Touch Me Gently by D. Jackson Leigh

Author:D. Jackson Leigh [Leigh, D. Jackson]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
Tags: ! Yes
ISBN: 9781602826670
Amazon: 1602826676
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2012-05-08T00:00:00+00:00

chapTeR FouRTeen

The barn’s beautiful,” Salem said. “When did you finish it?”

“Last week. Hoke and James helped me get everything

ready and move the horses from the small barn yesterday.”

“Hoke and James?”

“Hoke’s been my father’s groom since I was a kid.”

At that moment, a tall, light-skinned African-American man

led a dark gelding through the door at the other end of the long barn

facility. A broad smile lit his face as he approached.

“Bonjour, Knox. Who do we have here?”

“James, this is Salem. The friend I told you would be riding

with me this morning. Salem, this is Hoke’s son, James.”

“Pleased to meet you, James.”

Instead of answering, James turned to Knox. “You didn’t tell

me she was so beautiful.”

Knox glanced at Salem and blushed. “Cut it out.”

Knox’s growl didn’t deter James.

“Ah, je vois. Vous vous conservez celui-ci pour vous, mon

ami?”

Salem laughed. “Before you say any more, you guys should

know I minored in French in college. Thank you for the compliment

of accusing her of wanting to keep me for herself, James.”

He exaggerated a look of surprise. “Intelligent, too.”

“Are you French, or do you just speak the language to impress

women?”

• 117 •

D. Jackson leiGh

“I’m not French, Miss Salem, but my mama’s Creole.” James’s

European accent suddenly became a Georgia drawl. “My daddy’s

taken care of the Bolander Friesians since he and Mr. Robert were

young men.” He ran his hands down the thick neck of the black

gelding. “I was always tagging along because these horses have

fascinated me as far back as I can remember. When I was old enough,

Mr. Robert helped me get an apprenticeship with a big farm owned

by one of his friends in France. That’s where I’ve been for the past

ten years, training horses. Daddy called me a couple of months ago

to tell me Mr. Robert had died and Knox had moved back to rebuild

the stable. That’s why I’m here.”

Knox nodded. “I’ve got my own work to do and it’s a full-time

job—buying, showing, and breeding—to build the reputation of a

stable. Hoke semi-retired, so I’ve hired James.”

“That sounds wonderful. Are you riding with us today, James?”

“No, I promised my mama I’d drive her to New Orleans so she

can see her sister while I visit a couple of farms over toward Baton

Rouge. They have mares I want to take a look at next week. But I

have your mount right here. This is Bastille, Mr. Robert’s gelding.

He’s as gentle as an old dog.”

“That’s good because it’s been years since I’ve ridden. He’s

beautiful.”

James turned to Knox. “Who will you ride, boss lady?”

“Legacy, I think. I’ll get her while you saddle Bas.”

Knox led a tall mare from a nearby stall. Her wavy forelock

nearly touched her nose, and her tail was so thick and long, it clearly

would have dragged in the dirt if it hadn’t been neatly cut off at her

heels. “Wow,” Salem said.

“Bas is a more traditional Friesian. A bit stockier. My dad

preferred them, but Legacy has the more modern build, taller and

leaner, that’s preferred in the show ring.”

Salem held out her hand for the mare to sniff. “I guess I thought

they were a Spanish breed because of the movie about Zorro.

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