After a prolonged session of lovemaking, they both fell asleep. Joe awoke to daylight. He was alone in Scarlet’s bed. There was light coming from the bathroom, so he got up and crossed to it. Eased open the door and found her fully dressed in a cute-as-hell yellow and blue dress and beige shoes, standing in front of the bathroom mirror, brushing her hair. “What are you doing?”
“I have to work this morning.”
“Huh. I thought we’d be together for all of the three days we gave ourselves.”
She set the brush in a drawer and took out lip stuff. Painted her mouth a raisin color. “Actually, I forgot that I had to go to work. Luckily a notice pinged on my phone.”
He came up behind her and slid his arms around her waist.
“I’m glad I could make you forget.” He held her gaze in the mirror. “Can’t you cancel work?”
“I’m afraid it’s too late for that. But I only have two sessions this morning.” She turned and looped her arms around his neck. “Icancancel tomorrow’s sessions. Then we’re closed Sunday so that covers our three full days.”
“What time will you be back today?”
“By noon.”
“I’ll make lunch.”
“Okay. Could you feed Stanley, too? I don’t have time to do it now.”
“I will. Do you want me to exercise him?”
“That’d be nice if you know how to ride.”
He scoffed. “I think I can manage that.”
Her gaze held his. “Last night was very special, Joe.”
“For me, too.”
“I alerted the guards you’d be here.” She gave him a peck on the cheek. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”
Joe dressed in yesterday’s clothes, whistling. Boy, she made him happy. Three days, he knew, would never be enough, but he couldn’t think about that. He walked out of her bedroom, out the back door and crossed the distance to the barn. The guard said, “Good morning, Mr. Larson.”
“Good morning. I’m going to feed Stanley and take him for a run.”
“He’ll like that, sir. He’s been a bit restless.”
The barn door was ajar and he walked inside to the stall. Stanley perked up at the sight of him. “Hey, boy,” he said, running his hand down the horse’s head. The scent of the animal and hay brought back his years of being a vet. And for a moment, what he lost made him sad.
Stanley neighed. His coat was a beautiful chestnut brown, clipped short and glossy, with white blazes on the bottom of each leg.
“Let’s ride first, buddy, then you can eat.”
He caught sight of a tack room and went into it. The space was clean, dry and climate controlled. Two adult saddles were on racks made to hold them. One was smaller—Scarlet’s childhood saddle, he guessed.
First he threw a blanket over Stanley, then picked out a bigger saddle, hefted it up, and settled it on the horse’s back. After adjusting the straps for his height, he swung his leg over the torso. For a minute, he savored the feel of sitting on a horse again. He missed parts of his old life, like this.
He started by walking the horse. The movement was rhythmic. Then he trotted, absorbing bounces.Finally, he went into a gallop. Exciting and fast-paced, it was like flying.As the horse’s muscles tightened and released beneath his thighs, he felt a connection and freedom that transcended the moment. Itwas exhilarating. For twenty minutes, Joe forgot about the limits he and Scarlet had put on their relationship and enjoyed the ride.
* * *
Scarlet smiled as she drove to work. She’d never been this physically satisfied. Sure, she dated. She’d actually been seeing an architect off and on for six months, but not so much lately. And they weren’t exclusive anyway, so she didn’t feel guilty about the explosive sex she’d had with Joe. Just the thought made her shiver.
The parking lot was full at the collective. She noted the guard car with two men in it. When had her life become permeated with men with guns? She forced down the fear as one got out of the car and over to her.
“Finn and Heath had earlier sessions so they couldn’t wait for you.” They’d agreed not to go into the collective alone, but in twos or threes and check out each other’s studios. “I’ll walk you in and search your place.” When they were inside her studio, he did indeed check everything out and she thanked him. She checked the time. She had a half hour before her first client. The door opened to the common area for employees and she saw Daisy and Juliet quietly talking. She crossed to them. “Hello both of you.”
