She stared up at him. He was teasing, of course. He found this entire conversation amusing. And what was worse, now he thought she was setting a trap for him. Why couldn't she learn to keep her big mouth shut?
When his humor failed to bring a smile to her lips he crammed his hands into his pockets and stared at the ground.
"I suppose a guy should be careful whose filly he's trying to shoo into his stable - especially when she's still wearing another man's halter."
He glanced up and smiled at her. "Of course, she might be skittish if she didn't know how secure the structure was. A man would have to be careful not to move too fast."
She stared at him. Was he trying to say he was interested in marriage? Alex? No. He said he wanted her, but in truth, he was still involved with the past. She met his gaze.
"Any filly would be skittish about going into a stable where the ghost of another lingered."
The smile faded from his lips and the dark eyes veiled over again. Was he angry? Hurt? It was true, though. Alex wasn't over his last relationship yet. His silence was all the proof she needed.
He was the third man - the only man for her, because he could do something that neither her father nor Josh could. He could make her enjoy being second mate. And with that thought she was certain she loved him. Was there a chance for them - if she was willing to wait?