Second Chances Read Online Free PDF

pick some up at the store later,
he changed brushes and went over the mare’s gleaming hide with a soft cloth.
    His
mind turned back to the woman. Something about her snared his curiosity and
interest, no matter how many times he lectured himself on the evils of the
opposite sex. In truth, he knew little about her, but had picked up on a few
things. She didn’t wear a wedding ring, proclaiming her single. She adored her
horses and had a good heart judging by the special needs filly she couldn’t
leave behind. While not a great amount of knowledge, the facts only whetted his
desire to learn more.
    The
small rental house he’d dropped her off at earlier appeared tidy and well kept.
Nothing about the small structure spoke of luxury or richness, yet he didn’t
see any disrepair, overgrown areas, or peeling paint. Either she or the owner
had to take pride in the small dwelling. Again, a positive sign about April.
    Why bother? She’s just a
boarder. Nothing more, nothing less.
    After
he finished with the mare, he scratched her neck, and then left the stall, his
eyes searching once more for April. Sure enough, she remained with her horses.
Grabbing up a couple of brushes, he walked over. “Here. If you’re going to be
hanging out with them, you might as well put the time to good use.”
    At the
sound of his voice, Miracle spun around to face him. Her ears flipped back and
forth, but she didn’t appear nearly as anxious as before. Slowly, he handed the
items over to April, always cognizant of the filly’s body language, in
particular the carriage of her ears.
    “Thanks.”
April took the larger, coarser brush in hand, and started working on Miracle.
The gray horse relaxed by increments, although she kept a wary eye on Dusty. He
appreciated April’s ability to deal with the traumatized horse.
    “She’s
a beauty. Thoroughbred, right?” He kept his voice low and calming. The filly
flicked her ears, but didn’t move otherwise, obviously enjoying the rub down
way too much to bother with trying to take a chunk out of his hide.
    “That’s
what the humane society said. She has a tattoo on the inside of her lip, but
they weren’t able to make out the numbers.” April stepped to the other side,
nudging Mischief away for the moment. “Ladies first, buddy.” The mini rubbed
his head against her hip.
    Dusty
smiled. “Never thought much about miniature horses before, but that one’s
pretty cute.”
    April
shot him a grin. “I thought so. The director said he’s a total ham.”
    “Makes
sense. Looks like I need to invest in some sugar cubes.” He watched April make
sweeping strokes over the filly’s back and envisioned her doing the same to
him. Minus the brush, of course. A bite of need flared.
    “The
humane society trainer recommended them. She’s all about rewards, especially
for the horses they see. I didn’t meet her, but that’s what Lois told me. So
far, it’s worked for the trailer business.”
    She
grasped a hoof pick from her back pocket, grabbed Miracle’s foot, and leaned
into her side. “Let me have your hoof, Miracle.”
    Dusty
held his breath the moment April asked and the filly didn’t respond. In such a
vulnerable position, April could have been knocked down, bit, or kicked. He
prepared to dash in if things went to hell in a handbasket.
    After a
moment of pause, the filly shifted her weight and allowed April to lift her
foot and clean. Each foot followed in turn. When finished, April stood up and
pushed a few stray hairs out of her face. “Cloth please?”
    He
handed one over, relieved she completed the riskiest part of grooming without a
hitch. “For a second, I didn’t think she’d allow you to do her feet.”
    April
started wiping gently on the filly’s face. “She’s hesitant. I guess the farrier
was an issue at the farm since they only had a man for the job. They managed
with the trainer and a couple of the female staff surrounding her and helping
to hold her feet.” She glanced over