Page 12 of Nate

“We had a cancellation.”

“So I was told. We have the horses in their stalls. You can start whenever you want.”

Markie sighed. “Alright. I’ll start here and move down along the aisle.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’ll be in my office if you need anything.” He pointed to the door on the other side of the barn.

“Okay. Thank you, Mr. Jefferson.”

“Call me Nate, please.”

When he grinned, she mentally groaned, then nodded. “Nate.”

She watched him cross his arms and stare at her with a raised eyebrow.

“And I can call you, Dr. Russell, right?”

She looked at his face to see him trying not to grin. Clenching her jaw, she nodded.

“That’s fine.”

Nate turned away from her and walked toward his office, but she heard him chuckle.

Opening a stall gate, she cautiously entered, talking quietly to the horse. Once she gave the horse the vaccines, she’d move on to the next stall. It took her almost an hour because two of the horses were being difficult and didn’t want her near them, but there was no way… nofriggin’way, she’d ask Nate Jefferson for help. He’d just love that.

Stepping from the stall, she ran smack into him. His arms wrapped around her to keep her from falling, and she grasped his biceps. His very nice biceps.

“Thank you. I didn’t see you,” she said.

“No problem.” Nate stepped back from her. “Are you alright?”

“Yes. If you hadn’t caught me, I would have hit the floor. Are you alright?”

“Of course. All finished?”

“Yes. I’ll be heading back to the office now. If you need anything, just give us a call.”

“Yes, ma’am. Have a good rest of the day.”

“You too.” Markie looked at him and they stared at each other, then he cocked his head.

“What is Markie a nickname for?”

“Marjorie,” she said with a grimace.

“You don’t like it?”

“No. I hate it, but I was named after my grandmother.”

“I think it’s a pretty name. What’s your middle name?”

“Ann.”

“It’s a pretty name.”

She could feel the heat in her cheeks. “Thank you. Have a nice day… Nate.”

“You too… Dr. Russell.”

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