Page 4 of Smoky Mountain K-9

Mara closed the gate, then mounted Stinger, nudging him into a trot to warm him up. With the bite to the air, she wanted his muscles nice and warmed up before she put him through some runs. He had other ideas, though, and she had to rein him in several times when he tried to work his way into a slow canter. Stinger loved to run.

Once she was sure he was limber enough, she trotted to the gate and turned to face the arena. Three barrels sat arranged in the dirt. Stinger tossed his head and let out a soft whicker. Mara leaned forward and patted his neck. “Let’s do this, Stinger.” She dug her heels into his sides, and he took off for the first barrel. Mara leaned low as he tore around the barrel and raced across to the next one. Dirt flew as he rounded it, launching them up the straightaway to the third barrel. In moments, they were around it and flying back the way they came.

She sat up and pulled on the reins as they passed the fence post Mara used as a finish line. Stinger snorted and danced in the dirt, wanting to go again.

Clapping drew her attention. She glanced back to see Gemma step up on the gate rails, a wide smile on her face.

“Hey, what are you doing here?” Mara trotted over. Gemma was still on maternity leave.

“I came to say good morning to Jasper.” She hooked a thumb toward the building and her horse in his stall. “I didn’t see Stinger in his stall, and you weren’t inside, so I looked out here. He sure does fly. I’ll never get tired of watching the two of you.”

Mara grinned and patted Stinger’s neck. She might not compete anymore, but she still enjoyed the thrill of racing. “Are you allowed to ride yet?”

Gemma wrinkled her nose. “I could, but things are still a touch sore. It’s only been four weeks.”

“Well, I’ll saddle Jasper sometime today and put him through his paces.”

“He’d like that. He’s probably getting a little squirrely with only the sedate walks during therapy sessions.”

“I’ve been exercising him. But not as much as he’s used to, I’m sure.”

“I appreciate it. It sucks not being able to ride.” She wagged a finger. “Soon, though. I think I’m going to try later this week. At least get in a short, gentle ride.” Gemma crossed her arms over the top rail, and her smile changed. “So. Are you looking forward to your date tonight?”

Mara groaned. “I was trying not to think about it.”

Gemma chuckled. “Why? Carter’s nice. And nice to look at.”

“I know, but—” She broke off and sighed. “I haven’t been on a date since Blake died.” Her husband’s death left a hole in her heart that still wasn’t filled in. She didn’t think it ever would be.

“You can’t spend the rest of your life alone, Mara. You’re still young. Would he want you to end up a spinster?”

Mara’s lips pursed. That was a question she’d asked herself multiple times this weekend. Every time, the answer was no. Blake would want her to move on. He’d want her to remember him, but he wouldn’t want her to stay stuck in the past.

But it was damn hard to take that first step.

She shook her head. “I know he wouldn’t, but that doesn’t make it any easier.”

Gemma’s smile turned sympathetic. “Carter’s a good guy to break into the dating scene with. He’s easy-going and a gentleman.”

Mara chuckled. “I just hope he can handle a nervous, slightly awkward thirty-four-year-old widow who was shoved into the frying pan by her two best friends.”

“What?” Gemma laid a hand over her heart and feigned a shocked look. “I didn’t bid on him. Nor did I tell Brooke to do it.”

“No.” Mara laughed. “But I’m sure you encouraged her to make me come. You also helped organize the whole thing.”

Gemma shrugged. “I’ll cop to that. But my goal wasn’t to get you a date. It was to get you to have some fun. You work, then go home and bury your nose in a book.”

“Hey. I like my book boyfriends.”

“I like mine, too, but my husband is a whole lot more satisfying.”

Mara’s mouth twisted. She did miss sex. Her relationship with Blake had been fun. He wasn’t the most spontaneous partner, but she had no complaints about his ability to satisfy her. He knew how to work her into a frenzy and had never left her hanging. Her problem now was getting past the idea that her sexual partner wasn’t Blake. She never thought there would be another man in her life. But fate was a cruel bitch and had ripped him away from her.

“Well, regardless, my book boyfriends will have to suffice. I will not be welcoming Carter into my bed tonight.” No matter how good he looked.

Her thoughts drifted to the memory of his shoulders and chest outlined by his department polo at the auction, and the dimple that formed in his cheek when he smiled that sexy half-smile of his.

Tendrils of heat started in her belly, spreading outward to her limbs. Mara slammed the door closed on her thoughts. Thinking about him like that would only make her more nervous and tongue-tied tonight.