I lean over his neck, laughing, as he races around the paddock, noisily snorting and blowing.
“Such a big baby,” I say to him.
He spins in a circle and takes off again.
We run until I forget everything but the icy burn of the winter’s air on my cheeks, until it’s just us. He heads back to the stable at a walk, and I lay on him, hugging his neck.
“Soon, the daylight hours will start getting longer, and we can play more,” I promise him.
Right now, the days are short; the sun rises late and sets early. June will be here in a week, and the winter solstice will be here before anyone can blink, then it will be summer.
The evening has grown chilly, so I tug my jacket around me, wishing I’d thought to bring my fingerless gloves. Instead, I ignore my discomfort and get to work making sure Gale is set for the night.
I put a rug on him and set him up in the stall I’ve cleaned this morning. He’s happily munching and getting all sleepy when I head out and check the water and yard. When I’m done, I lean over the stall in the stable, staring at him.
“I love you, Gale.”
He lifts his head, and those soft velvet lips tickle my face. He turns around, and I get the impression that he’s telling me enough now.
“All right, I will harass you tomorrow. Love you, you big goof.”
He snorts, but he’s set up, so I shut the stable and head back to the house.
I’m distracted so I don’t notice him until I bump into his chest. But my gasp is loud; the way his hands grab my upper arms is startling. Everything about me comes roaring to life.
‘Sebastian, Sebastian, Sebastian,’ my heart shouts.
Ugh, what is wrong with me?
His scent hits me, then, it always hits with a punch, and this time is no different. By force of will, I don’t let out the needy whine that always, always tries to slip free when I'm around him.
“Sebastian.”
Damn, the way I say his name is just…obvious. He doesn’t call me on it, though; he never does.
“Cordelia,” he draws my name out and grins, but it doesn’t meet his eyes. No, he always stares at me like a hunter.
I sigh.
“You slammed the door in my face.”
“I did.”
“Aren’t you sorry?”
“I am not.”
“You wound me.”
“Not yet, but there’s still time,” I murmur and struggle free of his hold because if he keeps touching me, I might do something stupid and throw myself at him.
Sebastian pretends as if I've shot him in the chest and staggers back. My stomach flips wildly, and I fight to hide a smile.
“How did you get in?” I snap.
“Your mother gave me a key.”
My mother gave him a… I grind my teeth. “Give it here, and go home, Sol.”
