After school Kody trapped her as she got her books out of her locker.
"What?" Zella growled her back pressed against the lockers.
"I want to buy that mustang off your hands," Kody said right in her face.
She heard someone call her name.
He's not for sale, Kody!" Zella said a little fearful.
"How do you plan to do that?" Zella glared at him.
"Like this!" Kody slammed his fist into the locker beside her making her jump.
"I wouldn't try that if I were you," Zella heard Nashua's comforting voice cut through the ringing of metal. Nashua stood with his arms crossed.
"What's going to happen if I do?" Kody looked bored.
"If you know what's good for you, you won't lay a finger on her," Nashua said a matter of factly.
"Why would it be unhealthy?" Kody looked even more bored.
"I'm a black belt that's why," Nashua glared at Kody.
Zella knew he wasn't a black belt, but she did know when he was angry with a guy he would fight if he had to.
Kody laughed scornfully, taking the hint. He walked away still laughing.
"Are you okay?" Nashua asked as Zella let out a breath of relief, "What happened?" He demanded gently.
"Nothing," She said, wanting to change the subject.
Nashua leaned against a locker, looking unconvinced.
Zella changed the subject, "Why did you tell him you were a black belt?"
He raised a black eyebrow meeting her intent gaze, giving her a look. Then he smirked, "Because I am," he tapped his belt, "It's black," He drawled.
Zella started laughing.
"C'mon, let's get back to that stallion, Nashua said, smiling.
~3~
"C'mon now!" Nashua said, frustrated as he tried to put the saddle on the horse.
The mustang danced in place trying to rear, but Zella kept his head down.
5 minutes later they gave up.
"We're going to have to mount him bareback," Nashua said, tossing his head to get a lock of black hair out of his eyes.
Zella trying to hide the grin she felt spreading on her face, "When?" she asked as he put his Stetson back on.
Hmm , He seemed to consider her question, Maybe in a few hours so he ll calm down, Nashua said opening the gate, nodding her through.
As they walked toward the house Ella ran past them hissing.
Ella, come back here you bad kitty! Zella spun around to chase after the cat.
Nashua chuckled.
What? Zella said giving him a look.
Are you really gonna desert poor Nashua? He said sarcastically.
C mon then, Zella grabbed his hand, pulling him with her. They raced after the cat.
Ella was determined to make them run in circles.
Laughing they dived for the cat. Oops! They said in unison as the cat ran up the oak tree.
Zella and Nashua got up looking up the tree.
Aw no, Zella moaned. The tree would be hard to climb on.
Take this, Nashua gave her his hat.
Wha?! she cried out, as he grabbed a branch to climb up with.
Stop shrieking, Nashua told her, then added, Watch my hat.
She rolled her eyes behind his back.
3 minutes later she heard him grunting, I-I-oh shoot! She escaped.
Zella giggled.
I-I got her, Nashua said. Then she heard hissing. Ow! she heard him yelp.
She heard a ripping noise.
Aw man, Nashua moaned loudly.
What? Zella asked.
Ella ripped my shirt up, Nashua said.
Oh, don t be a baby, Zella laughed.
Zella reached out and plucked a twig out of his hair. Grinning she sat his hat on his head.
Thanks, he cleared his throat, Here, He put the cat in her arms. Now he was grinning.
Are you cold? Zella teased him about his ripped shirt.
He gave her a look, still grinning. Shoulda worn a coat, He grumbled.
Zella laughed as he examined the rip.
What s so funny? Nashua asked.
You! Zella was laughing so hard Ella acted like she was a monster. The cat squirmed in her arms trying to get away from the crazy girl. When that didn t work she batted Zella s cheek hard.
Ow! Zella cried out, cheek stinging.
Ah ha, serves you right! Nashua mused.
Zella socked him in the bicep hard.
Ouch, Nashua started laughing, Just kidding. I-ow! Nashua yelped this time as she socked him in the six pack.
Ha, not so tough now are you cowboy? She flirtly taunted.
Oh, really? He flirted back, raising an eyebrow.
Oh, no! Zella yelped as Nashua rubbed his hands together with a playful wicked grin.
You re gonna pay for these punches, He said stepping toward her, smirking.
Squealing, she made a run for the house, tucking Ella under her arm.
Come back here you! Nashua yelled, running after her.
Not a chance! Zella yelled back running up the porch. She opened the screen door to put the cat in the house.
As she did she felt Nashua s arm snake around her waist. She let go of the door handle gasping, Sorry, sorry! she said turning till she was face to face with him.
Grabbing her forearms he pulled her away from the door then backed her into a corner.
Some mercy please! She squealed as he tickled her unmercifully. What can I do to make you stop?! Zella asked, pushing against his chest trying to make him stop.
He grabbed her arms, Let me kiss you and I will, he smiled.
You re gonna have to try a lot harder than that, she said.
Without warning he pulled her to him and kissed her.
The door banged opened making them jump.
Nashua stepped away from her.
Belle was at the door. She gave them a strange look.