Gypsy Girl and Horse Lovin' Boys Read Free

Everything jangled on my waist.
    “Is she Cessie or Cesspool today?” He motioned his head at my sister.
    “Umm … Cessie. But she’s being obnoxious with the bells on her ankles. I might change my mind in a little bit.” I wanted to stuff my hands in some pockets. Unfortunately, there weren’t any. Stupid skirt. Folding my arms across my chest, the bangles clanged until I made them stop. I did my best to hide my embarrassment. “This room has great acoustics.” I knew the smile I gave him was cheesy. Came with the outfit.
    Cessie was finally by my side. I desperately wanted to take our jingling outdoors. I also didn’t want to end our conversation so soon.
    “Noah!” Cessie bounced on her toes and her ankles played jingle bells. “How is your horse?”
    He laughed. “My horse is as good as she was yesterday. Were you leaving?”
    “I was just trying to take our noise outside,” I said. “I’m not in a hurry or anything.”
    Noah stared at my shoulders. When I glanced down, I realized he was looking at my colored hair and feathers. He held the door open for the two of us. I thought he was just going to let us out. What the heck! He followed. I made sure I didn’t get too weak in the knees. The clothes were embarrassing enough.
    “You both look very different from yesterday.” He still smiled broadly at us. That was a good sign.
    “We’re dressed for the show. You want to come?” Cessie asked.
    I chewed on the inside of my cheek. If he showed up, I would probably mess up my part. It didn’t help that the more I looked at Noah in bright daylight, the more attractive he was with the unbuttoned plaid shirt her wore over his t-shirt fit that fit his broad muscled shoulders really well. Why did sleeves rolled up to the elbows look so hot? He still had on his 49ers cap. Dark hair curled around the edges of his hat, calling me to reach out and touch it. But I didn’t.
    “I don’t know if I can today. I have to find out what the schedule is for my competitions and help the younger kids get their animals settled and ready for judging. I don’t know when I’m helping with some of the other events when I’m not doing that.” He patted Cessie on the shoulder as he apologetically looked at me.
    Relief and disappointment washed over me at the same time.
    “I will come though if I can.” His eyes locked on mine as his face softened into the kindest smile.
    Hmmm. He was very nice. I might have gone into a trance again.
    “Can we come watch your horse?”
    Why did little sisters have to ruin everything? “Cessie, you should ask if we can come watch him
with
his horse. The horse doesn’t perform on its own.” I corrected her and then my heart raced when I realized I might have just committed myself to be in a situation where we would be surrounded by horses. I pressed my sweaty palms against my skirt and everything clanged and jangled. I clenched my jaw, forcing a smile on my face.
    “Well, I will let you know. I’m sure I don’t compete today. However, I’ll tell you when I do. When do you two get done with your shows?”
    “The last one is at seven and then we can roam the fair,” I said as a rush of excitement filled my chest.
    “I look forward to catching up with you later. I’m here for the week too.” He looked at his watch. “I have to go check in.” He waved goodbye as he jogged off.
    I watched him until he turned the corner and finally exhaled.
    “What’s wrong with you?” Cessie frowned  as she studied my face. “Are you getting sick? Your face is red.”
    “Shut-up Cesspool.” I slapped the rest of the fliers against her chest for her to take them and headed for the bathroom.
    “Mom says you can’t leave me alone,” she yelled.
    “Then you’d better follow.”

3
    Thankfully, Noah wasn’t at the first show and I was able to get my nerves under control. The three and five o’clock shows were fine. At the last show of the day when I stepped out onto the stage with Peppy the