What a Man Needs by Patricia Thayer

told my mom or sisters. But could you sign an autograph for my mom before you leave?”
    She smiled at the boy’s thoughtfulness. “My pleasure. And I’d like you to help me.”
    His grin widened. “Sure, anything. I just have a few chores to do first.”
    â€œMaybe I can help you.”
    He studied her. “You’ll get pretty dirty.”
    â€œYou think I can’t handle a little dirt? I guess you didn’t see me in the movie Romancing a Stranger where I was in a fight and got shoved down a muddy hill.” When Kevin shook his head,she continued. “It took us four takes to do it just right for the director.”
    â€œWow, that’s so cool. A lot better than mucking out stalls.”
    They started walking down the aisle toward the next stall. “You wouldn’t say that if you had to do some of the things I’ve had to do in movies. I could tell you stories….”
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    It was about four o’clock when Patrick and Forest rode back to the barn. He hadn’t planned on being gone all afternoon, but he needed time away from Cyndi. He wasn’t used to having someone around, someone so disturbing. And she would be in his house, and in his life for the next week. Worse, every time they were together, he couldn’t keep his hands off her. She wasn’t doing much to resist him, either. He thought back to the kiss they’d shared on the porch. Of course that was tame compared to the wild night of passion just forty-eight hours ago.
    Of course that wasn’t an excuse to leave Cyndi to fend for herself. Oh hell, maybe he should just send her down to Gus Peters’s place and let him deal with her. His neighbor would love the notoriety and before long would be holding a press conference for anyone who would listen.
    Suddenly, Patrick’s protective instincts kicked in. There might not be any future for the two of them, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t help her reach her goal. She was paying him a fortune just for the simple task of learning to ride. Besides, he was a grown man. If he couldn’t control his urges, then he had a big problem.
    â€œHey, Pat, you have to see this,” Forest called from the barn door leading to the corral. He walked over just in time to hear Cyndi’s throaty laughter. Looking out to the arena, he saw her and Kevin along with the six-month-old bay colt, Spirit. They had the playful animal cornered and Kevin gave the cloth halter to her.
    Slowly, Cyndi approached the horse, all the while speaking in a soft voice. The colt’s ears perked up in interest and it froze as if mesmerized. A thrill of excitement rushed through Patrick as Cyndi continued to croon and walk toward the horse. With a slow hand, she slipped the halter over Spirit’s face and Kevin buckled the strap. Then she took hold of the lead rope and the boy gave her a high five.
    â€œWill you look at that,” Forest said. “She’s a natural with animals.”
    Patrick glared at his friend’s satisfied look, then returned his attention to the pair working with thecolt. There was deep concentration on Cyndi’s face as Kevin instructed her on what to do.
    â€œMaybe Kev should be her teacher,” Patrick said.
    It was Forest’s turn to frown. “Sounds to me like you’re running scared.”
    Maybe he was, but he wouldn’t admit it. “I’m busy.”
    â€œFor what she’s paying, I’d never be that busy.”
    Patrick tensed. “You’re not me.”
    â€œWe’ve all been hurt, Pat, but you can’t let the past affect your…opportunities. Cyndi seems like a nice person.”
    Forest had never spoken much about his own past, but he had been married years ago. And Patrick never asked for any details.
    â€œYeah, and she’s so out of my league.”
    Forest snickered. “Yeah, aren’t we all. But you might be surprised with Cyndi.” Just then a