Christmas Kiss Read Online Free PDF Page A

have one habitable bedroom and bathroom. It’s going to be a long job and clearly, a labour of love. Now, if you don’t mind a rather bumpy ride, we’ll go and collect this horse of yours.’ She climbed into the Landrover with a certain amount of difficulty and they moved off. ‘I only keep this vehicle as a sort of mechanised wheelbarrow and for pulling the trailer. I’ve had it for years and can’t bear to part with it. Not exactly a senior partner image but it does the job.’
    ‘You don’t present all that much of a senior partner image all round,’ Sarah blurted out. He looked startled. ‘Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound rude. You seem almost too approachable and thoughtful.’
    ‘Just wait till you see me in action. Properly in action. I doubt you’ll feel the same way.’ She sat quietly and looked out of the window. She hoped she hadn’t offended him. He was being so very kind to her and the last thing she meant to do was upset him.
    It was beginning to get dark by the time they reached her paddock. They hurried to get Major loaded. She collected the head collar from the stable and called him over with an apple as a bribe. He trotted over and nuzzled her affectionately. Alex held out another apple and the stallion whinnied with pleasure. Alex took the head collar and deftly put it over the horse’s head. Together, they walked him to the trailer. He was perfectly behaved and walked up the ramp without a moment of trouble.
    ‘Wow, that was easier than I expected.’ Sarah remarked. Alex smiled.
    ‘I have a way with horses. They usually do what I want them to do.’
    The accommodation for the horses at Darnley consisted of three separate stone built stables, two of which had separate loose boxes inside. The straw for bedding and all the fodder and riding tack were kept in one of the other buildings. All of this led off an enclosed yard, providing a near perfect environment for horses. The paddock was across the lane that led to the house itself, so it was all extremely convenient.
    It wasn’t long before Major was being settled into a stable next to Moonlight. There was already hay net hanging ready for him and straw on the floor.
    ‘I’ll give him a bucket feed, same as Moonlight then he’ll get used to me. I’ll put them both out in the paddock tomorrow, assuming it isn’t too cold. They’ll soon get used to each other and I can see a blossoming friendship any moment. Then we’ll go inside and get something hot to eat.’
    ‘I can’t thank you enough. I’m sorry if I seemed reluctant to take up your offer yesterday. I just had no idea who you were.’
    ‘Don’t worry about it. I’d have been the same if a stranger offered to look after my valuable horse.’
    Still wearing his business suit, Alex busied himself with buckets of food and water for the two stables. His own mare was clearly delighted to see him and made affectionate little snorts. He brushed himself off as he came out of the stable.
    ‘I always forget horses are so messy. Another job for the dry cleaners, I guess. Is there one locally?’
    ‘I think the local garage has an agency but no, no actual dry cleaners for miles.’
    ‘Then I shall have to buy myself a boiler suit to pull over my clothes. Quickest thing during these dark evenings. Now, let’s get inside and see what Mrs Harper has cooked up for us.’
    ‘Night Major,’ she whispered, patting her beloved horse’s neck. ‘See you tomorrow. And just you be on your best behaviour. Don’t let me down.’ She bolted the door and went across the yard. However dilapidated the rest of the outbuildings, the stable block seemed very well appointed. Alex went into the kitchen door and held it open for her. It was a delightful, farmhouse kitchen. A wide oak dresser held a range colourful country pottery and a shelf near the cooker was stocked with cast iron pots and dishes. Lovely light honey coloured granite surfaces gave plenty of work space and oak cupboards suggested