She straightens, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “He’s fine,” she says. “The doctors said it was a mild stroke… but he’s lucky he made it to the hospital. Thanks to you.” Something flickers in her expression. “Thank you. For being there.”
I nod, but it feels wrong. Too formal. Too far from what we were. She takes a step forward, and her scent permeates the air. Her sweet shampoo, mixed with hay and leather and something that’s just entirelyher. I don’t realise how close I’ve gotten because now I can practically feel her body heat. She lifts on hertippy toes to place a kiss on my cheek, a quick motion. Blink, and I would have missed it.
“What was that for?”
“I’m still annoyed at you,” she says matter-of-factly, “but I wasn’t raised to be impolite.”
I can’t help but release a breathy laugh. My hand almost moves to her back, wanting to keep her close to me, but then she steps away, leaving the space colder than it should be.
“I’m still… we’re still trying to figure things out,” I say quietly. “It’s been real quiet without you around.”
“And here I thought you hated my wildness.”
“Quite the fucking opposite, actually.”
Her breath catches. I see the shift in her posture, the flicker of emotion she’s trying to bury. And suddenly, I’m done pretending that everything’s fine. “Things have been weird,” I admit. “Teddy asks about you every damn day. Keeps asking when you’re coming back.” I drag a hand through my hair, exhaling hard. “And fuck… I’m the one who should be thanking you. For everything. For looking after him, for putting up with me, for organising that bloody birthday. And that gift—” I huff, shaking my head, half in disbelief. “Christ, I’ve never had anyone give me something that meant that much.”
“You’re welcome,” she says quietly. No bite. No sarcasm. Just simple, honest truth.
My throat tightens as I look at her. “We miss you. Teddy, Diesel… and me. Especially Diesel.”
“Oh, really?”
“You’ve got no idea,” I say. “Didn’t think a forty-five-kilo dog could mope around, but he won’t even let me near him. Pretty sure he’s waiting for you to walk through the door.”
“Don’t blame him,” she mutters quietly, yet with enough bite that I hear it. She turns back to the horse, tightening the straps with careful precision, every motion controlled. “Tell Teddy Isaid I miss him too,” she says softly. Her voice wavers, and it guts me. “And I’ll… see him soon.”
She starts to move around Blue, but I reach out, fingers brushing her wrist.
“Liv, please. Don’t shut me out.”
Her eyes find mine, glossy but fierce. “Why, Sebastian? What could you possibly need from me? You made it clear that this thing between us was temporary. And now it’s over.”
The words hit harder than I expected. “I’m trying, Liv.”
“I don’t doubt you are. Just not hard enough.” Her hand settles on her hip, chin lifting in that stubborn way that both infuriates and destroys me. I used to love that look. Hell, I stilldo.
“What do I need to do?” It feels pathetic to even ask, but Christ, if humility is the price, I’ll pay it.
“Think about what I told you. I don’t want an apology. I want you to figure your shit out before you come back to me.”
“I… have.” It comes out uneven, more uncertain than I mean it to, because, well… I’m still trying to.
Her head tilts slightly. “And what exactly have you figured out?”
“That I’m fucking miserable without you.”
Her lashes flutter. For a second, she almost softens, but then she steps back, putting the distance right where it hurts.
“Tell me you feel the same, Liv.” My voice breaks, and it’s not pride speaking anymore. It’s desperation.
Her gaze drops, then lifts again. “I love being around you, I do. But I can’t disappear inside someone again. You, of all people, should know that.”
I drag a hand over my face. “I never meant to make you feel that way.”
“But you did.”
“Then I’ll spend as long as it takes proving I won’t do it again.”
