Tornado looked at me like he was deciding whether to tolerate me or trample me.
I did not realize horses could be possessive about their owners. But that one absolutely is. He watches Hunter the way a jealous ex watches their replacement. I’ve managed to get some incredible shots during quiet moments. The mountains at golden hour. The horses silhouetted against the sunrise. Wyatt chasing Gary through the paddock with his arms out like an airplane. I haven’t posted any of them anywhere. But I’m building a collection that feels more like me than anything I ever shot in New York.
And now, the only thing looming over me is the fact that I’ll be on a flight to New York in the morning.
I don’t want to go.
I spent one night without my husband, when he was arrested, and I hated every second of it. The bed felt enormous and cold and wrong without his arm across my waist and his breathing against my neck.
But I promised my father. And a promise is a promise, even when it means walking back into the life I ran from.
I rest my arms on the fence and watch the ranch hands moving cattle through the field. It’s all still surreal to me.
I’ve only seen a small part of it. This place is a world to itself.
I feel Hunter behind me before I turn around. That shift in the air. The way the space changes when he’s in it.
He’s there, looking unfairly good in his work clothes and black cowboy hat. “What you thinkin’, baby?”
“That I don’t wanna go back to New York tomorrow,” I tell him honestly.
“It’s one night. You’ll be just fine.” He leans in and brushes my hair over my shoulder, his fingers trailing along my neck. “And if you hate it, you can just call me, and I’ll figure out some ways to make the time go quicker.”
The way he says it makes my cheeks heat. I know exactly what kind of phone call he means.
“I’ve spoken to Frankie. His wife is going to pick you up from the airport as soon as you land.”
I nod. Now that I know the truth about the dealings back home, there’s a nervousness sitting in my stomach that wasn’t there before. New York isn’t just my parents’ world anymore. It’s Frankie’s too.
Hunter’s finger traces along my collarbone. “I promised I’d teach you to ride. What do you think about having a go now?” He tips his hat back slightly. “There’s somewhere I’d like to show you.”
I step forward and snake my arms around his waist, pressing my face into his chest. Partly because I want to be close to him. Partly because I’m terrified. I can’t even use my injuries as an excuse because they’re fine now.
“You aren’t putting me on Tornado, are you?”
He chuckles, the sound vibrating through his ribs and into mine. “No. Tornado doesn’t like anyone but me.”
“I knew it. I swear he’s been side-eyeing me all week.”
“He’s just protecting his territory.” Hunter presses a kiss to the top of my head. “Kind of like his owner.”
He takes my hand and leads me into the stables. As we pass Tornado’s stall, he stamps and tosses his head, giving me a look that clearly says don’t even think about it.
“See?” I hiss. “He hates me.”
“He doesn’t hate you. He’s dramatic.”
“Wonder where he gets that from,” I joke.
Hunter shoots me a look over his shoulder that’s half offended and half amused. He stops in front of a stall near the end. Inside is a smaller horse, a chestnut mare with a white blaze down her nose and the kindest eyes I’ve ever seen on any living thing.
“This is Penny,” Hunter says, reaching in to stroke her muzzle. “I broke her in for Wyatt. She’s as gentle as they come. Couldn’t spook her if you tried.”
Penny blinks at me, and I swear she smiles. She’s the cutie Wyatt introduced me to.
“Hi, Penny,” I say softly, holding out my hand.
She nuzzles into my palm, and my heart melts into a puddle on the stable floor. “Okay. I love her.”