I bite down on my bottom lip to stifle a smile. “Is that so? Who told you that?”
She shrugs. “Nobody. He just looks at you a lot. Like a lot a lot. All the time. He missed it when I did no hands today!”
I crook my finger, beckoning her closer. “Well, guess what? I didn’t miss it. I saw everything, and it was amazing! You did so good.”
She throws her arms around my neck and hugs me. “You’re the bestest. I think you should go on a date withUncle Griffin. He’s my favorite. Well, except for Daddy and Uncle Jaxy. They're my favorite too.” She continues to list off all of her favorite people until she’s essentially named every Hayes in existence.
In all the chaos of the last several months, I haven’t been spending as much time with Emmy as I would’ve liked, so she’s a little out of the loop. I’m not even sure if she knows about the baby. She was at family dinner when we announced it, but how much can a five-year-old understand about pregnancy? I’m not about to bring it up and find out. Not my circus, not my adorable little monkey.
I tuck a lock of blonde hair behind her ear. “You wanna know a secret?”
She nods excitedly.
“I think I like your Uncle Griffin, too.”
“I sure hope so.” Griffin’s deep baritone interrupts our secret conversation. “We are married after all.”
Emmy squeals. “Really?”
He picks her up and tickles her. “Really, really.”
“This is the bestest day ever!” she says.
Wilder trails into the facility, and Emmy squirms to be let down, rushing over to her dad as soon as she’s free.
“How was your lesson?” he asks.
“Good. I like Sadie a lot. Can we go home now? I wanna tell Sissy a secret.”
“Sure thing.” Wilder smiles. “Can’t stay and chat. I’m just an errand boy, apparently.”
“Bye, Uncle Griff. Bye, Auntie Lina.”
We both wave, and they exit through the massive double doors, leaving us alone in the giant empty space. The air crackles as an oppressive silence descends around us. My thoughts trail back to the heated moment at breakfast, and my pussy pulses beneath my jeans. Pregnancy hormones. It definitely has nothing to do with the way Griffin’s looking at me.
“Whatbrings you to my neck of the woods?” he asks, his voice low and sultry.
My body reacts instantaneously, skin prickling with awareness. “Just wanted to see how Sadie’s doing.”
We both know it’s a lie—one I’ve used countless times. His fingertips trail down my arm in a gentle whisper of a touch.
When did we get so close?
“Sadie, hm? Nothing at all to do with seeing your husband?”
My eyes roll of their own volition. “Not everything is about you, Griffin Hayes.”
He chuckles. “I’ll take you to see her. She did good today, and she deserves a little extra attention.”
Apparently, my pussy thinks he’s talking about us.
Down girl.
With our fingers entwined, he leads me one building over to the stables. I check in with Sadie, giving her tons of treats and affection. A lot has changed since we rescued her last spring, and she seems to be thriving under Griffin’s care. It seems my husband has a gift, and not just with horses. I don’t know how I would’ve gotten through the last six months without him.
It would be so easy to fall if I could trust myself to let go of the reins.
Chapter 28
