The Billionaire’s Christmas Contract by Laura Haley-McNeil

Chapter 3

Leah gasped at the motionless Bryg lying flat on the ground.

The piglet, briefly stunned, fell quiet, then struggled in Bryg’s clutches.

“Are you all right?” Leah rushed to Bryg’s side and dropped to her knees. Panting, she looked over Bryg’s motionless form. She lifted the startled piglet from his grasp.

As if exhausted from the struggle, the piglet collapsed in her arms.

“I think so.” Bryg’s voice was thin and strained. His eyes closed. He lay so still, Leah trembled.

“Don’t move. I’ll be right back.” Leah rested a hand on his, which was cool and tense.

Her chest tightened at the pain on Bryg’s face. Jumping to her feet, she rushed to the pen and set the still stunned piglet next to Miss Piggy. The mournful sow sniffed her baby as if to confirm it had survived the adventure unscathed. Leah adjusted the pen’s slats so the piglet wouldn’t try another escape, which was almost guaranteed. She brushed dirt from her hands and looked down at her sweater. Miraculously, she’d avoided the mud and water that covered Bryg. She raced back to him and dropped to her knees.

“Did you break anything?” she whispered hoarsely.

Bryg opened his eyes and stared at the sky. His gaze shifted to hers. “I don’t think so,” he said, his voice rough. He didn’t move. He breathed hard, and that made Leah’s heart hammer.

“Maybe I should call an ambulance,” she whispered.

“No,” Bryg rasped. “I’m okay.” He struggled to his elbows.

“Let me help you.” Leah rose and extended her hand.

He looked at it as if doubtful she could help him stand.

“I can help.” She looked at him and tipped her hand toward him.

His mouth curved before a grimace of pain spread over his face. Leah felt that pain to her core.

He rested his hand in hers, and the strength in his touch made her tighten her jaw. She leaned back, pulling on his hand. He rose to his feet.

“Your clothes,” Leah murmured on a soft exhale. Her gaze swept over the pristine garments now stained with dirt and brown water. Mud covered his shoes.

Bryg’s gaze followed hers. He gave a soft snort and lifted one foot. A stream of water poured out of the sole.

Leah lifted her gaze to his and pressed her lips together. “They’re ruined.”

“I suppose you know of a way to clean these, too?” he said with a lift of his brow.

“I do, though, I’m afraid these might be beyond salvation,” she said softly. “The shoes definitely are.”

“I think you’re right,” he said. He set his foot on the ground. A squishing sound followed. He gave a soft laugh and looked back at the pigpen. “How’s the piglet? And please don’t tell me he’s scarred for life.”

“He is a she, and I think Babe will be fine,” she said with a laugh that held no humor.

“Babe?” His eyes widened with question. “You’ve given her a name?”

“I know I’m not supposed to,” she said and pressed her lips together, “but she was so cute when she squeezed out of the pen and discovered she was free. Kind of like that old movie about the pig. Did you ever see that?”

“I believe so, and you’re right. She was kind of cute, though I’d never thought I’d say that about a pig.” He laughed, then winced.

A wave of emotion plunged through Leah. She didn’t like that he was here to convince her parents to sell their ranch to him, but she didn’t want him to hurt.

She took in a slow breath. “Let’s go back to the house. I’m sure I can find some clothes for you to wear so you don’t have to sit in those things.”

“If you can loan me a towel, I can sit on that when I drive back to the house.”

“You should at least change.” Leah frowned at him. “Those clothes have to feel miserable.”

“I’ll be fine,” he said. “I don’t have that far to drive.” He extended his hand indicating she should lead the way.

“I’ll walk around the house to my SUV,” Bryg said. “I don’t want to track mud through the house.”

Her parents and the boys were standing on the deck when they reached the house. When he told Leah’s parents he was leaving, her mother offered to get his portfolio and slipped inside. She returned a moment later and handed it to him.

“What happened to you?” Zeke leaned against the backside of the house and tipped his chin toward Bryg.

“I lost a battle with piglet.” Bryg smiled at the boy.

The boys broke into laughter and pushed each other, except for Zeke. His mouth curved slightly, as if he appreciated Bryg’s humor and honesty. It was the first time since Zeke had arrived at the ranch that Leah had seen a light in his eyes.

“I’m going to get him a towel.” Leah stepped toward the house.

