Page 15 of The Fugitive Cowboy's Baby
As she walked away, he did his best not to stare at her. The last thing he wanted to be was creepy, but the truth was, she fascinated him. Something about her was just so pleasantly decisive. He’d never met a woman like her. No doubt, she was going to infuriate him in the end, but for now he was borderline charmed.
Ten minutes later, they were on their way to look at a horse. Cole was familiar enough with horses and more than confident he could provide a good opinion on whether or not the horse was worth what the sellers were asking. “How much you lookin’ to pay for this horse?”
“Oh, they’re asking five hundred, but I’m going to try to talk them down to three or four.”
If Cole had been drinking coffee instead of driving, he might have spit it back into his cup. “Five hundred? Kitten, are you sure you aren’t missing a zero in there somewhere?”
She shook her head. “Nope. That’s the price.”
“Is it a foal?”
She laughed rather than answer him, and he thought that was probably the worst possible sign.
“So, it’s not a foal,” he concluded. “Untrained?”
Her smile dropped, and she narrowed her eyes. “Listen, mister. Your job is to advise me on price only. I’m gettingthishorse.”
“If you say so.” He had to wonder why she was so adamant that he not have anything to say about her choice of horse. Just what was going on with this horse?
When they got to the stables where it was being held, Cole found out exactly why she was so certain he would disapprove.
The man operating the stables met them as soon as they parked. “So you’re looking to purchase old Coal Black, are you? Can’t tell you how pleased I am the old girl will be going to a good home for her retirement.”
“Old girl?” Cole asked.
“Yeah,” the owner said, as though it were not a shock at all. “She’s too old to work anymore, so I have to sell her.” He led them into the stables and to a specific stall. The horse in that stall had probably been a fantastic purchase when she was younger. She was a beautiful black mare, but she was clearly well past her prime. Kat didn’t seem to care.
“Is she good with kids?” she asked, patting the horse on the nose.
Cole couldn’t help himself. “What difference does that make? She can’t work. Why would you spend money on a horse that can’t work?”
“She can work,” Kat said, sounding far too sure of herself, in Cole’s opinion. “Just not the kind of work you’re thinking of. And that’s your problem.” She smiled a cocky smile and poked Cole in the chest. “You’re too narrow-minded. Anyway, isn’t she cute?” She went back to giving the horse her full attention. “She shares a name with you. That’s how I knew she was the right horse.”
“That’show you knew?” Trust her to somehow pin this on him.
The owner who was selling the horse chimed in. “She’s the perfect horse for your needs. You made an excellent choice.”
Cole wanted to remind Kat that any seller would say the same regardless of the horse and that the seller’s opinion on the matter was relatively meaningless, but he did have some amount of decency that kept him in check. Instead of spouting off, he chose to pull her aside. “Can we have a word?” he asked.
“Oh, sure.” Kat turned back to the owner. “Don’t go away now. I’m buying Lady Coal today.”
“Sure thing, Miss Naylor,” the owner said.
Cole grabbed her by the wrist and practically dragged her out of the barn. When they were far enough that he was sure they had some privacy, Cole finally got to say what was on his mind. “Don’t buy that horse, kitten. What are you thinking?”
Kat cocked her head. “Do you think I’m being taken advantage of or something? Is the price not good?”
“For that?” He sighed deeply. “The price is fine. She’s cheaper than any horse I’ve ever bought. But she’s going to cost you in vet bills as she ages, and she’s not going to be able to do much work. She’s past her prime.”
Kat smiled a knowing smile that did not comfort Cole in the least. “All I need her to be is gentle,” she said.
He squinted down at her. “Can you at least let me in on whatever it is you’re trying to do? I can advise you better if I know what you’re trying to do.”
She hesitated but eventually decided to tell him. “OK, but you have to hear me out.”
He nodded.
Her shoulders dropped as she relaxed a bit, and her optimism started to shine through any kind of insecurity she might have had about getting herself in over her head. She clearly didn’t doubt herself very often. “I thought about it, and I don’t know a lot about selling meat or eggs or whatever, but I do know a little something about selling an experience. I’m a marketer, a social media expert. Uncle Roy knew that about me. I was wondering why on earth he would leave a ranch to me, but I think I’ve figured it out now. He wanted me to save it by turning it into an experience. So I’m going to start with gentle livestock, maybe animals that can’t work anymore for one reason or another, and I’m going to put together a petting zoo for children.”
