Page 4 of Art of Love

Chapter Two

“She’s the one,” Abe said, motioning to the young black and tan mare trotting circles in the small corral.

Max stood beside him with his arms crossed as he studied the horse with a skeptical look on his face. “You sure? She looks a little green.”

Abe let out a low chuckle. “That’s the point. She’s young, but she’s got good spunk. Good muscle tone.” He narrowed his eyes and watched the horse trot around the coral. “She’s a diva. Look at her demanding everyone’s attention.” He chuckled. “Give me a few weeks with her, and she’ll be one of the best damn cutting horses in your barn.”

Max exhaled through his nose, clearly still debating. Abe didn’t blame him. Horses weren’t cheap, and Max had already dropped a fortune on remodeling his new place. Including the massive barn that would house several horses, the first of which his friend planned on buying today. Thankfully, Abe knew what he was looking for. And this mare? She had the makings of a champion, even if she was up for auction for apparently being too wild.

The pair of them stood at the rail, watching as the auctioneer rattled off numbers in rapid succession. The mare tossed her head, ears twitching, as the crowd murmured around her. She was alert but not nervous, her hooves moving with a natural grace that made Abe nod again in approval.

“She’s got good instincts,” Abe added. “See the way she’s watching everything? She’s not just standing there, she’s reading the pen. That’s a horse that’s got smarts.”

Max sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Alright, alright. I’ll bid.” He lifted his auction paddle just as the price jumped.

Abe smirked. “Told you.”

Max shot him a look. “If she throws me, I’m blaming you.”

Abe chuckled again but didn’t respond. When Max had the winning bid, his friend slapped him on the shoulder in celebration.

Then Abe focused on the next horse stepping into the ring, a tall, muscular buckskin gelding with a dark mane and intelligent eyes. The kind of horse that knew his own worth. He’d checked out both of the horses before the bidding started and had earmarked them for Max.

Actually, if he could, he’d purchase the gelding for himself. But he wasn’t there to buy.

“Put a bid on him too,” Abe said, nudging Max’s arm.

Max groaned. “Another one?”

“You need a solid horse for yourself, don’t you?” Abe shrugged. “That one’s got strength. He’ll be good for riding around that massive property you have. Plus, he won’t spook easy.”

Max hesitated, but when the bidding started, he raised his paddle again. The numbers climbed quickly, and Abe could see the internal struggle written all over Max’s face.

Finally, with one last bid, the gavel slammed down. Sold.

Max exhaled. “Well, I guess I’m officially broke and own two horses.”

Abe clapped a hand on his shoulder, grinning. “Nah, you just made two damn good investments.”

Max shook his head, but there was amusement in his eyes. “If I go under, I’m making you dig me out.”

“All you have to do is make another hit movie,” Abe joked. Max laughed and slapped him on the shoulder.

They turned back to the corral as the next horse was led in, but Abe’s attention drifted. Maybe it was just the auction buzz. Or maybe it was something else entirely.

He glanced around. The itch between his shoulder blades was back, the odd feeling of being watched. It was one of the reasons he’d needed the break and had promised to help Max out over the summer. One of the reasons at any rate. Avoiding questions was another.

He felt his jaw tense and had to force himself to relax as he and Max made their way up to the office to pay for the horses.

The auction office was small and smelled like old leather and coffee that had been sitting on the burner too long. Max handed over his check while Abe stood near the door, arms crossed, scanning the crowd outside through the glass window. The itch between his shoulder blades hadn’t gone away.

“You alright?” Max asked as he signed the last of the paperwork.

Abe forced a smirk. “Yeah. Just not used to standing in one place for too long.”

Max gave him a knowing look but didn’t press. Instead, he tucked the receipt into his back pocket and pushed open the door. “C’mon, let’s wait by the trailer. They should be bringing the horses out soon.”

The sun was high, baking the dusty lot as they made their way to Max’s truck and his new horse trailer, which were parked near the loading area. The low hum of conversations and the occasional call from the auctioneer still filled the air behind them, but out here, it was a lot quieter.