“I’ll get it, honey,” her mother said and disappeared inside. She reappeared a moment later and handed Bryg the towel. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

“Physically, yes. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same thing for my pride.” Bryg brushed the towel over his coat sleeves, then held it out to Leah.

“Keep it,” Leah said with a laugh. “You’ll need it more than we will.” She glanced at the luxury SUV parked in front of the ranch house. “You may want to sit on it so you don’t get your car dirty.”

When she turned back to Bryg, she noticed the boys had moved beside him. With longing looks in their eyes, they craned their necks to view the vehicle’s sleek lines, polished finish and gleaming wheels. Interest even sparked in Zeke’s stony face.

“If you want to bring the clothes back, I can remove those stains,” Leah said and tried to smile past the remorse hooked inside her chest. Because of her, two sets of his clothes were ruined, though she knew she could salvage the jacket and slacks he’d brought to her this afternoon.

Bryg gave a dismissive wave, then stopped. His smile pressed thumbprint dimples into his firm jaw. “All right. If you’re sure it isn’t too much trouble.”

His smile broke her tension, and she released a soft breath. “It’s the least I can do. I feel responsible that two sets of your clothes have been ruined.”

She couldn’t forget the fear in Zeke’s face when he’d realized what he’d done, but what did she expect? He was a kid.

“They’re just clothes.” Bryg’s soft voice edged through her thoughts.

“Maybe to you.” Leah snorted softly. What those clothes had cost would cover ranch expenses for a couple of weeks. “If you want to bring them back tonight or tomorrow, I can work on the stains, but you should bring them soon. If the stains sit on the fabric too long, they’ll be harder to remove, though I’m sure I can still get them out.”

“Bring them back tonight,” Leah’s father said. “You can stay for dinner, if you don’t mind a full table.”

That brought Leah’s head up. “Dinner?”

“Dinner?” Surprise sounded in Bryg’s voice. He shifted his gaze to Leah as if asking her permission.

Around them, the restless boys elbowed and shouldered each other as they exerted their dominance.

Zeke stood away from the others, his bearing sullen, and leaned against the house. The other boys ignored him, though Leah knew they got Zeke’s message―he’d confront anyone who challenged him. He was still testing the boundaries set up by Leah’s parents, and she knew he’d soon test their rules.

Leah moved between Frankie and the other boys, her height and firmness stilling them with enough surprise to keep them quiet for a few minutes.

She felt Bryg’s questioning gaze on her, and she lifted a shoulder. “Sure, come to dinner, if you don’t mind meatloaf and mashed potatoes.” She doubted that would thrill him. He probably had a personal chef who prepared organic entrees for him every night.

“That sound’s great,” he said and looked as if he appreciated the invitation. “I’ll bring dessert.”

The boys jerked their gazes to him.

“What will you bring?” Zeke’s flat voice didn’t hide the interest in his eyes.

Bryg shifted his questioning gaze to Leah and her parents. “What should I bring?”

“Tiramisu,” Zeke said before anyone could answer. His mispronunciation didn’t confuse what he wanted, though Leah wondered if he realized what the dessert was.

“Tiramisu?” Bryg said. If the request had surprised him, he hid it well. He arched a questioning brow at Leah.

“Actually, the bakery in town does sell it,” she said, though she doubted it was on the list of Mardale-must-have desserts and wondered if that was the latest creation Danielle had learned during her last culinary class.

“Tee-a …” Frankie stumbled over the word, then scowled. “What’s that?”

Bryg pulled out his phone. A picture popped up on his screen, and he tipped it to the boys who crowded around.

Zeke glanced at Bryg’s phone, then looked away. “Yeah, that’s it.”

“Is it any good?” Frankie asked.

“‘Course, that’s why I want it.” Zeke shook his head.

When Frankie looked hurt, Leah draped an arm around his shoulder. “It is good.”

She should know. She’d indulged in the dessert many times at a teashop near campus. When she had attended bridal bootcamp, she’d cut dessert from her diet. She’d been determined to fit into the beaded wedding dress that still hung in her closet in her Massachusetts condominium. Disappointment seeped into her chest. She didn’t have to worry about fitting in that gown anymore, though since returning to Mardale she’d easily lost more weight than at any bridal bootcamp. And she didn’t have to. What a waste!

“If that’s agreeable …” Bryg looked from Leah to her parents.

