Page 3 of Smoky Mountain K-9

“Call me Carter, please.”

She gave him a tight smile and nodded.

The line shuffled forward, and Mara glanced at the dog at his side. “Your dog’s name is Maverick, right?”

He nodded.

“What breed is he?” He looked like a German Shepherd, but she wasn’t a good judge of dog breeds. Give her horses, though, and she could name it with a quick glance.

“Belgian Malinois.”

“He’s pretty.”

One side of his mouth lifted, and he glanced at the dog, who looked up. “Don’t listen to her. You’re handsome.”

Brooke laughed. Mara felt her lips twitch. “My apologies, Maverick.” She unfolded her arms and glanced at Carter. “May I pet him?”

“Sure. He’s off duty.”

Mara held a hand out to let the dog sniff her, then scratched the side of his face near his ear. His tongue lolled out, and he stared up at her like a puppy.

Carter’s rich laugh rolled over her. “You hit the sweet spot. He likes you.”

“I’m glad. I wouldn’t want to be on his bad side.”

“Unless you’re on the wrong side of the law—and running away—I think you’re safe.”

Mara smiled and scratched Maverick’s ear again. She straightened, removing her hand, and he stepped forward to nudge her, making her laugh. “I guess I really did hit the sweet spot.” She ran her fingers through his soft fur. A smile still on her face, she glanced at Carter. He watched her with a slight furrow between his eyes.

His expression quickly cleared, and he smiled again. “I guess I should probably get your phone number and address.” He withdrew his phone from his pocket.

“Right.” Mara told him her information. A moment later, her phone vibrated as he texted her his number.

“It was lovely to meet you both. Mara, I’ll see you Monday evening. Wear something comfortable. We’ll be doing some walking.”

Mara’s smile turned tight at the reminder of their date. She nodded. “See you then.”

He lifted a hand as he backed away. “Have a good evening.” Turning, he and Maverick loped toward the exit.

Mara wished she could escape as easily.

Brooke squealed and grabbed her arm. “He’s even hotter close up. And that voice.” She rolled her eyes and laid a hand over her heart. “If I weren’t blissfully happy with Johnathan, I would have bid on him for myself.”

“Speaking of, is he going to have a conniption when he finds out you spent over two grand on a date for me?” Mara crossed her arms and lifted an eyebrow.

“It’s my money.” Brooke waved a hand. “I can do with it as I please. And you know I have plenty to cover the cost.”

It was true. Brooke was an event and wedding planner, but she didn’t need to work. Her family owned a local luxury resort.

“Besides, you’d do the same for me if I needed the push to put myself back out there.” She grinned. “Well, maybe not spend two thousand dollars, but you’d set me up.” Brooke waved a finger in Mara’s face. “Don’t deny it. You know you would.”

A smile toyed with Mara’s lips. “Maybe.” She’d want her friend to be happy. And Brooke was right. If she thought putting herself out there would make her happy, she’d set Brooke up in a heartbeat.

Some of the fight leached out of her. Brooke just wanted her to be the best version of herself. And truthfully, Mara was a bit stuck in the mud. She’d lost herself since she lost her husband. But she wasn’t sure she was ready to come out of her protective shell. It just hurt too much when things went sour.

Two

Crisp, wintery air filled Mara’s lungs as she stepped into the outdoor arena with her horse, Stinger. The black gelding pawed at the dirt, ready for their morning ride. Dust rose to sparkle in the sunshine. It was a beautiful day.