Heart's Desire by T. J. Kline Page B

who simply raised a solitary brow at her stubborn determination before shaking his head. “Relax, I’ll be fine,” she insisted. “Why don’t you man the gate and I’ll let this one come out on his own? We’ll give him some space to explore first.”
    Nathan watched as Jessie headed to the side of the trailer, out of his line of sight. He quickly shot a glance at Justin, shocked he’d let his slip of a sister near that metal coffin with what sounded like a crazed animal. He heard several loud bangs come from inside. This situation was dangerous, and he felt completely helpless. He wanted to intercede, to grab Jessie, and to yank her back to safety, but he doubted she’d appreciate him butting into her business, especially after her warning. But if this animal was anywhere close to as dangerous as this woman claimed, Jessie was sure to get hurt.
    Why the hell was Justin still standing at the gate? Why didn’t he go check on her?
    â€œJustin, is that horse dangerous?”
    â€œOf course he is.”
    â€œThen go get her. Why are you letting her in there?” His friend’s glance instantly silenced him.
    The damn fool woman was going to get herself killed. He heard another slam from inside the trailer and saw Jessie pressed up against the side through the slats. If Justin wasn’t going to make sure she wasn’t being killed, he would. He wasn’t about to stand by and watch it happen.
    Nathan opened the gate to the corral and stepped inside as a jet black horse bolted from the back of the trailer like a flash of dark lightning. Baring teeth, the animal reared, striking the ground with his front hooves, intent on doing damage to whomever or whatever might be unlucky enough to cross his path. Right now, that was Nathan.
    As the horse charged, rough hands yanked him backward by the collar of his shirt. Jessie ran from the side of the trailer in time to see his butt hit the ground with a thud outside the pasture. Justin jerked the gate shut just as the horse’s teeth snapped the air where Nathan’s head had been moments before. The horse spun back toward Jessie, pawing at the dirt.
    Justin glared down at Nathan as he latched the gate. “What the hell are you doing? She said, ‘stay out’!”
    â€œWhat the hell are you doing leaving her in there with that insane horse? She’s going to get herself hurt.” He jumped up and headed for the gate again but Justin grasped his arm.
    â€œShe knows what she’s doing. The only one who’s going to get hurt around here is you.”
    Nathan watched Jessie calmly stand her ground, even as the animal reared high into the air, kicking out with his front hooves. He looked far healthier than the other two, at least physically, but he was completely out of control. As the horse dropped back onto all fours, Jessie edged away from the trailer and along the side of the fence, across from where the two of them waited. She cocked her head slightly, peering at the horse as the animal snorted loudly, eyes wide. He pawed at the ground again, watching her intently. When she didn’t react, the animal took a few steps toward her and paused, ears flicking nervously back and forth.
    â€œYou’re not so bad, are you?” She was completely focused on the horse, tuning out everything else. “You’ve just got a lot of spirit.”
    Nathan’s fingers gripped the top rail, using every ounce of self-control he possessed to remain outside the fence when everything in him screamed to rescue her. The horse bounced on his front feet threateningly, but Jessie remained alert, yet oddly relaxed, turning to face the beast before taking another step toward him.
    â€œCome on, boy. You know better than this. I’m not going to hurt you.”
    Nathan couldn’t hold his tongue any longer. “Jessie, could you get your ass out of there before you give me a heart attack?”
    Her eyes darted