"It's smart to be cautious." I rested my hand under hers, to give her confidence and this time she stayed still when the horse lowered his mouth, snatching the carrots out of her palm.
She leaned against me. "He likes it."
"They love carrots."
She petted the side of his face, and he leaned in to her touch. "Aren't you a sweetie?"
"I'm a little jealous of a horse right now," I grumbled.
She huffed out a laugh. "You got plenty of attention last night."
"Yeah, but I want more."
She elbowed me playfully before moving on to the next horse. "You can wait."
I pretended to pout, and she laughed again. She took her time with each horse, offering each one a treat. When we were walked out of the barn, the snow was coming down harder.
She pulled out her phone. "I missed a few calls from Gus."
Concerned, I said, "You'd better call him back."
She dialed his number.
This was my chance to get inside knowledge on their relationship. I hadn't met him or heard that much about him, except for the little she shared about the demise of their marriage.
"You called?" Angela held her phone to her ear. "Yeah, I was on a carriage ride, and I didn't hear the phone. Is Ayla okay?" She fell silent for a few seconds. "Yeah, I can be home"—she checked the time—"In thirty minutes. Can you bring her to the house? I'll send you the address."
"Gus is bringing Ayla back?"
She tucked her phone into her pocket, leaving her hands there. "Yeah, he said we're supposed to get more snow, and he didn't want to be snowed in with her."
My brow furrowed. "He wants to avoid being snowed in with his own daughter?"
"He said she has everything she needs with me. He doesn't like keeping her for too long. I think it has something to do with those expectations he doesn't like. Will he have to make her food, have a room made for her, that kind of thing? From what Ayla has said, she stays in a guest room that's not decorated for her."
"We should paint her room then. Make it hers."
She bumped her shoulder against mine. "I haven't decided to stay yet."
I smiled. "You will. You love that house."
She nodded. "I do love that house."
She didn't want to leave. "You should make it yours. Paint if you want. Hang pictures."
She looked up at me. "Are you going to help me do that?"
I stepped closer to her. "Are you asking for help?"
She lifted her gaze. "I am."
I brushed a strand of hair out of her face. Despite the chill, the air between us was charged. "I would love to help you."
She licked her lips, and my gaze snagged on the movement. "We should get home so we can meet Ayla."
When we arrived, a car was already parked in the driveway.
I was more than a little annoyed that he'd parked in my spot.