“Fine with me.” Vern lifted a shoulder, and Leah wondered if he remembered what tiramisu was. She’d taken her parents to the teashop a couple of times when they’d visited.

“I like it. I think the boys will, too,” Leah said. If they didn’t, the freezer was packed with ice cream.

“Fine, I’ll pick up the tiramisu on my way back here,” Bryg said. “What time should I come?”

“Six o’clock should be fine,” Vern said. “The boys will have finished their chores by then.”

That made Zeke’s eyes widen. He’d grumbled this morning when asked to clean the boys’ bathroom that he’d only used once―not enough to make him clean it. When he learned television and computer privileges would be revoked, he’d cleaned the room. His grumbling was heard in every corner of the house, which wasn’t unusual. Many boys before him had voiced their objections. Others would follow … unless her parents sold the ranch.

When Zeke grumbled, the other boys ignored him, though Frankie had told him that if he’d do the work instead of complain, it would go faster. Zeke muttered something that made Frankie’s face tighten. His jaw set, he shook his head, but walked away. Frankie had been at the Rendell Ranch long enough to know he should avoid a fight.

“I’ll be back at six,” Bryg said and lifted the towel. “Thank you for this. I’ll bring it back.”

“Keep the towel. Just remember to bring the clothes, so I can get the stains out.” Leah gave him a slight smile. “They won’t be as good as new, but they’ll be close.”

“Anything would be appreciated,” Bryg said, his mouth curving faintly. “I’ll see you at six.” With towel and portfolio in hand, he climbed into his SUV.

“Come on, boys.” Leah guided them toward the back door.

“Can we ride in Bryg’s car?” Zeke didn’t move. He stared after Bryg.

Leah looked back at Bryg. He was beautifully and wonderfully made, and her gaze lingered on him longer than she’d intended. Zeke noticed and gave her a hard stare.

The heat rising in Leah’s face was so hot she knew she’d turned beet red. She had to remember these boys noticed everything. They’d lived on the streets. For them, paying attention meant survival.

“We’ll ask my parents. If they agree, we can ask Bryg, but remember, he may not agree,” Leah said.

The disappointment showing in Zeke’s eyes caught the corner of Leah’s heart. Disappointment was nothing new to these boys.

Sadly, she knew disappointment. It had slapped her in the face when she’d caught Charlie with his assistant. The shock had been devastating, but now made her realize that catching Charlie in the act had saved her from a terrible mistake.

* * *

Bryg spreadthe towel over the driver’s seat and climbed in. He looked back at the house and caught Leah looking at him. The halo of curls didn’t conceal a face that easily spread into a warm smile. Her dark eyes held a tenderness he hadn’t seen in a woman in a long time. Leah’s kindness and caring attitude made her stunning.

One of the boys, Zeke as he remembered, hadn’t missed Leah watching Bryg leave.

Bryg gave a soft laugh. Growing up, Bryg had been the same way. He didn’t miss anything.

When he looked back at the house, he noticed Zeke said something to Leah that made her turn away. Bryg flattened his mouth. He wanted to look at Leah, but he’d see her at dinner tonight. That would make any meatloaf and mashed potato dinner taste like a feast, though he loved meatloaf and mashed potatoes. When he returned to his New York penthouse, he’d add those items to the menus his personal chef gave to his assistant each week.

He looked down at his clothes and wondered what miracle Leah could perform to get the stains out. Even if she couldn’t clean them, it gave him the opportunity to discuss with Leah’s parents a sales price for the ranch. If they weren’t ready to sell, the right price might change their mind. His staff had provided background information on the ranch owners in the area―Vern and Mavis Rendell included. Now in their fifties, they’d owned the ranch for more than thirty-four years―four years before they’d adopted Leah’s older brother, David. Two years later, they adopted Leah.

Even after spending an afternoon with the Rendells, he hadn’t missed their devotion to the boys and to the ranch. A swallow slid down Bryg’s throat. Leah and her brother were the lucky ones―the ones who were brought into a family who loved and cared for them.

The same love and care Bryg had received. If it hadn’t been for Adam and Cheryl Moore, he wondered if he’d be alive today.

Something hot rose in Bryg’s throat. The Moores had opened their home to him and had offered love and guidance. They had recognized his technical skill and had bought him a computer. By the time he entered college, he’d studied the stock market and as a college freshman had earned his first million.

