I have always wondered what it looks like inside but have not allowed myself to go spy. I’ve been tempted to spy. I would dress in all black if I could still squeeze into my black jeans, get night vision goggles, grab Jules, climb on the deck, and peer in. I have not yet lowered myself to that pathetic level, but it’s tempting. I would like to see him in his natural nude state.

I saw Marco with another horse and his owner in the distance. He was checking the horse’s back, his hands gentle but firm. I did not think of his gentle and firm hands on my back, as that would have made the gang of butterflies in my stomach flutter all the harder. I did not think of his gentle and firm hands on my front, either, undoing my lacy white bra, as that would have made me all skittery with passion. I did not think of his gentle and firm hands pulling me into his naked tall body because that could not happen.

My heart ached. He smiled, and my heart ached again. He was smart, deep, insightful, and easy to talk to. Plus, sexy.

I took a huge bite of my chocolate bar. I was here to get Virginia Alpaca fixed. That’s it.

I could not fall in love with Marco. And even if I was in love with him already, I had to can it. Stomp it down. Get rid of it.

My premonition about that was quite clear.

I started eating the second chocolate bar in my purse. I would stop halfway through so the calories would not count.

* * *

“Hi, Marco.”

“Hello, Evie. How are you?”

“Really fine. Very fine. Uh. Oh. Fine.” His smile had me melting. Maybe that was both chocolate bars melting in my stomach, but still. It was a delicious feeling. “Virginia Alpaca is sick.” And I’m a little bit glad of it so I can visit you. Does that make me a horrible animal mother? It does. It so does. I love you, Virginia Alpaca!

“Let’s take a look at her.”

We went into the clinic’s room for large animals. I watched him examining Virginia Alpaca. He was kind and soothing when she became nervous and started moving her feet, swinging her head. He handled her carefully. He palpitated her stomach, checked her respiration and heart rate, asked me a lot of questions about her eating, etc. “I think she has a mild case of colic.”

“It’s not too bad, then?”

“No.”

I sagged with relief. I love Virginia Alpaca. She’s a fighter. She’s shy and she’s bold. She comes up to me every morning to say hello. She’s definitely the boss between her and Alpaca Joe. I am sure she is a feminist.

“Thank you, Marco.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll take a blood sample to be sure, and I’ll hook her up to an IV and get her hydrated.” He did both while I watched him. He was so competent, so soothing. When he was done, he pulled off his gloves, washed his hands, smiled at me. “So how have you been?”