Pippa's Rescue by JJ Keller Read Free Book Online

hoping the subject would drop.
    Mattie wiped crumbs from the counter top. “You okay now? Headache gone?”
    He spoke with his mouth full. “All better. Where’s Pippa?”
    She lifted an eyebrow as if to say, Where else?
    “Got it. The stables.”
    ****
    The sound of Basil’s distinctive boots hitting the wood floor as he swaggered through stable two created a bit of happiness in Pippa. She’d underestimated him. The guy pulled his weight, continuing the drudgery of mucking stalls. Currently, he entered the tack closet.
    She left the building and walked to the corral where her horse, Deep South, whinnied. He’d been saddled, ready for a ride. She patted his neck. “Let’s go for a run. Okay, boy?”
    In agreement, he dipped his dark brown head.
    “Why don’t we take that little filly you’ve been eyeing along with us?” Pippa released the leather strap from the fence post, then finger-combed his mane as she speed-dialed Gonzo, a retired groom who’d always lived on the ranch. He’d be near or in the stables. “Hi, hon’, what’s cookin’?”
    “Just you good-looking.” His raspy voice grated through the connection. “I see you’re taking Deep South for a ride.”
    She glanced to the nearest barn. Like a cowboy ad, Gonzo bent forward slightly, with his backside against the wall. He held the phone to his ear. His free hand twirled a long, crooked piece of straw.
    “Yep. I’ll be over.” She hung up and meandered to the red barn. Like an overgrown puppy, Deep South trailed behind her. Pippa assessed her friend, finding nothing out of the ordinary except a little wince as he straightened away from the wall. “How’s your arthritis today?
    “I’m fine, sugar pea.” Gonzo slipped the phone into his jeans pocket. “Between that salve and a good cup of Mattie’s homemade whiskey, I’m right as rain.” His smile, slow and broad, and clear eyes reassured her of his vigorous well-being—as anyone can be at seventy.
    “Will you saddle that filly from the west corral? I think Deep South fancies her, and I want to test the new volunteer’s riding skills.” Pippa glanced into the stable. Basil’s torso, a narrow waist leading to broad shoulders, knocked her stomach into tiny quivers. He bent over a bin of fodder. His sideways angle allowed her to admire his strong-jawed profile.
    “Yes, ma’am.” Gonzo chuckled and then sobered. “Looks like Deep South isn’t the only one interested in a new addition to the Horse Rescue Ranch family.”
    She would have responded, but Basil had flipped around so his taut rear was in her direct line of vision.
    Gonzo snickered, gaining her attention. He nodded toward Basil. “Heard he donated a couple of Gs.”
    “Umm hum.” Basil had a perfect body, all sinew. Prominent cheekbones highlighted oval eyes and lush lips which worked wonders in the kissing arena. That brief kiss in the barn wasn’t enough. She needed more.
    Hoarse chuckles came from Gonzo. Pippa glanced at him. His gaze focused on the fascination of her desire. “He’s been askin’ about David.”
    Her friend’s eyes became slits, sending her the message that she shouldn’t trust any man. “We’ll keep the same story. No reason to change it for one of his Marine mates, regardless how much money he donates.”
    Gonzo nodded. “That settled, I’ll get Buttercup saddled.”
    Funny, Pippa had given thought to dating Basil after she got her finances settled. But the Marine hadn’t given up and his determination to find David didn’t endear her. She hardened her heart, intending to find out the true reason he searched for her brother and nip his quest in the bud. She had more to lose if David was taken into custody. Goal renewed, she marched into the barn with drilling for truth on her mind.
    “Morning, Pippa,” Brooke called.
    Today Brooke wore a white, tight, knit top. Her black bra was visible. The girl was trying to get Basil’s attention. Well, she’d just divert the teen’s wily ways