Bryg might have been luckier if his real father, the man he couldn’t remember, hadn’t left. His mother had always told him his father was handsome and kind, but apparently not interested in sticking around. If his father had stayed, Bryg may not have made a few million before he graduated college. He swallowed hard. Having a father was the priceless gift he’d longed for.

That he had earned a few million as a college student had shocked him and opened his eyes to what some women in his college class wanted―a man with a few million.

After Bryg’s mother left him, he believed money would help him get what he wanted―his parents. When he’d made enough money to find out what happened to them, it crushed him knowing his mother had been found dead in an alley. His father drifted around the country and even to Mexico a few times, but never settled down. He’d never been interested in finding out what had happened to his son.

Or maybe he knew and didn’t care.

Bryg drove the SUV down the county road, thankful he’d only be in Mardale a few more days. This place brought back memories that should’ve been good. The foster family who had taken him in had helped him to understand the value of an education and had taken him to church, something he didn’t have time for anymore. The bad memories were knowing he grew up without his parents.

Feelings of abandonment came rushing back at him. He’d get these sales deals wrapped up and head back to New York. Once the contracts were signed, he’d have no reason to return to Mardale. He’d hand the details over to his staff. He already had other prospects waiting to be negotiated―his favorite part about the deals he pursued. He loved dealing with the people, getting to know the area.

Best of all he loved returning to New York and throwing a party to celebrate his success. That the moneyed set clamored for an invitation to his parties amused him, and he wondered if any of his friends knew where he’d started. As long as he had money, they wouldn’t care.

Maybe someday he wouldn’t care either.

Driving past the fields filled with horses and cattle, a strange peace came over him. These people had little, yet everyone he’d met had a joy he envied.

Golden eyes and a lush smile wavered in his mind.

Leah Rendell.

Pure delight filled her face. He saw that look in his foster parents’ faces, and the people he met when they’d taken him to church. Normally he spent Christmas with them, their children and grandchildren, but this year they volunteered for a mission trip. A great emptiness rose inside him, and he wondered how he’d spend the holidays. His assistants would send the Moores a card and a donation so they could buy something extra for their grandkids. They’d always handwritten their thanks and invited Bryg for a visit.

Being around the Rendells and their foster children reminded him of how fortunate he had been. The Moores had given him so much. His hands tightened around the steering wheel. He wouldn’t let business interfere with his relationships with people he cared for. As soon as he wrapped up the contracts in Mardale, he’d visit Adam and Cheryl before they left for their missions trip.

When Bryg reached the house he’d rented, he showered and changed and collected the ruined clothes. He’d wash the towel and return it the next time he visited them―he hoped there’d be a next time.

In town, he stopped at the florist and picked up a bouquet of red roses, then went to the bakery where the baker packed the tiramisu in a pastry box.

Bryg was surprised at the rise in his chest when he parked in front of the Rendell’s home. It felt more like a date than a business meeting.

The boys must have seen him coming because they piled out the front door. Even Zeke stepped to the porch, his hands in his pockets. Leah rushed after the boys, her dark hair springing around her anxious face, and making Bryg’s heart rise in his chest. She warned the boys to be careful of Bryg’s clothes. That made the boys cautious, but didn’t dampen their curiosity. They jumped around each other, trying to glimpse the SUV’s interior.

Bryg climbed out. He left the door open so the boys could look inside. Later, if Mavis and Vern agreed, he’d take the boys for a drive.

He walked to the backend. The boys rushed after him. When the hatch floated open, Bryg pulled out a canvas bag.

“What’s in there?” Frankie frowned as if wondering if he should be excited.

“My dirty clothes,” Bryg said and laughed when Frankie made a face. He held out the bag to the boy. “Would you be kind enough to carry these into the house for Leah?”

“Sure,” Frankie said in surprise and took the bag.

Bryg pulled out the bouquet and pastry box. All the boys quieted and stared at Bryg. Even Zeke, who kept his distance from the group, watched Bryg’s every move.

“Roses!” Frankie’s eyes stretched wide.

Bryg didn’t miss Leah’s surprised look.

“They’re beautiful,” she murmured and lifted her gaze to his.

Beautiful like Leah, Bryg thought. The softness in her eyes filled Bryg with an emotion he’d never felt before and wanted to feel again. And it made Bryg wonder when was the last time Leah had received roses. Too long, but he’d fix that. He’d text his assistant to schedule a delivery before he left Mardale.

