The main office was being painted, the smell of fresh paint making the air unbreathable. Rosa, ever practical, ordered a temporary change.
"You two will work at Marco's house. There's space, quiet, and he promised not to make a horse's stubborn face the whole time," she decreed, shooing us out.
"Marco's house." The idea sent a chill down my spine and an immediate warmth to my cheeks. I knew the exterior: a larger cabin, separate from the others, near the stable, with a wide porch and flower boxes that even in winter held a few stubborn blooms. But entering that space was different. It was invading his sanctuary.
He opened the door for me, a bit stiffly.
"Come in. Just ignore the mess."
There was no mess. The house was… beautiful. Cozy. Light wood on the walls, a large plush rug on the
