They finished the run back at the corral. Laura had shooed Akbar ahead on the descent as well. He’d given her a lot to think about, like maybe she didn’t care if it would only be a short fling—not if he’d kiss her like that again. She hadn’t wanted him running close behind her, distracting her thoughts.
Sensing something was up, Mister Ed came up to her on the side away from Akbar. The horse made it a clear and total snub. She kissed the big tan gelding on the forehead as Akbar laughed.
“Well, looks like I lost the first round. Care for a rematch, Space Ace?”
“Space Ace?” As nice a request for a second meeting—second date?—as she’d ever received.
“You’re out of this world, Laura. And I’m willing to bet you’re not even from this millennia. They just don’t make women as attractive as you
