Pippa's Rescue by JJ Keller Read Free Book Online Page A

in a new direction.
    “Hey. How do you feel?”
    Basil came around the corner, empty bucket in hand. “Good. You look fresh as a daisy.”
    Brooke giggled. Pippa had jerked on a pair of brown riding trousers, white long-sleeved T-shirt, and yellow vest. She topped the outfit off with a black waist belt full of medicinal supplies for equine or human. Always be prepared for an offsite injury on a ranch . Her father’s edict floated through her thoughts. However, in the reflection of Basil’s eyes, she probably did resemble a daisy.
    “Thanks.” She pivoted toward Brooke. “I think Brandon needs assistance with Firefly. Could you give him a hand?”
    “What about the feed? Basil and I aren’t finished.” Brooke glanced at the doorway, no doubt trying to get a glimpse of the youngster.
    “You and Brandon can finish, once you get Firefly into the pasture. I’m going to have Mr. Vanguard help me exercise a couple of horses.”
    “Okay.” Brooke hung her bucket on the hook beside the stall and rushed through the door. She’d be happy working with Brandon. The tall, gorgeous blond with muscles resembling timbers played fullback position for Cyan High School. Their schedules rarely overlapped, so the hormonal teen would welcome the opportunity to release pheromones.
    Basil hadn’t moved. She met his stare. Oh no, that strange glow meant one thing: lust.
    He stepped directly in her personal space and whispered, “I like a forceful woman who gets things done. Kind of turns me on.”
    Heat rushed to her face. He constantly surprised her. “Yeah. Well I’m accustomed to being in charge.”
    He removed a glove and placed his naked hand under her vest. Strumming fingers burned through her thin knit shirt. “There’s at least one situation where it would be best if I’m the one in charge.”
    Her heart stamped hoof prints into her chest. For some reason she couldn’t catch a breath. She stared deeply into his hazel eyes, noticing for the first time how the bits of amber were bright and shiny. She was a sucker for dreamy-eyed guys.
    Horse breath brushing her face and pawing on wooden floorboards woke her from the trance. “Well, we’re on my turf, and I’m in charge. My horse and a new filly need exercise. Do you want to take a ride?”
    His sexy got-to-have-you stance changed. “I’m not a horseman.” He took a long step back with such velocity his short hiking boots kicked up dust.
    “Have you ridden a horse before?” She doubted he had, but curiosity apparently ruled today.
    His eyebrows twitched. “Once.”
    “How long ago?” She hoped she wouldn’t have to drag the whole fear-of-horses story from him.
    “When I was six.” His glance shot to the side.
    Her shoulders slumped. She’d heard it all too often, and his story probably wouldn’t differ from the others. “At a birthday party where a dozen kids were around?”
    “On a Merry-Go-Round,” he mumbled.
    Laughter bubbled, shaking her chest. She stifled the jollies. In order to get him to trust horses, enough to mount one, she’d need to remain calm. “Okay, so you’ve never ridden a real horse?”
    He shook his head. “Don’t need too. I rode a camel. Can’t say I cared for it.”
    “Different beasts. How about a short ride?” She grabbed his arm and guided him to the entrance. Deep South and the man who made her rarely used parts tingle followed. “See that pond about two miles away?”
    He stared into the distance. “Kind of.”
    “If you ride that sweet docile filly tied to the fence over there, I’ll give you a favor.”
    His expression brightened. “My pick on the favor?”
    She couldn’t imagine what he’d want, except— “You won’t have to clean stable two for the rest of the week.”
    Basil turned into her, swiped at a loose strand of her hair, taking the tickling away. “Although tempting, no. I want a kiss. Not like a child kisses her mum. A deep, long lasting one. A lip-lock with tongue that will guarantee