Summer's Night by Cheyenne Meadows Read Free Book Online Page A

having such beautiful and pedigreed animals grace her pasture. Most people would expect a horse to be useful, have some means of earning their keep. Not Summer.
    Once again, she knocked him off balance. His respect for her grew as did his need to be near her, soak up the radiant glow that she emitted. Deep inside, his heart stuttered as he watched her interact with her horses. He wanted her to look at him that way, to touch him with gentle reverence, to softly praise his strength and handsomeness, to physically show him her love and devotion.
    His groin tightened immediately at the images flashing through his head. Setting his back teeth, he fought the natural reaction, reminding himself of the hot and sweaty work ahead. A picture of her white T-shirt soaking with sweat, leaving the material to cling to her flat belly and outline those modest, bra-covered breasts came to mind.
    Tolly stamped a hoof to shake off a fly, pulling Night's attention back to the task at hand. "I suppose we should get to it. It's already getting hot and will only get hotter."
    Summer patted Ghost's neck once more before stepping back. "Good idea. Let me grab a cooler with drinks, then we'll head to the side pasture." She pointed to the location. "The gate is out in the sun, unfortunately. There are lots of trees, some really big ones in the pastures, but that particular spot never gets shade."

    * * * *

    No sooner had Night sat the heavy cooler full of drinks in the bed of his truck, than Summer hopped in the passenger's side. Once he got settled behind the steering wheel, she was directing him to the south side of the house. Sure enough, near the large water tank, an old metal gate rested heavily on the ground.
    He climbed out, grabbed his shovel and crow bar, and walked to the crumbling log post. "It's seen better days."
    Summer followed, a long lead rope in hand. "Definitely. I was afraid it would break off before I could get it fixed. I didn't want the horses getting out and possibly on the road."
    "Speaking of…" He gestured to the small herd, making their way along the fence line to their location.
    "They are quite nosey, like little old ladies searching for the tiniest bit of gossip. Have to be in the middle of everything." The tone of her voice spoke of affection and endearment rather than criticism.
    He grinned, watching the animals. The gray led, his trot flowing, fluid, and effortless, saying a lot for his outstanding bloodlines and conditioning. The image could go onto a calendar for its simple beauty. Tolly followed behind, moving a bit slower, but no less enthusiastic. For an old animal, he still held his own. Domino pulled up the rear, his movements more stiff and deliberate. Night felt for the animal, understanding how arthritis probably offered him daily pain as well as limited mobility, frustrating and downright sad for a racehorse with such a resume.
    "He gets medication for his arthritis and the vet keeps a close eye on him. Tolly gets it too, but only at certain times of the year. His main need is senior feed because it's hard for him to chew and he needs a special mix." Summer shimmied around the gate, hooking one end of the rope to the side fence and another to the front fence, essentially blocking off the area they would be working in.
    Glancing behind, he noticed the small, but well built barn he'd glimpsed earlier from a distance. It appeared fairly new, covered with painted wood, and sporting shingles on the roof. It wouldn't hold many horses, but could easily handle the three she owned. "Nice barn."
    She looked up from her task, glancing at the building. "Thanks. I saved up for a full year in order to get it built. Once I realized the needs of the horses I wanted to adopt, I knew the barn was essential, along with some amenities."
    He looked up at her, meeting her eyes. "Amenities?"
    Summer shrugged. "It has water plumbed into it, for bathing or filling water buckets for their stalls. The whole place is insulated. I