She propped up on one elbow and met his gaze. "Has she? How many fillies do you have now?"
The smile faded from his lips. "Don't go there." He traced her jaw with a finger and his gaze became tender. "So beautiful."
She stared at him. "You were thinking of her."
He frowned. "Her?"
She made a face. "The girl who jil . . . left you."
His gaze sharpened. "She has a name, you know."
"What?"
He hesitated and then ground out. "Tessa."
Carmen stared at him. So that was why he acted that way when she told him what she named her goat. Did he think she had named the goat after his girlfriend? She dropped back on the hay and wrinkled her nose at him.
"I always hated that name."
The dark gaze softened and a smile played at the corners of his mouth. He clamped one hand around her waist and slid her closer, leaning over her as he spoke.
"That filly left the stable long time ago. Stop leaving grain out for her."
She saw it coming too late, and he had her pinned to the floor on her back before she could squirm away. Her heart pounded as he moved over her and claimed her lips. She jerked her head to the side.
"Don't, Alex," she panted.
As he slid away, his belt buckle gouged into her stomach and she cried out in pain.
"Hey! What's going on here?"
Josh strode across the barn, his hands balled into fists, gray eyes smoldering like hot coals.
Alex was on his feet instantly, watching Josh intently. Alex reached one hand down to help Carmen to her feet.
"Are you all right?" he asked without looking at her.
"Yes."
He stepped away from her, facing off with Josh.
"It isn't what it looks like."
Josh smiled without humor. "Now that's a familiar line. Seems like I heard it just this morning - from your lips." He moved toward Alex. "I think it's about time to let you know who's . . ."
Carmen lunged at Josh, grabbing his arm and jerking on it.
"No, Josh. Don't."
Josh glanced down at her coldly and flexed his arm.
"Get out of the way."
She fell to the floor and Alex glanced at her, allowing his attention to stray from Josh for a second. Josh swung at Alex, grazing his head with a fist as Alex ducked.