“Well hello, pretty girl.” Amanda lightly stroked her mane. Sam looked over at Evie, who was also watching this exchange in silent awe. Zach just looked confused as hell, his left eyebrow almost touching the brim of his Stetson. The three of them stopped breathing as Majesty came closer and rested her chin on Amanda’s shoulder. Amanda leaned into the whole wild spectacle, stroking Majesty’s face while she whispered in her ear. After a few long moments, she leaned back and gave Majesty a nod, like whatever business they had with each other was now concluded. Majesty turned and went to sniff around the pasture. Amanda hopped off the fence railing and wiped her hands on her jeans.

“What in hell was that?” Zach laughed.

“Animals just like me,” she said with a shrug.

“What did you say to her?” Evie asked.

“I told her that you guys don’t appreciate her beauty and see her for what she really is.”

“And what’s that?” Sam said.

“America’s next top model. This horse is all ego. You’re a Hollywood man. You should know. You just gotta make her feel appreciated instead of like a problem. Then she’ll come around.”

“I mean, she has a point,” Evie added.

“Maybe I don’t need to ride a horse. Maybe I just needed to befriend one and I think Majesty and I are working on something good.”

“Well then,” Sam said with a chuckle. His laughter died though as soon as Amanda came back to his side and took his hand. The warmth of her fingers sent a tingle up his arms and across his chest. He knew things were fresher than fresh between them, but he also knew how easy it would be for him to be with her like this.

Evie glanced down at their hands, then smiled at Sam. “Are you joining us for brunch? I’ve put together a pretty bomb-ass menu.”

“Oh, I don’t know. Am I?” Amanda asked Sam cautiously.

“You’re more than welcome to.”

“Oh no, I mean, if you’re cooking I don’t want to just—”

“I’m already cooking for, like, fifteen if you include what I have to make to get Jesse to four thirty this afternoon,” Evie said. “You’ve met Jesse?”

“I have. And I saw him eat a whole tub of cheeseballs by himself last night.”

“See? One more mouth won’t matter. Trust me. Plus, Sam gave me his version of how you two got together. I want the deets from you, the legit horse whisperer. ’Cause I think you might have literally bewitched him and he just doesn’t know it.”

“Evie, please,” Amanda hissed. “You’re spilling all my secrets.”

“Oh yeah, you’re coming. Let’s go.” Evie grabbed Zach and they started back toward the lodge. Sam turned to follow but Amanda held him back.