0373659458 (R) Read Free

base of her throat. To hear Mama tell it, this Dr. Talbot would put Michelangelo’s David to shame. And say what you will about her mother, the woman definitely knew hot when she saw it.
    So much for not matching the voice.
    “Um...you still there?”
    Mallory wrenched her gaze away from her wretched reflection. Way too many nights of lousy sleep had definitely taken its toll. “Sorry. She was supposed to run that by me first.”
    “I take it you’re Mallory, then?”
    Call her crazy, but she was guessing this guy had no idea who she was. Meaning either he hadn’t put two and two together, or Mama had—for once—kept her trap shut. Or maybe he was just playing it cool?
    “That’s me. Only nothing’s been decided about the horse. Since we’re still getting settled in—” a half-truth, since once the renovation had been completed all they’d had to do was dump stuff in closets and drawers and they were basically done “—I hadn’t really given it much thought yet.”
    “Completely understandable. But if you are interested, my brother says he has a palomino that could be perfect for your son, especially if he’s inexperienced. Not a youngster, but a lot of good years left. No health issues. Even-tempered as they come. And nobody knows horses like Josh—he wouldn’t steer you wrong.”
    And neither would this man, she bet. Although how she’d deduce that from a five-minute conversation—and especially given her background—she had no idea. Something about his no-nonsense approach, maybe. But after so many years of never feeling as if she could truly trust anybody, of having to constantly watch her back—it felt...good. Even if it was only an illusion.
    “I’m sure he wouldn’t,” she said, rearranging her long sweater over her thighs, even though her legs didn’t really register the chill in the air. “But there are...logistics to take into account. I’m still not entirely convinced this is a good idea.”
    “Your mother said you grew up on a ranch, so I assume you know what goes into caring for a horse?”
    His unwitting understatement made her smile. And ache, a little. An indulgence she rarely allowed herself. “I did. And I do. That’s not the issue. But I honestly don’t know how much time we’re going to spend here.” Her gaze drifted across the spacious family room opening to the flagstone patio and the pond beyond, its surface rippling gold from the reflection of the stand of yellow-leafed aspens on the other side of the property. Truthfully, the property had wrapped around her heart from the moment she’d opened the images in the Realtor’s email. “And taking on a horse is a huge commitment.”
    “So this is a vacation home?”
    “Something like that.”
    The vet was quiet for a moment, then said, “If it eases your mind, the Vista has excellent boarding facilities.”
    Mallory smiled, wondering what he’d wanted to say, but hadn’t. “And you’re an excellent salesperson.”
    He might’ve laughed. “Hard to make a decision without knowing all your options. Tell you what—why don’t you and your mother meet me out there, see the horse for yourself? Make up your mind after that. You know where the ranch is, I gather?”
    “I do, but...” Mallory paused. “I’ll think about it. How’s that?”
    “Fine by me. But if you’re serious I wouldn’t wait too long. As great a horse as I suspect this one is? I imagine he’s gonna find a new home without too much trouble.”
    “And would that be you trying to close the deal?”
    “Just being up-front with you, Miss Keyes.”
    Nope, he had no clue who she was. Mallory smiled—she’d loved her work, heaven knew. And she’d appreciated being appreciated, no lie. But she’d found actual fame tedious at best and nerve-racking at worst. She’d never thought she’d live for the day when she wasn’t recognized, but now that that day had arrived she felt positively buoyant.
    But this business with the horse...a prod,