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from a cup on the bar and twirled it in her fingers.
    “My ranch and business keeps me busy.”
    Sakari had told her he’d left town months ago. “What kind of business?”
    “Consulting work.”
    “I haven’t heard from you in a while.” Sakari didn’t stop cleaning.
    “Figured Brad would rather I stay away,” Dante said. Brad didn’t seem like the jealous boyfriend type.
    “Did you and Brad get in a fight that night?” Haley asked. “Does it have something to do with the time I was hiking in the desert? The day I got heatstroke?”
    “No we didn’t fight,” Dante said.
    Sakari moved down the bar, rubbing her rag in small, rigorous circles.
    “Are you cleaning the bar or trying to remove the varnish?” Haley asked. “What’s wrong, Sakari?”
    “Nothing.”
    “I can see that.” Haley turned to Dante, leaning toward him. “Can I get you anything? Looks like the bartender is busy refinishing the furniture.”
    “I’m good.” Dante raised his beer mug full of beer.
    “So, what are you really doing here?” Sakari tossed the rag into the sink.
    “I need Haley’s help.”
    Sakari glared at him. “You’re kidding, right?”
    “Help with my horses. That’s all.”
    “He needs a horse whisperer,” Haley filled in excitedly.
    Sakari didn’t look pleased.
    “Sakari, what’s wrong? I thought you and Dante were friends.”
    “We are, but I’m not fond of the company he keeps.”
    “She’ll be fine,” Dante said.
    “I can take care of myself. This is a chance to prove my skills.” Haley couldn’t help thinking, it was also a chance to figure out if there was anything thing between them.
    “What’s wrong with them?” Sakari asked in a more pleasant tone.
    “They won’t let me get near them and I have to take them to…an event.”
    “Your skills won’t help, Haley,” Sakari said.
    “Why not? I grew up in Texas, worked on ranches, took care of horses and all kinds of animals. This is perfect.”
    “I want to be able to ride and get close to them without the horses freaking out.”
    “You will.” Something deep inside her twirled around. “What kind of horses and how many?”
    “I have two Appaloosas. A mare and a gelding. And I will pay you for your time.”
    She didn’t care about pay. A chance to ride and prove her skills would be payment enough. “Great, then it’s settled. I’ll bring my suitcase.”
    Dante’s eyes widened. “You’re staying?”
    “Sure. The more time I spend with them the better.”
    Sakari leaned over the bar and pointed an accusing finger at Dante. “This is a bad idea and you know it.”
    “I could come by this weekend,” Haley said to Dante, ignoring Sakari.
    Dante shook his head. “I only have two weeks.”
    Haley laughed. “Impossible. Horse whispering takes a while. I doubt I could do anything in that short of time.”
    “This is very important.”
    “Even more of a reason for me to stay.”
    “Okay.”
    She wouldn’t have been more surprised if a tractor trailer had just plowed through the front door. “I’ll come over tonight. I can’t guarantee to help them. I can guarantee to find out why they don’t get along with you.”
    Dante gave her a worried look.
    “Dante, you said you wouldn’t,” Sakari said with a guarded tone.
    “I’m desperate.”
    His words stabbed at Haley’s heart. How could you not love a man who loved his horses that much? “I’ll do my best. I’ll get a bag of things from my apartment. Give me directions.”
    Dante took her hand and squeezed. She felt a rush go from her body to his hand, like electricity. If she could see her own aura would she see it merging with his? She wrapped herself in a shell of white light. A protection technique Ambros had taught her. Dante blinked several times then smiled. “I have my bike. When you finish your shift, you can follow me over in your car.”
     
    “Brad won’t be happy to hear you’re in town.” Sakari said, her voice low so the customers couldn’t