The veterans did well on their first day. The group was insightful, making astute observations and asking questions about each animal. After they explored the barn, it was remarkable, no one chose the same horse.
She watched her therapy staff fan out to the clients they were assigned. Their lesson of the day was to groom their horse. Eleanor joined Aaron Bain, Troy and Kyle. “Kyle, it’s nice to meet you. How are you doing today?”
“Happy to be here. I figured I better let you know, I’m a ringer. I grew up on a horse farm in Helena, Alabama.” Kyle tilted his chin in Troy’s direction. “Troy really hates horse poop. All that hay and flies.” He smiled.
Eleanor laughed and gritted her teeth in pain. “You two are quite a pair. Let’s talk about your new friend, Roisin. She’s a beautiful Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse.” As Eleanor said that, the horse pushed her tongue out against Troy’s cheek. “You’re a ladies’ man.”
She caught the flash of sadness in Troy’s eyes. She was sure Kyle saw it too. She witnessed the same camaraderie between the two men she saw with Wes and the others.
“That went really well,” Nadia, another therapist, said.
“It did.” Ellie grinned.
“Would you like to grab some dinner with us?” Nadia asked.
“I’m sorry. I have plans tonight. Thank you, though.” Ellie offered a practiced smile.
“We want you to know you can hang with us anytime,” Aaron said.
“Thanks. I have some work to do, and then I’m turning in. I’m tired,” she admitted.
“Shit, Ellie. It’s easy to forget—you didn’t miss a beat today. See you in the morning,” Aaron said.
“Good night, everyone. See you bright and early.” She watched the vans leave with the group to head to the bunkhouse.
Eleanor began a slow walk toward her office. She found Wes sitting in the center’s waiting room. “You’re amazing,” he said.
“Just doing my job.” She shrugged and unlocked her office.
Wes followed. “Ellie, I heard from DC. Brandon is doing better.”
She sat behind her desk. “Thank goodness. I expected to see Lance today.”
“Kieran Chase sat on him today as a favor to me. I wanted to speak with you first,” Wes said.
Eleanor’s eyes drilled into his. “I’m listening.” Every minute she spent with him, she wanted to collapse into his arms and tell him everything.
“I should have told you I was recording you. And I should’ve told you about Gwen. I was afraid.”
“Afraid? You?”
“Yes. I was afraid you’d run. I don’t want to lose you. And by keeping these secrets from you, I have. Those were the only lies. I made love to you because I wanted to. I could get lost in your beautiful body forever. And no matter what you chose to do, I need you to believe that. I also need you to understand, I want you to be safe. If you don’t want me in your life, please let my colleagues protect you.”
“I need some time,” she said.
“Okay. Curly, would you let Gwen watch over you?” he asked.
Eleanor nodded. “Is she alright? I didn’t even ask about her.”
“The doctors wanted her to rest. Which is also what they want you to do. I’m surrounded by stubborn people.” Wes chuckled. “You can rest together.”
“Yes, I liked her in the few minutes we spent together,” she admitted.
Wes texted. “I’ll wait until she gets here. I do care for you, Ellie.”
“I know.” Eleanor looked down.Made love? He did say that. Lost in my body? Howcould any of that be true?She swallowed the lump in her throat.
His weren’t the only secrets. It wasn’t him. It was her. The secrets were her secrets. The secrets that would destroy any chance she had of a normal life with Wes.
