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Having finished the apple, the mare tossed her head as if saying yes. Then she nuzzled Londyn’s empty hand, looking for the other apple she had hidden behind her back.
Londyn laughed and gave the mare the other apple. “You’re too smart for your own good.”
While the mare ate the second apple, Nash opened the stall door. He and Londyn entered and walked around the animal, looking for any signs of trauma they might have missed the night before.
Londyn ran her hand over the mare’s legs one at a time and lifted each foot to inspect her hooves. “She has some scratches on her legs, but nothing major for having taken off like a bat out of hell. She’s lucky. As am I.” Londyn smiled up at Nash. “Thanks again for saving both of us.”
“Just doing my job as a protector,” he said, knowing it was more than that.
“Well then, thanks for doing your job.” She gripped the lead. “Let’s get her loaded up. I’d like to get to the ranch with as much daylight left in the day as possible so that I can check things out.”
He nodded and held the stall door open.
Londyn led the buckskin out of the stall and out of the barn.
Nash moved ahead of Londyn to open the doors to the barn and then to the horse trailer.
At first, Butterscotch balked at the trailer. After Londyn worked with her for the next few minutes, the mare walked up into the trailer with no problem.
Once the horse was loaded and the back door to the trailer closed and latched, Nash opened the passenger seat door for Londyn.
She frowned up at him. “I can drive.”
“I know you can,” he said. “But I’d like to do the honors if you would be all right with it.”
Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. “I suppose.” She climbed up into the truck.
Nash stepped up on the running board and secured her seatbelt around her hips.
“I can—” she started.
“—do it yourself.” He grinned down at her, brushed his lips across her forehead and smiled. “I know. Humor me. I need to feel useful.”
Her lips twitched. “Okay.” She captured his face between her palms and brushed her lips across his. “But only because I’m tired and want to sleep on the way. I’m sure there will be work to do once we arrive at LJ Ranch.”
He cupped the back of her neck and kissed her properly. “I’m sure you’ll be fully occupied once we get you home. I’m just glad to be of assistance.”
Her lips twisted into a wry smile. “You know that you’re more than useful.”
“I hope so.” He dropped to the ground, closed her door and rounded the truck to the driver’s side, slipping into the seat, damp boots and all. “How far is it to your place?”
“About four hours, as long as it doesn’t rain,” she said.
He nodded, buckled his seatbelt and started the engine.
Before he could shift into gear, Julia Banes ran out of the house and hurried over to Nash’s side of the truck.
Nash lowered his window. “Everything all right?”
Julia laughed. “Yes, of course. I just wanted to let Londyn know I heard from Director Haynes. He put us on hiatus for at least the next three days while the sets dry. No need to hurry back.”
Londyn leaned forward to stare at the other actor. “I can be back within four hours, should they need me sooner. All he has to do is text or call.”
“I’ll let him know,” Julia said. “Enjoy your time at home.” She backed away from the truck and trailer and waved as Nash drove out of the barnyard and onto the gravel road leading off the ranch.
Nash glanced in the side mirror, looking back at the barn and the ranch house.
Craig Ryland came out of the house and joined Julia as she stood watching the truck and trailer drive away from Mitchell’s place.
