Read Online Fear of Falling by Catherine Lanigan - Free Book Online Page B

perfecting my skills. I’ve taken some classes here and there at the college branches around the county, but it’s hard to squeeze them in with the catering and keeping the deli going.”
    â€œThe deli...” Rafe slapped his palm against his thigh. “The Indian Lake Deli. Now I remember my mom telling me. Sorry, I’m not a customer. Frankly, I don’t get to town all that often. For fun, I mean.”
    â€œWhat do you do for fun?”
    â€œRide Rowan,” he replied instantly, glancing over at his horse.
    Rowan had come to the stall door when Rafe entered the stable and at the mention of his name, the horse snorted and whinnied.
    â€œHey, boy!” Rafe walked over to the stall and opened the door, letting him walk out and join the conversation.
    â€œAre you...a jockey?” she asked with a tight set to her lips.
    Funny, he could have sworn her hands had started to tremble, but she clamped them both over her camera before he could be sure.
    What was it with this woman? One minute she was as effervescent as bubbles in champagne, the next she looked as if she was about to blow the cork off. Did the horses make her nervous, or was it him?
    He decided to try some levity, so he chuckled and hoped it wasn’t too forced. “I could never be a jockey. I’m too heavy and too long.” He motioned to her, but she seemed to recoil. “Come pet him.”
    â€œI shouldn’t.” She remained glued to the spot.
    Rafe leaned forward and smiled at her. “C’mon, you were practically throwing yourself at him before. It’s okay. Really.”
    â€œOkay,” she replied finally, stepping closer and lifting her hand.
    Rowan moved his head under her palm, forcing her to pet him.
    Rafe smiled appreciatively. “He likes you.”
    â€œHe’s not this friendly with everyone?”
    â€œQuite the opposite. My mom has never ridden him and he won’t even let her brush him. It’s always been me, my dad or Curt. I’ve joked that Rowan is a misanthrope.”
    â€œApparently not.” Olivia laughed as she gazed lovingly at Rowan. “He’s so beautiful. I’ve never seen a horse this gorgeous.”
    Rowan nudged Olivia’s neck, forcing her to pay more attention to him than to Rafe. If Rafe didn’t know better, he’d say that Rowan was jealous.
    Olivia put her arms around the horse’s neck for the second time that evening and kissed his nose. Her eyes traveled over his body, assessing him the way a sculptor would judge a model.
    Rowan preened under her inspection, and Rafe allowed her the long moment of adoration for his horse. He watched her slowly make her way along his length, whispering and cooing to Rowan as she circled his haunches and tail. If she hadn’t told Rafe she didn’t ride, he never would have guessed. She was a natural. She reminded him of himself when he brushed or bathed Rowan. She even leaned down to lift his leg and inspect his hoof. He noticed how she used both hands to hold his leg, cradling it as if it was a precious treasure.
    Of course, Rowan was Rafe’s prize. But Olivia didn’t know that. She only acted in concert with what she sensed and felt. Rafe found that very endearing.
    â€œYou must have some kind of gift with animals,” Rafe said as Olivia stood and looked at him over Rowan’s back.
    â€œWhy do you say that?”
    â€œHe’s never this quiet for this long. Usually, he’s pushing me out the door to take him for a ride. Or a race.”
    Olivia’s neck went stiff. “Race?”
    Rafe chuckled. “You seemed so familiar with him, I thought you realized Rowan is a Thoroughbred. A racehorse.”
    â€œRight. Your mother told me,” she replied with so much deliberation he sensed something was not quite right. “He’s expensive, then.” It was more of an observation than a question, so Rafe didn’t take offense.
    â€œHe