I laugh. “You’re great with horses. Big Black likes you!”
She giggles.
“Yeah, I’ve always loved horses, but my parents never let me have one. We don’t really have the space at my house and unfortunately, Maryanne and Ben weren’t about to rent a stall at a barn. Someday, I’d love to own a ranch with horses and maybe some goats and other animals too. Not a full-on farm, because I don’t have the patience for that, but it’d be nice to be around animals. It makes me happy,” she finishes simply. I smile, touched by her sincerity.
“I hope you fulfill that dream someday.”
“Me too. What about you, Travis? Do you raise sheep still? Or maybe horses of your own?”
I shake my head ruefully.
“Unfortunately, I don’t have time for animals anymore. Work keeps me busy.”
“What do you do?”
“I work in the agricultural sector.”
Pepper laughs good-naturedly. “Like most everyone in this town. We all work with the land and the animals.”
“True. What do you do?”
Her smile quirks.
“I actually work at a coffee shop, so I’m an exception. The job isn’t much, but I haven’t been able to find a full time position since I graduated in May. Note to self: never major in art because it’s not a skill set employers are looking for.”
I shrug.
“You’re young. You’ll find something, and besides, you never know. The world is changing so fast now that flexible skill sets are what’s really valued.”
She smiles ruefully. “I hope so. I do like the coffee shop, though. It’s a nice place to go everyday, and I enjoy chatting with co-workers and customers.”
I don’t ask for more information because honestly, I don’t want to come off as a stalker. Of course, I’d love to hear more about her work, her job, her school, or even her parents, but we just met. It would be creepy if an older man suddenly started peppering a gorgeous young girl with questions.
Besides, I don’t want Pepper to start asking me about my work either. I took over Keystone five years ago, and it’s been a whirlwind. Frankly, I’m sick and tired of slaving away like a dog, and it’s all in an effort to put another dollar in my pocket. The problem is that I already have enough as is, and it’s nice to have a normal conversation for a change.
“It’s a shame you don’t have a horse of your own,” I say, changing the subject.
She smiles ruefully. “Tell that to my parents.”
I laugh.
“Well, I’d love to have my own too, but at least I get to spend time with Big Black. His owners have me watch him when they go on trips, and I like to think of myself as his ‘cool uncle.’”
Pepper giggles. “He seems to love you.”
At that moment, Big Black nuzzles against the pocket of my button-down shirt and I chuckle.
“Yeah but it’s because I have these.”
I pull out a handful of sugar cubes I brought as a treat for the animals. The horses in nearby stalls seem to sense the snack and they whinny a bit too.
“Would you like to give one to Big Black?” I offer. Pepper brightens.
“Is that okay?”
“Yeah of course. Trust me, horses love sugar cubes and especially this big guy here. He’ll be your best friend if you give him a couple.”
“Sure, then I’d love to.”
I drop three cubes onto Pepper’s hand and she holds them out to the humongous horse in front of us. But she’s not scared. He immediately laps them up in one lick, and she laughs at the tickle of Big Black’s muzzle on her hand. Meanwhile, I feed the mare next to our friend because she was beginning to stamp her hooves, demanding her own dessert.
“You’re such a big boy, Big Black,” Pepper coos. “It’s no wonder you have that name.”
The horse whinnies, and I return to Pepper’s side with a chuckle. The air between us is relaxed and comfortable and I smile.
“He likes you.”
“How can you tell?” Pepper asks, cocking her head. “Is there some horse body language I’m missing?”
I think for a moment before deciding to go for it. This is going to alter the connection between us, but hey, Pepper’s gorgeous and I can’t resist. I point towards the erection forming under Big Black’s body. “I know he likes you because he thinks you’re a beautiful mare.”
“Oh my God!” Pepper immediately gasps, jumping back with a blush. Her eyes are wide as she stares at Big Black’s huge member. “I had no idea horses could get so…”
“It’s perfectly natural. A part of life.”
“True.”
I grin.
“But you’re from around here right? So you know your way around animals. The birds and bees and all that.”
Pepper bites her lip, still staring. By now, Big Black is the size of a eggplant, and growing still. He’s impressive, and even I have to whistle low in my throat.