“Nope.” The cats had leaped out of their boxes and were slinking around, growling softly. Michael reached over and stroked the nose of his sober gelding. “You ever do anything halfway?”

“I’ve been known to.” She unbent enough to smile. “I couldn’t stop myself. If you’d seen the girls’ faces when I told them that silly little dog was theirs . . . I’ll never forget it.”

With the same absent affection he’d shown the gelding, Michael stroked her cheek. He didn’t know if he was amused or annoyed when she jerked like a spring. “You need some training yourself.”

“Excuse me?”

“You shy easy. I appreciate you picking up the cats for me,” he said before she could think of a response.

“No trouble. The whole lot of them need to go to the vet. Shots. Neutering.”

“Ouch!” In a knee-jerk male reaction, he winced. “Yeah, I guess that’s the deal.”

“It’s the responsible choice—and it’s required when you adopt from the shelter. I have all the paperwork. Except I—”

“What?”

“Well, I didn’t think to ask about the sex of the kittens. I don’t know if they told me. It started to get complicated and confusing, and I think I’ve heard that it’s difficult to tell with young kittens.”

It took an effort, but he kept his eyes solemn. “I’ve always heard you shake ’em. If they don’t rattle, they’re female.”

It took her a moment. Then she broke into easy, appreciative laughter. “I’ll be sure to try it. When the girls aren’t around.”

“There you are. I don’t suppose I’ve heard you laugh like that more than a half a dozen times since I’ve known you. You were always being too dignified when I was around.”

“I’m sure you’re mistaken.”

“Sugar, I don’t make many mistakes when it comes to women.”

“No, I don’t imagine you would.” To give herself a moment to make her retreat—yes, damn it, a dignified retreat—she turned to the gelding. “This is a handsome horse.”

“He’s smart. Quiet-natured. Jack?”

At his name the horse pricked his ears. Soberly, he turned his head to Michael. “How old are you, Jack?”

In response, the horse stomped a foot four times.

“What do you think of the lady here?”

Jack rolled his eyes toward Laura and let out a quiet and undeniably roguish whinny.

Charmed, Laura laughed again. “How do you get him to do that?”

“Jack? He understands every word you say. Want to take the lady for a ride, Jack?” The response was a decisive nod. “See?” Michael turned his own swift—and undeniably roguish grin—on Laura. “Want a ride, lady?”