“I will—wait, he just came in.”
Skylar smiled when she heard Seth talking to Ryan, saying something to make her laugh. They were a great couple who almost didn’t get together because of pure stubbornness on Seth’s side. If Ryan hadn’t taken the step to go back to see him, Skylar would have made a trip herself, but it turned out right and now they were engaged. She heard Ryan ask Seth about Rawley. Damn, just thinking his name made her sigh.
“Seth said he knows Rawley and he’s a great guy.”
“Oh, well, that does make me feel better.”
“Yes, if Seth likes him, he has to be a good person.”
“I agree. I’ll let you two go. I have to grab a shower. I just might come out there and ride if you’re sure that’s alright?”
“Of course it is. You can ride Pearl.”
“Okay, have fun today. Love you.”
“Love you too.” Ryan hung up.
At one that afternoon, a fast-moving thunderstorm swept across the valley, bringing with it the scent of wet earth and dropping the temperature ten degrees. The rain hammered against the roof before tapering off. In just fifteen minutes, golden sunlight broke through the dissipating clouds. Skylar decided to take Ryan up on her offer and go horseback riding, an activity that had brought her joy since childhood.
She grinned at the mental image of Ryan perched awkwardly atop a horse, knuckles white from gripping the reins too tightly. For years, Skylar had tried to coax her friend into learning, sharing stories of growing up on her family’s sprawling horse farm where she’d spent countless afternoons racing across open fields, her hair streaming behind her like a banner. But Ryan had always been afraid of horses, her face paling at the mere suggestion. Skylar understood the fear, horses were massive creatures with powerful muscles rippling beneath velvet coats, but most were as gentle as could be, their eyes full of kindness.Like dogs and cats, you’d occasionally encounter one with a mean streak, usually the sad result of human cruelty.
“What would ranchers and farmers do without livestock agents?” she murmured, her voice echoing in the quiet kitchen as she gathered her purse and the jangling key ring with its miniature horseshoe charm. She paused to check Cosmo’s water bowl, which caught the afternoon light in prismatic patterns. The ceramic food dish beside it was empty, licked clean of the premium salmon from breakfast.
She opened the front door, aimed the key fob at her SUV, pressed ‘start’ then closed the door. Hopefully, it would cool down soon.
“Cosmo, I’ll fill your food dispenser when I get back,” she called, scanning the sunlit kitchen for her pet. “Cosmo!”
Sighing, she made her way across the cool tile to the living room and checked each of the spare bedrooms before finding him sprawled across her own quilted comforter.
“You couldn’t come when I called? Oh, wait. What am I thinking? Younevercome when I call. I’m leaving. I’ll feed you when I get back,” she said, hands on hips.
The Himalayan cat blinked his sapphire eyes lazily, raised one dark-colored paw with deliberate slowness, licked it, and returned to studying the birds outside the window, his fluffy tail twitching slightly.
“I know you love me.” Skylar laughed. “Bye.”
She walked back to the sun-dappled kitchen, entered the living room, stepped out the door into the fresh-washed afternoon, carefully turning the lock behind her.
As she sat in her vehicle, the leather seat warm even through her jeans, she sent a text to Ryan. Skylar made the decision to go to Dewey’s tonight with the hope that Rawley would be there, and she knew Ryan would not approve.
She started the car, the engine purring to life, backed out of the driveway, and put the car in gear. Just as she started to drive to the road, her phone buzzed from her purse, vibrating against the soft leather. Skylar smiled as she pulled over and picked up her phone, her heart racing.
Are you crazy?The message glowed on her screen.
I just might be.
I don’t want you to go there alone.
I don’t know yet. I probably won’t go, but how am I supposed to see him again?Her fingers hovered over the keys, hesitating.
I can’t go with you tonight. A woman alone isn’t good, Skylar.
I probably won’t go. Oh, I am on my way to your place. I decided to go riding since it cooled down a little.The thought of Pearl’s smooth gait beneath her was already calming her nerves.
Have fun. Get one of the guys to saddle Pearl for you.
Ryan—She typed, rolling her eyes.
I know. I know. You can do it yourself, but I’m sure they wouldn’t mind.
