A Lady of the West by Linda Howard Page B

Major noticed he’d arrived and caught his eye, Jake nodded his approval.
    Celia squealed, and Jake saw Victoria give her sister a loving, amused look. “This one!” Celia called, pointing to a showy chestnut with cream-colored mane and tail.
    The beefy man transferred his chew of tobacco from one cheek to the other. “He’s not real well-mannered, miss,” he said gruffly.
    Jake walked up beside Celia and rested his arms on the top railing while he looked over the horses. “What you want,” he said in a quiet voice, “is a horse with good strong legs and one that don’t look like it’ll shy every time a rabbit crosses its trail.” The girl loved horses, but from what he’d seen she hadn’t had much experience with them. She was attracted to the fancy-colored animals regardless of their temperament, but what she needed more than anything was a horse with a placid disposition.
    He pointed out a dark brown horse with one whitestocking. “Now, look at that horse,” he said. “It’s got good strong shoulders and legs, and a deep chest. That means it’s got good lungs. That horse could carry you all day and all night without getting tired.” It was also as calm as the horse Emma had selected.
    Celia tilted her head a little to the side as she studied the animal. “He isn’t very pretty,” she said.
    â€œIt’s a mare,” Jake corrected. He looked at the beefy man. “How about bringing that dark brown mare with the stocking up so the lady can meet her.”
    A simple rope bridle was fashioned on the mare’s nose, and she willingly walked over to snuffle at Celia’s shoes and skirts before nuzzling at her hand. Celia giggled, a sound like liquid sunlight, and stroked the mare’s neck.
    â€œShe’s dusty, but a good brushing will make her shine,” Jake said.
    The mare blew through her nose, sounding as if she agreed, and Celia was won. She turned a beaming smile on Jake. “I want this one,” Celia said, still patting her new friend’s neck.
    Jake glanced at Victoria and caught her watching him. For the first time she didn’t jerk her eyes away as if she couldn’t bear to see him. Pushing it, Jake walked up to her and tipped his hat. “Mrs. McLain. Miss Emma.”
    Victoria was a little pale, but she met his gaze. “Thank you,” she said in a low voice, nodding toward Celia.
    â€œNo thanks needed, ma’am. Do you need any help picking out your own horse, or have you already made up your mind?”
    Victoria had, but she looked blindly at the horses again. He was standing so close that she could feel his warmth at her shoulder.
    â€œLet Roper pick one out for you,” McLain said. “He knows his horses.”
    â€œI already know which one I want. The tall marewith the blaze. The dark chestnut.” She felt stifled by Roper’s nearness and stepped forward until she reached the railing.
    To her dismay Jake moved forward, too, under the guise of looking for the mare. His left shoulder crowded her and immediately he put his left hand on her waist. “Steady, ma’am,” he said, as if she had stumbled.
    He took his time removing his hand. He was standing between her and the Major, blocking her from McLain’s view with his own body. Victoria shuddered and stepped sideways. Her skin burned where he had touched her.
    The beefy man transferred his chew again, eyeing the mare in question. “I don’t know, ma’am. She’s only about half broke to the saddle, and tends to be a touch headstrong.”
    Jake looked at the mare and his eyes narrowed with interest. No doubt about it, that was a damn fine horse. She was big for a mare, as big as most stallions, and she had fire in her eyes. She was strongly built, but her lines suggested speed, too.
    He rubbed his jaw. “How old is she?”
    â€œThree. Ain’t never been