“Would you mind taking a walk with me?” he asked.

Erin was tired after sleeping fitfully the prior night, but he was her boss, and although the invitation was cloaked in civility, she knew it was essentially a demand. “Sure.”

Moments later, she was glad that she’d come. Walking with Wyatt at this time of evening was surprisingly pleasant. He even stopped once to admire a doe and her fawn. They ended up down at the log where all their conversations seemed to go badly. She hoped this time would be different.

After they sat down, he shifted to face her, resting one bent leg on the log in front of him. Erin followed his example. It would be easier for him to read her lips if she turned toward him.

“What did you learn about the mare’s story today?” he asked.

Surprised by the question, Erin replied, “I didn’t really think in those terms as I was working with her, so you’ve taken me off guard.”

“It isn’t a test with right or wrong answers, Erin. I’d just like to know what impressions you got.”

Erin almost said she hadn’t gotten any particular impressions, but the words that came out of her mouth were, “She’s afraid. I think she once trusted humans, but then she was betrayed, not once, but many times. Someone did mean things that make her afraid for anyone to touch her head. Today she wanted the treats I had and was afraid to take them.”

His eyes filled with a distant look. “I thought the same thing. I think she once had a loving owner and a wonderful life. Then she somehow ended up with someone bad.” His gaze snapped to hers. “Sorry. In my estimation, people who abuse animals are rotten to the core.”

The passion in his voice made Erin’s skin tingle. “I agree.”

“Did you notice how careful she was not to strike you with her hooves?”

Erin smiled. “She put on a great act and had me scared to death at first. But then I did notice that. She doesn’t want to hurt me. She just wants me to leave her alone.”

“That was my take, too. I saw you sitting under the tree with your head bent.”

Erin couldn’t help but laugh. “I saw you do something similar once, and since I know next to nothing about horses, I copied you.”

“Did it work?”

“Yes. I think she thought I was asleep or dead, and she came over to sniff and nudge me. When I didn’t respond, she swiped the carrot from my hand. After getting a couple more carrots, she seemed to relax, so I got up and stepped in close to her shoulder like I saw you do that day last fall with the gelding. She let me press against her and allowed me to stroke her neck. I was sneaky about it, inching my hand higher and higher, but I finally got to touch the crown of her head.”