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filly foal was not part of it. Eve had adamantly refused to sell her.
    Even without the baby, Liz's "package deal" had ended up costing eighty thousand dollars - more than she'd anticipated, but a reasonable price for such excellent bloodstock. She knew she probably shouldn't be dipping into the savings account, but she was beginning to have a much better feeling about the future. Once I have some cash flow, I can replace what I borrow.
     
    The following morning, she returned to Aliqua to sign the sales contract and drop off a deposit check.
    Eve smiled brightly as she handed over the paperwork. "Congratulations, and welcome to the area. We're about due for vaccinations and foal check-ups, so I'll definitely be giving you a call."
    A cloak of security settled around Liz's shoulders. Things were definitely looking brighter. Giddy thoughts filled her head as she took everything out to the truck. I can't believe I actually own Fair Lady. She rolled down the window to release the heat in the cab, then headed toward the barn for one last peek at her fairy tale horse. At the door, she heard angry words echoing inside.
    Kurt's voice rang sharp with irritation. "I'm telling you, you're making a mistake. That mare is one of the best horses you've got."
    Liz stood outside the door, not meaning to eavesdrop, but also reluctant to get involved in an argument that sounded as though it might concern her. Then her true feelings edged in. What she really didn't want was to face Kurt again - an upsetting thought. Her career - no, her very existence - depended upon her profession. She could not afford to be distracted or deterred by anyone or anything.
    She stepped inside the door, pausing for a minute to let her eyes adjust to the dim light. Kurt stood with his back to the door, Eve in front of him, her face flushed with anger.
    Kurt's voice rumbled. "And why you'd even consider selling her that - "
    Eve spotted Liz, and quickly shook her head at him. An overly bright smile masked her ruddy face as she strode toward Liz.
    "I'm going to turn Fair Lady and her baby out for awhile. Since you own her now, would you like to lead her? The baby will just follow...Oh!" She laughed. "I guess I don't have to tell you that."
    From the corner of her eye, Liz saw Kurt move to the other side of the aisle. Her thoughts churned as she haltered Fair Lady, then led her out of the barn. Why is he being so standoffish? He didn't even say hello. Recalling the heated argument she'd overheard, a chill ran across her neck.
     
    From the murky depths of the stall, Kurt watched her, letting his gaze roam boldly over her body, licking his lips at the way her shirt caressed her breasts, then tapered softly into her trim waistband. His gaze drifted to her tight rear-end, and a stir moved beneath his belt buckle. What that woman does for blue jeans is a crime!
    His delicious discomfort painted all sorts of erotic images into his brain. He remembered how good she'd felt in his arms, and he teased himself with the vision of seducing her on a bed of straw.
    Exhaling sharply, he directed his thoughts back to his task. Not now. There's only one thing I should be thinking about, and I don't need any distractions. He watched Liz and the horses disappear through the barn door. Maybe later.
     
    After returning home, Liz tried, without success, to figure out Kurt's puzzling behavior. I guess I'm a little short in the experience-with-men department. She giggled out loud at the understatement. Who did she think she was kidding? Kurt DeVallio wasn't like any man she'd ever met. Fascinating. A little frightening. His take-charge attitude irritated the hell out of her, but in spite of everything, she felt deeply attracted to him. And now I'll have to work with him. Why can't my life be simple?
    She telephoned Aliqua later that evening.
    "Hi, Eve. I forgot to ask you when I could pick up the mares."
    "I can't let Fair Lady go until the filly is weaned, but you can pick up Muscala any