Barrel racer Becca, frustrated because COVID has shut down all rodeos, is annoyed when Nikki, the farrier's daughter, shows up in his stead. They spar over Nikki's competence and their different ideas of social distancing, yet eventually bond over their mutual love for horses. Since Becca doesn't have Nikki's number but wants to see her again, she resorts to requesting another farrier visit. Nikki sees through her ruse and retaliates by using the water hose on Becca, yet they still hang out. Their first real date threatens to fall through when Nikki's trailer has a flat and she shows up for their trail ride without a horse. Becca has brought both of hers, but, because of a bad experience that caused one of her horses to get hurt, never lets anyone else ride them. Falling for the idea of someone can happen in sixteen seconds. But can Becca find the courage to take her real life chances on Nikki?

Sixteen Seconds

“I’m here to do,” the stranger checked her phone, “Jet Deck’s Easy Go Girl.”


“What do you mean? Aren’t you the owner?” She checked her phone again. “I’m supposed to ask for a Rebecca Miller.”


“Yes, that’s me. I’m Becca.” Still, Becca didn’t move. “Where’s Jack?”


“At home. My dad was exposed to COVID last Friday when he went to the Rose Palace, which means he can’t work until at least Friday, another week from now. And that’s provided he doesn’t have any symptoms. So, are you going to show me where your horse is or what?”


Heck, no, she wasn’t! Glaring at the stranger, Becca did come out of the house, though, only to have the stranger step back several paces. “What? It’s not like Ihave COVID.”


“Yeah, sure. But I can’t work on your horse if we don’t social distance and all that. My dad made me promise.”


“I don’t want you to. Em, no, that’s not what I meant.” Becca coughed in order to cover her embarrassment and the stranger stepped back even farther.


Chapter 3