Page 90 of A Cozy Christmas Blizzard
“No doubt Custer said the same thing to his men,” he grumbled as they put their coats and boots back on, and he followed her out to the barn.
“Cynic,” she teased, holding the barn door for him.
Reluctantly he preceded her inside.
“How do you feel about a lazy stroll in the snow, Pokey?” she asked as she reached the Appaloosa’s stall and petted the horse’s nose. “I know Sampson’s ready anytime.”
“Don’t let her kid you, Pokey,” Slade added from behind her. “Good grief, now you’ve gotmedoing it.”
“Doing what?”
“Talking to the animals.”
“Animals often share human characteristics,” she said. “It’s only natural for people to express their feelings to the animals that share their lives.”
“In which case we’re in trouble. Pokey is going to have a lot to say about how I feel when I climb on her back.”
“You’ll be fine.”
“Sure, but will Pokey?”
“You both will. Now stop worrying.”
When Shelly brought out the tack, Slade just stared at her, hands buried deep in his pockets, but then he stepped up and did what he could to help her saddle the two horses. Mostly he circled her awkwardly, looking doubtful.
When she’d finished, she led the horses out of the barn. Holding on to both sets of reins, she motioned for him to mount first. “Do you need any help?” she asked. He looked so different from the staid executive she’d met in Portland that she had trouble remembering that he really was the same person. The man facing her now was clearly out of his element, nothing like the unflappable man on the airplane.
“I don’t think so,” he said, reaching for the saddle and trying to follow Shelly’s directions. Without much difficulty he swung himself onto Pokey’s back. The horse barely stirred.
Looking pleased with himself, he smiled down at Shelly. “I suppose you told her to be gentle with me.”
“I did,” she teased in return. Double-checking the cinch, she asked, “Do you need me to adjust the stirrups or anything?”
“No.” He shifted his weight slightly and accepted the reins she handed him. “I’m ready anytime you are.”
She mounted with an ease that spoke of years in the saddle. “It’s going to be a cold ride until we get under the cover of the trees. Follow me.”
“Anywhere.”
She was sure she must have misheard him. “What did you say?” she asked, twisting around in the saddle.
“Nothing.” But he was grinning, and she found him so devastatingly appealing that it demanded all her willpower to turn around and lead the way.
They quickly reached the path that took them through thewoods. Gusts of swift wind blew the snow from the trees. The swirling flakes were nearly as bad as the storm had been. Even Pokey protested at having to be outside.
“Shelly,” Slade said, edging the Appaloosa to Sampson’s side. “This may not have been the most brilliant idea. Maybe we should head back.”
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“I don’t want you catching cold on my account.”
“I’m as snug as a bug in a rug,” she said, using one of her father’s favorite expressions.
“Liar,” he purred softly.
“I want you to have something to remember me by.” She realized she must sound like some lovesick romantic. He would be gone soon, and she had to accept that she probably would never see him again.
“Like what? Frostbite?”
