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He laughs at my pouting lips."Then say you'll go with me anyway, and I'll change it to fishing."

"I would love to go with you!"I throw my arms around his neck and jump up to peck his smiling lips."But on one condition.I have to be back in Vegas on May 1st.I promised Cat."

"Deal."His smile lights up his whole face.

I love that smile.He is so beautiful.

* * *

Aurei

* * *

Smiling down at Siri,enjoying the twinkle of excitement in her eyes.I revel in my fast-on-your-feet thinking.Damn!That was some smooth talking.Siri in my studio in Italy!Where I can control her introduction to my lifestyle.

"I'm ready," Ann says, holding her phone out to capture the video.

Siri plants her hand firmly on my chest and commands me."Stand right here.Don't move!"She even points to the ground for emphasis, then adds, "Ann, come and stand right there, and don't you move either!"

Ann chuckles, surprised, but obeys."She's kinda bossy, bro."

"Yeah, I noticed that," I smirk at her.

Siri struts out to the middle of the paddock, and the cute twitch in her tail says she's happy.When she gets to the center, she stops and looks back at us.My thumbs are hooked in my belt loops, but I lift my fingers to wave at her.Knowing she was making sure we hadn't moved and we were watching her.Ann chuckles again and swings the phone to record me, obeying.She's getting a real kick out of it.

I acknowledge my compliance with a grin that feels more sheepish than intended, then nod back at Siri.She's turned to face the stallion, and the show is about to start.

He is watching her, pacing, and not knowing his temperament makes me nervous.Siri kicks up dust as kids do, and Flash stops, focusing on her.She kicks up the dust again, and he paws the dirt.

"Hmm," Ann moans.

Then Siri puts her fingers into her mouth and lets out a long shrill whistle, "Zzzzzrrrr Zzzzt."Clapping her hands hard and fast, she calls him."Come here, boy.Come on."

Flash lowers his head, shakes it, paws the ground, whinnying, then bolts, charging right at her with his hooves sounding like thunder on the hard dirt.

My heart drops to my feet as I snatch my thumbs out of my pants, swearing, "Shit!"And Ann gasps.We bolt for Siri simultaneously, but we aren't going to make it there first!

I shift my gaze to my girl.She's standing her ground, not the least bit concerned for her life.At the last moment, Flash sits on his haunches and slides to stop.Dust swirls at her feet.

Slowing down now that the danger is over, Ann's arm nearly knocks the breath out of me, but I can't look at her.My eyes are glued to Siri.Flash hangs his head, and she walks the few remaining feet to him.

She's speaking to him softly, and I can't hear what she is saying, but he puts his big head on her chest.She wraps her arms around him, giving him a hug, patting his neck, and scratching him under his chin.

Siri glances over as Ann as I walk up, grinning in triumph, and says, "I win."

Ann shakes her head."Well, I'll be damned!"

She looks at me, and I know I'm frowning.Probably with that look on my face, she calls my thunder, but dammit.She asks, all innocent-like."What?"

I hear the mixture of anger and fear in my voice."That wasn't funny."

Ann looks from Siri to me, then tiptoes away to get the halter and rope.She knows how this will play out, and she doesn't want to be around when the shit hits the fan.

Siri ignores my tone and walks over, grinning, with Flash following like a damn dog.When she arrives, she gently touches my arm and says, "Hey, don't be like that."

I growl.I can't help it.

She grins, flirting, "I told you I don't bet unless I know I'm going to win."