As we head back to the house, I point out my barndominium, the main barn where my parents host parties, and the chicken coop. Sierra takes it all in, and I nearly forget how nervous I was. There are far more important things to worry about than wanting a man I can’t have. Even if my skin prickleswhen we approach the house to find Hayden watching us from outside the mudroom door.
Chapter 20
Hayden
Ishould not have this reaction to watching Miranda interact with Sierra. Sierra isn’t even my kid. It shouldn’t stir something deep in my chest just because she’s being hospitable. But I can’t take my eyes off her. She’s wearing leggings, an oversized flannel shirt and a pair of muck boots that she likely slipped on to show Sierra around. Her hair is in a messy bun, and as she gets closer, I see she isn’t wearing makeup.Fuck. I’m not sure why, but it’s sexy as hell that she’s still comfortable enough around me to be herself.
Sierra speeds up the pace and reaches me ahead of Miranda, with the biggest smile I’ve seen yet. “Miranda said I can come here for riding lessons, if it’s okay with you.”
I glance at Miranda, who simply shrugs and moves on into the house. “I can teach you, if you want. It’s not like I don’t have horses.”
She rolls her eyes as if I’m missing the most obvious thing in the world. “I know, but Snickerdoodle is so sweet. She cameright up to me. And Miranda said her mom would probably give me lessons. That way I can come here while you’re at Boulder Ranch instead of having Miranda and Joy babysit me... and when Spring Break is over maybe you can just drop me off after school?”
Shaking my head, I let out a low laugh. “We can figure it out. And they were not babysitting you. All they talked about was how helpful you were. Ready to go eat?”
I head inside, and Sierra follows, quickly claiming the seat beside Miranda after washing her hands. That only makes the feeling in my chest even more noticeable. I take the seat across from them and beside Melanie. It’s only the five of us, but Roger always sits at the head of the table.
My stomach growls as soon as we begin passing serving dishes. Miranda’s favorite is chicken alfredo, but I love Melanie’s pot roast. As soon as everyone is served, we dig in, and the table is quiet for several minutes. The beef practically melts in my mouth, and I make a mental note to request this recipe from Melanie as well. I need to put some meals on rotation since I’m not just fending for myself anymore.
“Sierra, honey,” Melanie says, breaking the silence, “are you liking it here so far?”
I find myself holding my breath as I wait for her response. I haven’t asked her that. Of course, she misses her mom andher friends. Her house. Her old way of life. I just hope she’s as comfortable with me as she can be.
“Actually, I am. I miss my friends, but I wouldn’t have seen them this past week, anyway, with spring break. Everyone here has been super nice, and I really like it at Boulder Ranch.”
“Her high school is less than thirty minutes away, and they’re letting her do open enrollment to finish this year and next, so at least there’s that.”
Melanie and Miranda both look relieved, and I’m torn. I know I shouldn’t want Miranda, but after our night together, there’s pretty much no way I can just forget about her. When I go to sleep at night, my dreams are filled with the whimpers she made when I finally got to taste her. The way her pussy gripped my cock like she was made for me. I can’t forget about her for a single day, let alone forever. Not to mention the number of times I’ve taken myself into my hand just using the memories of that night at Silver Fox Ranch. I have to remind myself that if we were to say fuck it and then things go bad, I would lose everything. Roger is like a brother, and Melanie might as well be my sister-in-law. If I were to lose Mirandaandher parents, I would be devastated. And alone.
I’m mostly quiet as we eat, simply enjoying spending time with some of my favorite people. Sierra fits right in, and it almost feels like she’s been coming here all along, instead of only just meeting Roger and Melanie. Melanie appears to be inher element as she tidies up her bun, tucking away the flyways as she allows her gaze to linger on Sierra.
Anytime I steal a glance at Miranda, I catch her looking at me. By the fourth time, I don’t avert my gaze. Instead, I smirk and barely resist the urge to wink at her when her cheeks grow pink.
“So, Mom, Sierra really connected with Snickerdoodle. Any chance you have time for the occasional lesson? She’s been wanting to learn how to really ride,” Miranda says before anyone notices our interaction.
“Occasional?” Melanie questions. “You don’t learn to ride after the occasional lesson. What kind of riding do you want to do, Sierra?”
Sierra gives me a nervous glance before allowing a smile to spread as she responds to Melanie. “I’ve always wished I could try barrel racing, but I’m sure I’m too late for that, so just being able to ride trails would be nice.”
I chuckle when Melanie practically cuts her off. “Oh, honey, don’t be silly! It’s never too late! I’ve been riding horses for nearly as long as Hayden’s been alive, and trained riders for more years than you’ve been alive. We can get you out there. Let’s start with two days a week and see how it goes.”
A warmth spreads through me when Sierra hits me with a grin like I’ve never seen before. “Can I?”
“If it’s alright with Melanie, it’s alright with me,” I say with a shrug. As if I would tell the girl not to get involved in something I love.
“Perfect,” Melanie says as she stands and begins clearing dishes. “Hayden, can you bring her by tomorrow? And then Wednesday? Mondays and Wednesdays work for me best.”
I don’t have to look in Miranda’s direction to see her triumphant smile. I could tell by Sierra’s excitement when she first brought up the lessons that Miranda had been championing for this from the time they met the horses. I’m sure it would be good for her. The girl hasn’t exactly poured her heart out to me, but I don’t miss the sadness in her eyes and behind some of her smiles. There’s no way to bring her mother back, but I’ll do anything if it will make her happy.
“We’ll be here.”
Chapter 21
Miranda
Idon’t think I’ve ever been so relieved to see my driveway. Joy was off today for a doctor’s appointment, and Morgan, the new hire, had already requested today off to finish getting things moved. Apparently, Tate and Joy forgot, because I found myself working by myself. Working alone would be fine during the off-season, but I ran ragged with horses in each stall. Add in the fact that I ended up working late just to get finished up, and I’m exhausted.
I park in front of my place and drag myself inside, wishing I could plop down directly into the bed, but there is absolutely no way I can skip a shower. I’m sweaty. I’m muddy. I’m covered in actual shit.