“It’s very nice of you to bring all this.” Leah slipped the pastry box from his hand.

The boys jostled each other to peer through the box’s plastic window. The surprise in their faces showed they weren’t quite sure what to make of the fluffy swirls of cream and the chocolate shavings. Their surprised glances turned into I’ve-seen-tiramisu-before expressions.

“Since your parents invited me to dinner, and you offered to clean my clothes, it’s the least I can do,” Bryg said. He liked the light in her eyes. If the boys weren’t staring at him, he’d never stop looking into that dazzling gaze.

“Don’t thank me for cleaning the clothes yet,” Leah said with a laugh. “But I did work on the stain on the clothes you wore this morning, and they look pretty good, so I’m sure I can get these stains out.”

The smile curving her lips was the most beautiful thing Bryg had seen in a long time, and the surge of feelings flooding him made him take a steadying breath.

“Let’s go inside.” Leah guided the curious boys away from the SUV and extended her hand toward the front door.

Zeke waited until the other boys had gone inside before he pushed away from the wall and sauntered after them. Mavis and Vern stood in the entry way.

Mavis’ face filled with surprise when she saw the roses. Her appreciative gaze lifted to Bryg. “They’re lovely. I’ll put these on the table so we can enjoy them during dinner.”

“Have a seat.” Leah gestured toward the living room. “I’ll put the tiramisu in the refrigerator. Would you like something to drink? I made raspberry tea.”

“Raspberry tea sounds wonderful,” Bryg said, and followed Vern and Mavis into the living room.

“Come on, boys.” Leah tipped her head toward the kitchen. “You can help me serve the tea and put dinner on the table.”

The boys pushed into the kitchen except Zeke, who remained in the entryway, his eyes narrowed, his posture defensive. Bryg gave him a slight smile. He recognized the reluctance in the boy’s eyes. When he first went to live with the Moores, he had challenged them.

“Everyone pitches in with dinner.” Leah smiled at Zeke. She extended her hand to the kitchen indicating she’d follow him.

When Zeke glanced into the living room, surprise flickered in his eyes to see Bryg, Mavis and Vern looking at him. He shouldered away from the wall and sauntered into the kitchen. There was no condemnation and no relief on Leah’s face when she followed him.

Bryg tucked in the corner of his mouth. Leah seemed to be used to the challenge the foster kids raised―a far cry from most of the students at her private college where their biggest concern would be earning grades that would open doors to careers at prestigious firms. Bryg should know. Every day, he received those students’ resumes and accompanying letters describing what they had to offer his company.

He sat in the living room and made small talk with Vern and Mavis, but didn’t miss Leah’s graceful movements as she and the boys stepped in and out of the kitchen. Even though she wore casual pants and a sweater, she moved around the table with elegance and dignity. There was something about her that seemed to calm the boys as well.

After the meatloaf dinner and tiramisu dessert that seemed to taste nothing like the boys had expected, including Zeke, whose surprise showed in his wide eyes, Bryg helped clean the kitchen.

Leah’s mouth dropped open when he offered, though she said nothing. He had a feeling she rarely kept her opinions to herself, but apparently thought showing gratitude would be a better example to set before the boys.

With the kitchen cleaned and the boys settled in their rooms to complete homework and get ready for bed, Bryg sat in the living room with Vern, Mavis and Leah.

“I, that is my parents and I.” Leah nodded to her parents but still looked at Bryg. “Would like to know what you’ll do when you own all this land. That’s assuming anyone in the valley agrees to sell their ranch to you.” Her calm voice didn’t hide the caution in her eyes.

“Nothing’s firm yet.” Bryg relaxed into a winged chair. “But I’ll work with you and your parents and the other landowners to make sure the proposal benefits the valley. The population here is aging and not many young people stay in the area.” He wouldn’t add that she had moved away. Judging by the look in her eyes, she was aware she was one of the young people who chose not to live in Mardale, but for some reason she was back here now. She had said she was on Christmas break from the college, but the pain in her eyes made him think there was another reason.

“Have you visited any of the ranches you want to buy?” Leah asked.

“Not yet,” he said slowly. “This is the first, though I have communicated with some other owners.” He’d spoken with Holly Johnson, whose ranch bordered the Rendell’s. Public records offered the information he needed about the other ranches in the area. The Rendell ranch was the largest, and the Rendells had the respect of the community, making it a good place to start so other owners would feel more receptive when he approached them.

