Pippa's Rescue Read Online Free PDF Page A

shoulders slid back. “Army. I’m glad you’re here to help this little lady. She’s a treasure.”
    “It’s nice to meet you. I agree, she’s special.” Basil turned to untie the reins from the hitching post.
    “I’ll leave his treatment plan in the cab of your truck. Call me if you need anything at all.” Doc stared at her, as if indicating he’d do whatever he could to help her out of a situation he knew little about. That was the kind of bond she’d been fortunate enough to garner over the past few years. Law enforcement, veterinarians, and rescue workers all banded together to get help for unfortunate animals being mistreated. And friends supported friends.
    Basil clacked. Seconds passed until the docile steed clopped forward. At the edge of the horse trailer he stopped, refusing to go inside.
    “Timidity is not unusual for traumatized horses— and reluctance to go into a closed dark space. Let me.” Pippa took the reins and dropped them on the ground. Just as Basil had done to her earlier, she gently cupped the horse’s face. He lurched, but at her murmuring he stopped. She dropped her voice to an even monotone whisper. “I don’t know what your name is, but I think I’ll call you Titan. He was an Italian painter, you know, who used various colors to create beautiful works of art. Your hide has been changed, but I see beauty in the pink, white, gray, and purple. You’ll have a new life if you travel to my ranch. We’ll treat you with care and give you love.”
    Titan’s eyes stopped rolling. He blew out a long breath and placed his snout on her shoulder. Pippa carefully lowered her hands to his neck, searching for any injuries. Trust blossomed quickly between her and horses from all walks of life. Folks around the county claimed she was a horse whisperer, but she could simply communicate with equines, injured or not. As trust developed, the horses relied on her to take care of them as promised. She would do whatever it took to remain true to her word, which meant she had to find her scandalous brother and make him sign the ranch over to her.
    “You okay?” Basil asked. His voice stayed low and steady, as reassuring as a priest in the confessional box.
    “I get emotional at things like this. Ready to go?” She bent to pick up the reins. Slow steps brought them up the ramp and onto the rubber mat. Within seconds she had him safe and secure inside, with a window open to allow airflow. Outside again, she helped to unlatch the ramp and shut the doors.
    “Thanks,” she whispered and walked to the driver’s side of the truck before he could see her tears.
    Strong arms wrapped around her, crushing her chest to his. “You need a hug. Now, be a good girl and wipe those tears. You’re doing a good thing here, helping this horse.”
    As much as she wanted to remain in Basil’s arms, in a comfortable secure place, she had to get the horse home before his sedative wore off. “Thank you.” She blinked several times. “We need to roll.”
    A rough fingertip with jagged edges, brushed a tear from her cheek. She inhaled, feeling more than tender commiseration. He slowly moved his hands along her sides, sliding them gentle like. “Are you and the dude, banker-boy, an item?”
    His question couldn’t have surprised her more. Did he feel the vibrations between them too? No, he wanted information about her brother. “Thanks for the support.” She stepped back and patted his chest. “I’m not in a relationship with anyone, nor do I have time for one. Granted, I’m hot—”
    “You are indeed.”
    “Pip, here’s his treatment plan. You should probably get on the road, as his meds will be wearing off in a couple of hours.”
    Instead of jumping back a few feet, Basil wrapped his arm around her waist, like a caveman staking a claim. She stiffened in his embrace. Well, she’d set him straight. She shoved his hand, but it didn’t budge. “Yep. Thanks, Doc. I’ll see you in a few days for