“I chose not to remind him.” I laughed, absolutely giddy.
“I don’t want you to get in trouble.”
“Let me worry about Tyler,” I insisted.
“Okay. I’m happy to hang out during your lessons so it’s not a total lie.”
I squeaked and hugged her from the side to accommodate her belly. “You’re the best! Who’s my actual teacher going to be?”
I knew who Ihopedit would be, even though I definitely shouldn’t push that boundary. Tyler refused to pack up, and just because I had been mentally creating my fantasy pack over the years, it didn’t mean I had ever taken a step toward that.
“There’s three teachers besides me. Dylan handles most of the kid classes, but he’s flexible. Otherwise Leo and Jax are teaching the adults.” Charlotte’s eyes gleamed. “Leo said he’s open to private lessons. Unless you’d rather a group class?”
A shiver rolled through me. I had only met Leo once at Charlotte’s birthday, and not even for that long before Tyler had thrown a fit. One picture on horseback with him had been enough to spark a ridiculous crush. Charlotte had sent me the photo of Leo and me she’d taken before Tyler had demanded we leave, and I kept it in a secret folder on my phone. Months later, I still remembered the gentle way he’d helped me on and off the horse, how he’d looked at me like I was beautiful. His touch on my waist was a memory I couldn’t—and didn’t want to—be rid of.
“Private lessons feel less embarrassing.”
“I’ll message him. We could go over. He’s probably at the arena right now.”
“I don’t want to take you away if you’re busy.”
Charlotte laughed. “Hanging out with you was my plan for the day.”
“Well, in that case.” I grinned. “We can swing by the arena, get a nice treat after, and then we can stop in at Best of Nests to pick out more cute things for the nursery!”
“Sounds like a perfect day.”
I drove and Charlotte comfortably stretched out in the passenger seat. She didn’t live too far out, just enough to make you forget Las Vegas wasright there. We pulled into the staff parking outside of the arena and navigated our way inside. A few of the alphas who performed at Night of Knights, the show run by Charlotte’s alphas, were there taking care of their horses.
Leo was the first to greet us, opening the door for Charlotte before he caught sight of me, his gorgeous smile and the look in his eyes sending a wave of heat washing over me. His soft curls shone in the light, setting off his strong jawline and cheekbones.
“Hey there. I thought you’d never come back.”
My heartbeat ran through my whole body. He’d been waiting for me?
“Finally convinced the jailer to let me out for a bit,” I said lightly, but Leo frowned.
“We were hoping you’d have space in your schedule for a private lesson,” Charlotte told him. “I would teach her myself, but…” She gestured to her stomach, looking ready to pop with three babies almost fully baked in there.
“It’s okay if you’re busy,” I added hastily. “I don’t want to impose.”
He looked me dead in the eye, making all of my omega instincts flare. “You are thefurthestthing from an imposition. I’m happy to make time for you.”
Butterflies went wild in my stomach.
“Why don’t you come meet the horses with me, and Charlotte can rest?” Leo suggested.
I looked back at her. “Are you okay with that?”
“You two go right ahead.”
“Chico’s in the office. I’ll let him know you’re here,” Leo told Charlotte.
“Thank you.” She settled down on one of the arena seats to await her mate’s arrival.
Leo offered me his arm and I hooked mine through it, letting him lead me to the stables after a quick stop to knock on the office door. “Our queen is in the building.”
Chico popped out, greeting us briefly, then bustling away to see Charlotte.
