“If that’s what you want,” I say slowly.
“It is.”
“Fine.”I step back, giving her space.“Strictly platonic it is.”
She exhales, like she’s been holding her breath.“Good.That’s...good.”
An awkward silence falls between us.
“I should go,” she says, glancing back at her car.“I have errands to run before work.”
I nod.“See you Saturday then.”
She turns to leave but I snag her wrist, my thumb tracing over her soft skin.“I’m going to need your number.”
Lifting her gaze to mine, she narrows her eyes.“What for?”
“Amelia, you’re leaving your son in my care.I’m going to need your number in case of anything.”
“Right,” she says, reaching into her back pocket for her phone.“Then I should add, no texting or calling unless it’s about Dylan to the list of conditions.”
I fight a smile and take the phone from her.I plug in my number and store it as a contact before hitting send.My phone rings a moment later, then I end the call and hand her back the phone.“There.”
She huffs out a breath, stuffing the phone back into her pocket.Without another word, or a glance in my direction, she spins around.She makes it two steps before she seems to think better of leaving and turns back to me.
“Thank you for doing this for Dylan,” she murmurs.
“I’m happy to do it, Amelia.”
I may want her, but I’d never use her son to get her.I genuinely want to get to know Dylan, and if I’m lucky, I’ll be able to teach him more than just how to ride a horse.I’ll teach him that good men stay the course.
She nods, then turns once again, her hips swaying provocatively as she makes her way to her car.I watch her drive away, and as I do, I wonder how long this arrangement will last before one of us breaks.
Platonic, my ass.
There’s nothing platonic about the way I feel about Amelia.
There never has been, and there never will be.
ChapterSeventeen
Maddox
“So, Amelia agreed to you giving Dylan lessons,” Della says evenly, turning in the passenger seat to stare at the side of my face.
My hands tighten around the steering wheel and I keep my gaze pointed out the windshield.
“She tell you that?”
“No, I went to feed the horses in the morning, and I ran into Tyler.He was tending to Bluebell, and said you ordered him to work him over.”
“It’s been a while since anyone has ridden her.”
“I think she’s a perfect fit for Dylan.”
“Yeah, me too.”
Bluebell’s temperament is perfect for a beginner.She’s patient and doesn’t spook easily.
