Page 25 of She Belongs to Me

“Gosh, no. I always wanted to, but I was scared of horses as a kid. When I was dancing, my aunt forbade it. She said I could break my ankle. After that, I revered them from afar.”

“They are majestic animals. Many of our horses are second and third generation. We also find horses that are being sent to the glue factory and give them a second chance. I have a trainer who spends months rehabilitating them.”

“A glue factory exists?”

“In various formats that I won’t go into. It’s a disgusting trade and practice that I’d tried to have shut down.”

Just learning a few things about the powerful man was incredible. And what I heard I really liked. Very much so. “That’s horrible. While I’m here, I’ll help in any way.”

He had a way of eyeing me as if I’d said something stupid. Maybe he truly believed I had nowhere to go, no home to return to. Maybe not now, but one day. I wouldn’t allow that goal to fall by the wayside.

“Well, why don’t we start by meeting a few of the other horses.” I was shocked he was going to allow me to walk in any further. He led the way and almost instantly three horses walked over to me tentatively.

I might not know animals like I wished, but there wasn’t any doubt the three were sizing me up, trying to figure out if I was friend or foe.

“I think they like you,” he said, his voice way too husky for me to keep bad girl thoughts from entering my mind.

“How can you tell?”

“Pet the palomino.”

“This one?” I asked. The beautiful baby made me think her gorgeous coat had been painted on.

“Yes.”

I was now tentative myself, lifting my arm and expecting the horses to flee in fear. They did no such thing, the palomino leaning in and his or her eyes closing when I stroked between them.

“You are a beautiful baby,” I whispered, cooing more than anything. I was almost instantly nuzzled by the big black horse, the tall baby stamping his foot. At least he looked like a masterful he. “Don’t worry. I won’t forget about you.” I rubbed his muzzle and flank, laughing gleefully as I was doing so.

Everything about the moment was so special, something I never thought I’d do. The third horse was even greedier, needing me to pet him more. I felt love and there was no fear. If I wasn’t such a scaredy cat, I’d ask to have one saddled up, but I knew better.

I’d fall directly on my butt.

“Let’s head to the barn. I think Romeo is still on shift.”

“Romeo?” I hated leaving the horses who seemed to be trailing after us.

He laughed. “Yes, his God-given name. It would seem his mother had a sense of humor. I bet you can guess his sister’s name.”

“Oh, dear God. Juliet?”

“Yes, indeed.”

“Poor girl.” As we headed closer to the barn, I realized just how massive it truly was. It had to be three times the size of any barn I’d seen.

The two main doors were wide open and secured, but I could see other areas where light and air could be brought in. And I was shocked when I walked in and I felt cool air. “Is this climate controlled?”

“Absolutely. We even pipe in music especially during a storm. So many of the horses cannot tolerate loud noises.”

I had to stop and turn toward him.

“What?” he asked, returning to being amused.

“You’re nothing like I envisioned you over the years.”

“Hmmm… A big belly and balding?”

“Yeah, something like that.”