hand toward Annie who chose to ignore it. “Gabe and I are old, um, I guess you’d say friends,” she chuckled. “I just moved back to town and thought I’d look him up,” she said.

“Oh? So, I’m interrupting a reunion, so sorry!” she said turning on her heel to leave.

“Annie, oh no you don’t,” Gabe said catching up with her and blocking her exit. “We’re not going through this again.”

“Move,” she said between clenched teeth.

“Nope.”

“I mean it Gabe! I have to get back to work. I was just stopping by on my break,” she said.

“I’m sure you don’t need to rush right off now do ya?” he said, impatience in his voice.

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