I got up and spun in a circle, searching for my clothes. I’d left my kids with a friend so I could get laid. I was officially the worst mom ever.
“Josh,” I pleaded, pulling on my sports bra.
He lay back, putting his hands behind his head, watching me as I struggled into my leggings. The combination of biceps and chest hair almost had me crawling back into the bed.
Almost.
“I’ll wait,” he said firmly. “As long as it takes.”
Chapter 27
Josh
I’d wait. I’d waited this long. And now that I knew what I could have, how incredible it could be? I’d never settle for anything less.
Celine could keep me waiting for decades, the memories of our encounters could sustain me for years.
And what she had told me about her ex-husband? Rage flared in my chest every time I thought about it. How could anyone be so cruel?
And while I was glad the asshole was in jail, I would have been much happier if he was in the ground, where he could never hurt Celine or her kids again.
I got out of the truck at Logan’s place, taking it in. He was chaos personified, and his home-slash-farm-slash-animal-sanctuary followed suit. He had been saving to buy the place, and with any luck, that would happen. It fit him perfectly. Cats and dogs running all over, a pen of goats, dozens of chickens, and a potbellied pig who ran and slept with the dogs.
He emerged from the barn wearing rubber boots and a big grin, rubbing his hands together. “The surprise is ready. Wanna see?”
Nervousness coursed through me, but it wasn’t due to the usual fear or stress. No, this felt more like hope. I’d moved mountains for trees, for land, for the family legacy. Yet this felt bigger.
The barn smelled like hay and leather, soft light filtering in through the large door and the windows. Halfway back, we stopped at a stall where a calm quarter horse stood, ears flicking, her tail swishing lazily. “This is Daisy. She’s a bay,” he said. “She’s funny and friendly.”
I surveyed her, noting the white star on her forehead.
“How old?”
“Ten, so she’s past the wild stage, and she’s not hotheaded. Rescued her from a neglect situation in upstate New York.”
The horse had calm, kind eyes, and by the way she shifted her weight and swished her tail again, she was unfazed by our presence.
“And she’s safe?”
“For grooming, snuggles, and walking? Yes. No riding yet.”
I nodded, easing a hand out to stroke her head.
She pushed into me, craving affection.
“She’s perfect,” I said.
“You gonna tell me about the girl?” He stretched, grabbing the rafter above him. The move caused his shirt to ride up, putting his lower abs on display.
I had no clue how he cared for all these animals, kept up his practice, stayed in good shape, and found time to eat.
“Maggie? Sure, she’s nine and obsessed with horses.”
“No.” He let go of the rafter and crossed his arms. “I know Maggie. She asked me five dozen goat questions last weekend. I’m talking about her mom. You know, the woman you’re madly in love with?”
I didn’t deny it. I was a shit liar.
“It’s complicated,” I replied, ducking. “And I’m not rushing anything.”