“Maybe it’s time you got to know the ranches a little better.” Leah stood.

“What did you have in mind?” Bryg said cautiously. He stood, too.

“We should finish the tour we started this afternoon,” Leah said. Her smile warmed the inside of Bryg’s chest.

For a moment, he wondered what it would be like to see that smile every day. That took him by surprise. Never had he met a woman whom he wanted to be in his life every day.

“But don’t worry. We won’t be chasing piglets.” Ah, her musical laugh. “I’ll take you to the barn and you can meet the horses. The boys like taking care of them the best. They learn to ride and care for them, which takes their focus off themselves and onto something else.”

“I’d like to see the horses,” Bryg said, and he wouldn’t mind a private moment with her―only because it gave him the opportunity to explain he wanted nothing but good for the community.

“We won’t be gone long.” Leah glanced at her parents.

“Take your time. It’s been a long day. We’ll check on the boys and call it a night. It’ll give us more time to consider your offer.” Vern looked at Bryg.

“I’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.” Bryg didn’t want lingering doubts to prevent them from selling. They weren’t a young couple. Taking care of the ranch and taking care of foster children would exhaust anyone. Though Leah’s parents showed commitment to these boys, Bryg’s offer would give them the retirement they deserved.

“We don’t have any,” Vern said, “but we can talk more in the next day or so. Stop by anytime.”

Bryg watched them leave. He would talk to them soon. Locals had told him the Rendells were the anchor in this town. Though Vern was the town mayor, he and Mavis looked out for others while running the ranch and raising foster kids.

Just like the Moores.

Bryg helped Leah put on her coat and then slipped into his own. The outside air was cool, and he liked breathing in the freshness that he missed since moving to New York. When he was in the city, he rarely went outside. His driver took him to his office or the club where he met friends for a game of squash.

When he visited his home in the Hamptons, he spent time outdoors, but not without his phone and not without conducting a business deal.

He and Leah walked through the crisp air and down a path to the barn. The inside almost looked like a home with its clean aisles and stalls. The smell of fresh hay hung in the air. Horses nickered and poked their velvety noses through the Dutch door openings.

“This is nice,” Bryg said and noticed Leah hadn’t missed the surprise in his voice.

“It has to be to give the boys a clean environment to live and work.” Leah smiled at him.

She hadn’t told him anything he didn’t know. He remembered social services coming to inspect the Moores’ home, yard and other things he no longer remembered.

Leah stepped to a barrel filled with apples. She scooped a few in her hands and offered him one. “You can’t visit horses without giving them a treat.”

“You’re right,” he said. When she placed an apple into his open palm, the tenderness in her touch pierced him.

She didn’t seem to notice. Instead, she smiled at him and stepped to a stall.

“This is Ginger,” Leah said and stroked the horse’s mane.

The horse whinnied and tipped her head as if wanting more of Leah’s gentle touch.

Bryg’s mouth curved. He’d known Leah less than a day, but being near her filled him with a warmth he wanted to hold close.

Leah opened the stall door and stepped inside. Bryg followed. Except for his thoroughbred farm in Kentucky, he hadn’t been around horses much. Lately, he hadn’t had time to spend on his horse farm, but there would be time for that when he retired. If he retired. The thrill of closing a deal brought more satisfaction than sitting around and staring out the window of his New York penthouse, his beach home in the Hamptons, or his vacation villa on the Côte d’Azur.

And if he lived in this quiet community in Colorado? That made him catch his breath. He was here to make a deal and revitalize a vanishing community. He’d close the deal and board his jet to New York, where he belonged. Something uncomfortable scraped the inside of his chest, and he wondered at the connection he felt for a place he’d soon leave and wouldn’t think about in the next week or two.

“How’re you doing, girl?” Leah opened her palm beneath the horse’s mouth. The mare delicately worked the apple between her teeth, then nodded as if showing gratitude. Leah dug her fingers into the soft hair between the horse’s ears and the horse closed her eyes.

Bryg understood that. Even without feeling Leah’s touch, he knew there was meaning at the tips of those delicate fingers.

The horse gave a rough snort and turned away, her hip striking Leah.

Leah gasped. Her arms flung wide, and she tipped backward. Bryg held out his arms. He caught Leah and held her close. The warmth and softness that pressed against his chest literally took away his breath.