Chapter Nine
CHAPTER NINE
After snuggling together in the post-orgasmic bliss, they shared a quick shower then headed into the kitchen. Heather had never been happier and she could see a sexy twinkle in Blake’s eyes. But as they devoured the delicious dinner the conversation centered around Henry.
“I’d like him to just hang out in a paddock for a couple of days and enjoy his new environment,” Blake said thoughtfully. “He needs to know he’s among friends and you and I should be the only ones to handle him, at least for the moment.“
“I was just thinking the same thing,” Heather agreed. “But there’s something else. He’s been clipped, and with the weather changing he’ll need a blanket. Apollo’s won’t fit.”
“I’m not sure I have anything his size either, but I’ll order a couple. They deliver so fast now, and bein’ fall there are sales everywhere.”
“Okay, but maybe I should run into town and find something anyway. I don’t want him to be cold.”
“The tack store will be closin’ any time now. When we pick him up we can ask Buck if he has one we can borrow. But Heather, I’d like us to be in this together. I want to pay for this stuff,” he added, lowering his voice. “I know you don’t have —”
“I can manage.”
“Let me finish.”
“Sorry.”
“I’m sure you’d figure it out,” he said, reaching for her hand, “but Henry is a fabulous mover, and with the right trainin’ he could be very successful. I want to work with both of you with an eye to the show ring.”
“I’m not sure I understand.”
“This place is doin’ okay, but it could do a whole lot better. If Henry does as well as I believe he can it would put Three Oaks Ranch on the map. The other guys here in Smoky Hill have been around a while and they’ve built up their barns. I’ve only been here a couple of years.”
“Oh, I see what you mean.”
“If I take care of the financial side of things and the trainin’, it would take that burden off you, and let’s be honest. We both know you don’t make a fortune bein’ a waitress at the Moonshine Campground.”
“This is true,” she muttered with a sigh.
“But ridin’ Henry won’t be like ridin’ Apollo. It will take hard work, and I’ll be teachin’ you almost every day. Are you up for it?”
“Of course, but do you think I’m good enough?”
“I wouldn’t be suggestin’ this if I didn’t. Did you forget you won today?”
“That was—”
“It’s both of you! Apollo is both calm and brilliant because of you!” he retorted sternly. “Do you think if Courtney was his owner he’d be the way he is? Of course not. I swear I’ll put you over my knee and spank that into you if I have to.”
But rather than becoming defensive or showing any concern about his threat, she threw back her head and laughed out loud.
“What’s so funny?” he asked, unable to stop himself from grinning.
“It’s just…when you get intense about something,” she began, talking between giggles, “you raise your right eyebrow and it reminds me of Dr. Evil from the Austin Powers movie. All you need to do is put your little finger next to your lips and—”
“Are you sayin’ I look like Dr. Evil?”
“No, no, sorry,” she exclaimed, laughing again. “I couldn’t resist adding that. But you do raise your eyebrow.”
“I’m seein’ a side to you I never knew existed.”
“Is that a problem?”
“I suppose time will tell,” he replied with a chuckle. “Now gettin’ back to Henry. I want to get a hair mineral analysis done right away.“
“Ooh, yes, what a good idea. When I first got Apollo he had terrible hives. I did that and it was amazing. I was able to get him back in balance and he hasn’t had them since.”
“Yep, it can be an eye opener. I’ll also ask Doc Clayton to draw some blood and run a general panel. Until we know Henry’s levels we should put him on soaked grass hay for a few days. That alone should calm him down. I bet Courtney’s had him on a high protein diet.”
“Actually,” she murmured, leaning over the table and fixing him with a steady gaze, “after what just happened I might need to be on a high protein diet to keep up with you.”
“You just might,” he quipped with a wink. “But we should get back to the show grounds before it gets too late.”
“Apollo will be so happy to see me.”
“Because he knows you travel with treats,” Blake said knowingly as he began clearing the table.
“No! Because we’re a team!”
”Well, yes, this is true, and you proved that today. I’ll never forget the look on your face when they announced you as the winner.”
“And I’ll never forget that feeling. Thank you for pushing me. I’m so grateful, and thank you for the wonderful dinner. You have so many talents.”
“Darlin’, you have no idea.”
* * *
A short time later they climbed into his truck and Butch jumped in behind them. Though he moved to the back seat he quickly turned around and put his front paws on the center console.
“You’re such a great dog,” Heather remarked, giving him a hug. “Don’t you need his leash?”
“I have an extra one in the glove box, but it’s late. I doubt there’ll be anyone there except Buck.”
When they arrived Blake’s assessment proved correct. The show grounds were deserted except for the security guards. As they moved down the barn aisle Heather called Apollo’s name, and as she knew he would, he popped his head over the stall door and whinnied. As if wanting to know what was going on, Henry peered out as well. While she gave him a treat, Blake spotted Buck at the far end of the aisle and hurried off to ask him about a blanket.
“Sure, I have plenty,” Buck replied. “I’m guessin’ he’s an eighty, maybe even an eighty-two.”
“Thanks, Buck,” Blake said gratefully, “and yeah, that’s what I’m thinkin’.”
“They’re in a storage locker. Wait for me here and I’ll be right back.”
As he walked away Blake looked back at Heather. She was reaching into her pocket for more treats, but when she raised her hand to offer one to Henry he jerked his head and jumped backwards.
“Damn,” Blake muttered. “That poor horse is fried and Heather still has a lot to learn. This will be one helluva challenge.”