Yours Completely(5)

“It's nice to meet you.” His voice was deep and warm, and softened by the smile on his face.

Let go of his hand. Let go of his hand... Ella's mind chanted and she blushed as she finally released him. She needed to get a hold of herself. Handsome guests came and went all the time. He was no different than any other guest. She couldn't afford to let a pretty face distract her from her goals.

“So, who were they, and why were you hiding from them?” Ella asked, turning away and heading back toward Captain's stall to finish brushing him.

“Vultures,” Jace replied, making a sour face and glancing at the door. “I really do appreciate you throwing them off my trail.”

Ella chuckled. “We're all about customer service here.”

“Would you mind if I hid out here for just a little longer?” he asked, his eyes going to hers again and giving her that same lightheaded feeling as before. “Just to make sure they're gone.”

“You mean you don't want to hang out with your adoring fans?” Ella teased. She paused, not really wanting to turn him away yet. It was strange, but she wanted him to stay. Maybe it was just because he was incredibly good looking, or maybe it was the way he smiled at her, but she wasn't ready for him to leave. “I suppose it's okay. But, if you're in the barn, you have to work.”

Jace glanced at the open doorway again. “I'll muck out stalls if that's what it takes.”

Ella studied him for a moment, debating the wisdom of letting a guest stay and help in the barn. While the idea of him wearing those designer shoes mucking out the stalls was amusing, there was a reason guests weren't allowed in there, and it wasn't just for liability issues. It was her space. Yet, it would be nice to have some company. Jace, noticing her thinking, fluttered his eyelashes and pouted his lower lip out, looking for all the world like a helpless puppy. Ella couldn't stop the laugh from escaping her. There was no way to say no to that face.

She grinned and reached over to her tools, handing him the curry comb. “You're in luck. The mucking is done. But the horses do need to be groomed.”

Jace grinned, momentarily dazzling her with his smile as he reached for the comb. His fingers connected with hers and for a moment, the world stopped spinning. Heat sizzled up from her toes, around her spine, and back down again.

Ella blushed, pulling back and pointing to the second stall with a white horse head poking out. “That's Commander.” She hoped he didn't notice the husky quality her voice had suddenly taken on, or the way her heart was thudding in her chest from their brief contact.

Jace moved easily over to the stall, going inside as if he knew exactly what he was doing. Ella waited at the stall door, watching to make sure the Jace didn't need any help. The last thing she wanted was for Commander to misbehave.

Jace paused at the stall door, making sure that Commander had ample opportunity to know he was coming. Commander's ears flicked back and forth, curious about the man with the brush saying hello. Every inch of Jace exuded confidence and tranquility, as he stepped forward and let the horse smell his hand before gently stroking his neck. Commander let out a friendly huff, eagerly presenting himself for a brushing from his new friend.

“Where'd you learn about horses?” Ella asked, intrigued at how easily the man had won over the gelding. Commander's eyes were already closed in happy bliss as Jace worked strong circles with the curry comb.

“I played polo as a teenager,” Jace replied, his tone light and his eyes focused on Commander.

“Polo?” Ella repeated. Playing polo meant he came from serious money. She should have guessed, since had to be at the inn for the wedding. Suddenly the very nice shoes and expensive clothes made more sense. It made her shudder a little bit to think of just how much he must have paid for those shoes and how easily he was willing to be around horses in them. Money was of no object to a man like him.

“Yeah. I was never very good, but my mother wanted me to play. Be like the other kids.” He paused in his grooming and grinned at her. “I didn't like the game, but I did like the horses.”

“You're certainly good with them,” Ella replied, watching his hands move across the gelding's coat. His movement was strong and sure, and for a moment, she wondered what it would be like to have his hands on her like that. Touching her skin, her legs, her arms, her back...

Heat rushed through her and she shook her head, trying to clear the thought. The man was a guest. She shouldn't have those kinds of thoughts about a guest, no matter how handsome he was. Business before pleasure.

“What about you?” Jace paused in his brushing once more to look at her, earning him a grumpy foot stomp from Commander. He quickly resumed his deep, even strokes. “Where'd you learn about horses?”