Come Share My Love - By Carrie Macon Page 0,39

was a beautiful golden brown with a white diamond in her forehead.

Shyla laughed. A big hearty laugh. “You named your horse Fluoride? Where are Tartar Control and Colgate?” She bent over laughing.

The horse stood up on her hind legs and jumped at her. Shyla nearly fell into the pond.

“Down girl. Down.” Zackary soothed. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I think so.”

“I was talking to the horse. The mean old lady didn’t intend to hurt you, baby girl.”

“I’m sorry.”

“And you should be. Don’t you know that animals have feelings too? My girl is just a little temperamental today. Now if you’re really nice, I’ll let you pet her.”

“No offense to your “baby girl“, but I won’t be petting her or any other horse. She doesn’t like me.”

Zackary dismounted the horse. “Of course she does. She’s just showing her authority right now.” He whispered to Shyla. “I think she’s a little jealous. I’ve never offered a lady a ride before.”

“Well that makes me feel special.”

“You should, because you are.” He winked.

The horse nudged him and Shyla held back a laugh.

“Let me introduce you two ladies. Shyla, this beautiful golden beauty is my baby girl Fluoride and Fluoride this beautiful, beautiful black beauty is…my…” he turned back to her. “How should I introduce you?” He was serious and waited for her response.

“Your friend, Zackary.”

“My friend? Are you sure?” He was disappointed.

“Yes. For now,” she slipped in.

His eyes perked up. “Well that sounds promising.” He gave her a quick peck on the lips. “Fluoride this is my friend, but soon to be more in the near future, I hope.” He rushed without taking a breath, “Shyla.”

The horse bowed then stood back up.

Shyla had never seen anything like it. She was a beautiful horse. The most she knew about horses, was that some were wild and some were tame but they were all very beautiful.

“See, she does like you. Fluoride doesn’t just bow to anyone. Come over here and give me your hand.”

Shyla moved back another step.

“Come on. We won’t bite. Not that I don’t want to, because I definitely want to, and in the right place, but I won’t.”

“I thought you were supposed to be safe? I would probably be safer with Fluoride,” the horse laughed.

Zackary glanced at the horse and said, “Not funny Flo,” then turned back to Shyla. “I am safe. Now come here.”

She reached her hand to his and he pulled her to him. Both their hands were sweaty from nervousness, for two separate reasons.

“Now gently rub right here.” He guided her hand right between the horse’s eyes. “See.” He looked at her. “She likes that. She’s spoiled that way. Afraid?”

She shook her head. “No.” She continued to rub the horse’s brow even after Zackary let her arm free and moved his arms to wrap around her waist.

“She is a very beautiful animal,” Shyla smiled. “How long have you had her?”

“Since she was a baby. She’s only two years old.”

“She’s huge for a two year old.”

“She’s an offspring of Seattle Slew, the Kentucky Derby winner.”

“Are you serious?” He responded with a nod of his head. “Do you plan on putting her in any competitions?”

“No. Our horses are for riding only, pure pleasure.”

“That’s good. I hate to see animals hurt, especially when it could be prevented.”

“Me too. Some people think we’re crazy for having this type of money on our land and not using it for gain. We’ve had offers to buy her and her siblings but it’s not worth it.” He reached over Shyla and rubbed the horse again.

“I agree. Good for you, guys.”

Now he was nudging her ear with his nose and nibbling with his mouth. “So will you go riding with me?” he whispered. She had that feeling again, but this time she wouldn’t give into the sensations.

“I can’t Zackary. I’m not even dressed for it.”

“You can run and change or ride sideways. You’ll be leaning against me.” That was one of the reasons for her decision. “I wouldn’t let you fall.”

“I know you wouldn’t. I still can’t.”

“Why not, Shyla? It’s just a short ride.”

“I just can’t. Isn’t that enough?” They stared one another down for what seemed like an eternity. Shyla finally looked away. She was still wrapped in Zackary’s arms so it wasn’t going to be easy to ignore him.

He turned her to face him. “Shyla. I really like you and I brought you here this weekend so that we could spend some time together. Away from our lives in L.A., so that we could get to know one