Page 67 of Forbidden Forget-Me-Not

I looked down at my hands while Atlas pawed at the sand as if he agreed.

“Yes, Coach.”

“One more time, then we’ll call it a day. Okay?”

I nodded.

He walked away while I gathered myself, giving Atlas the cue to walk on. This time, I was determined not to let anything affect me. I hardened my thoughts and focused on the course as we picked up the canter.

Everything felt smoother. We were finally moving as one.

Halfway through the course, I felt him.

Atlas flicked an ear toward the far end of the arena. A thread of tension moved through his back for half a second before settling again as he spotted someone watching.

I finished the triple clean this time, then cleared the final two jumps on the course.

Coach Ehrens clapped from the sidelines. “Much better. Much, much better,” he called out, holding up his stopwatch.

“Thank you.” I waved, smiling as I brought Atlas back to a controlled trot before letting him walk it out.

Only then did I look toward the rail.

Goran stood there, hands in his pockets, body still.

My heart fluttered in my chest at the sight of him.

His dark hair caught the sunlight. The black wraparound sunglasses did nothing to stop me from feeling his gaze. He looked lethal and sexy in his black suit.

Seeing him made my chest ache in a way that had nothing to do with lust and everything to do with something steadier. Something that felt like home.

No matter what happened, I knew I would always love him.

He didn’t move. He just watched.

I finished the cooldown, pretending he wasn’t there, but that was a futile effort. Ignoring him felt like trying to hold back a storm or stopping the waves from reaching the shore.

Corey, my groom, waited by the gate. She met me and took Atlas’s reins.

“I’ll give him a nice, warm bath. Do you want the ice boots on him after?”

“Yes, that would be great.” I slid out of the saddle and gave Atlas another pat. “Can you take him for a hand graze later? He deserves it after the ride I gave him today.”

Corey smiled. “Happy to.”

She walked away talking to Atlas like he was the cutest puppy in the whole world. That was what I loved most about her. She genuinely loved the horses. She was smart and hardworking, too.

Goran had moved to stand near Coach, chatting quietly with him as I walked up.

“You’re ready. Just don’t overthink it,” Coach said. “And leave the baggage at the door. From what I’ve heard, if you come top four at this show, you’re on the team. But you didn’t hear that from me.”

He smiled as I squealed like a child.

“You earned it. You’ve really proven yourself this last year, and you’re so consistent that they can’t deny you’re one of the best shots the country has at medaling.”

Coach shook Goran’s hand, then turned and started walking away.

“Where are you going?” I called out teasingly.