She laughs. “So we’re on the same page. Alright then, you can head back now and come over tomorrow with my truck. I’ll let you get a good head start. You know… just in case I feel like chasing something after I shift.”
“Right.” I buckle my belt, then pick up her bag and her shoes. “When you get home, make sure you eat something.”
“I’ve got a steak in the fridge. That should do the trick.”
I’m about to leave the shelter, but I stride back over to her, hook my hand around the back of her neck, and pull her in for a long, firm kiss. It’s like coffee, fortifying me for the trek along the beach, back into town. “See you tomorrow.”
The rain has slackened somewhat, but I’m still drenched within a minute or so. I’m not a fan of trudging through muddy sand in boots and soaking-wet jeans, but nothing can dampen my spirits. Even after I’m home, showered, and in my own bed, I’m still grinning.
I’ll probably be smiling in my dreams tonight.
8
I run home and slip into the barn, where I keep some spare clothes hidden. They smell a little funky, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. I’m used to the strong aroma of horse and the stronger smell of manure.
I sneak into the house, staying as quiet as I can. A glow pulls my attention to the living room. Ashala and Tess are zonked out on the sofa. The TV is still on, its light flickering over their sleeping faces. They’re cuddled against each other in a way that makes me think I’m not the only one keeping secrets. The realization makes me smile.
Good for them.
I slip into the kitchen and locate the rib-eye steak in the fridge. It takes a mere second to shred the thin film of thepackage, and I tear into the raw meat, too famished to cook it. I’ve had raw meat many times, and I’ve never had an issue with food poisoning. My stomach can handle it, and besides, I heal fast. Sickness and bacteria don’t really have a chance to take root in my body.
After disposing of the steak packaging and washing my hands, I hurry upstairs, shower quickly, and get in bed with my hair bundled into a wet knot. Not the best option, but my body is crying for rest. I have to prioritize sleep, especially when I’m this emotionally volatile. Being with Rick in the cave left me feeling saner and more refreshed than I’ve been in a long time, but I came so close to devouring him that I won’t let myself take any chances. Besides, he’s going to show up here early, and I’d rather not have the world’s biggest dark circles under my eyes.
When I wake up, I can tell by the light filtering through my curtains that I slept in. I didn’t have my usual morning alarm, because my phone is in my bag, which Rick took with him—but my body’s clock is so accustomed to rising early that I rarely need the alarm anyway. I thought for sure I’d wake up at the usual time.
Apparently not.
Cursing under my breath, I hurry through a quick version of my morning routine and run down the stairs while redoing the messy knot of my hair. I burst out the back door and head for the stable, concerned for the new horses. They’re used to seeing me first thing in the morning.
I stop short when I see Tess leaning on the fence of the stableyard, watching Rick lead Atreides from the stable’s interior to the open air.
Atreides is tentative, eyes shifting warily, ears switching forward and then backward, but he’s not resisting. He’s not panicking or chuffing. I can tell from his body language that he likes Rick.
I’m immediately jealous. Happy for Atreides, of course, but slightly peeved because it took him so long to warm up to me, and here he is, trusting Rick right away. But it’s like that with horses sometimes, just as it is with dogs, cats, or other animals. Sometimes they find their person, that one human in all the world they were fated to meet. It’s a magical thing to witness. And I get to watch it happen in real time.
“That’s right. Perfect,” says Tess, her voice full of shock and delight. “You’re doing great. Wow, Rick. This is so awesome.”
I approach slowly, not wanting to distract Atreides. Rick’s attention is fully occupied by the horse, so he doesn’t notice me right away.
“So, this is unexpected,” I murmur to Tess.
She glances at me, excitement and a hint of apology in her eyes. “I know we don’t usually do this but… he brought your truck over while you were still sleeping. He said to let you rest, and he asked to help with the chores, so I let him do the feeding while I supervised. Marlowe, it was the coolest thing the way Atreides perked up the second Rick walked into the stable. Like magic, I swear. So we just went with it. I figured you wouldn’t mind. Rick doesn’t have much experience, but I’ve been here the whole time. They’re good.”
“It’s okay, Tess.” I chuckle and squeeze her shoulder reassuringly. “I mean, I’m a tiny bit mad that Rick’smaking this look so easy. But it’s all about Atreides, anyway.”
“Rick seems like a good guy.” Tess shoots me a sidelong look, paired with a smirk.
“Hush.” I bump her ribs with my elbow.
She raises both hands in a deprecating gesture. “Hey, I’m not gonna ask what happened last night, or how he ended up with your truck and your bag, or how you got home.”
“And I won’t ask what’s up with you and Ashala.”
Tess flushes beneath her freckles. “It’s pretty new. You cool with it?”
“As your boss I’m supposed to say something like, ‘As long as it doesn’t interfere with your work, or create an awkward work environment,’” I reply. “Pretend I’ve cautioned you about all that.”
“Noted.”
