CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Today wasa big step forward as far as Hallie was concerned. Tate and Jason had offered to take Jacob to his therapy appointment and then afterward Faith, Brent, and Hallie agreed to meet them for some food.
Jacob seemed to be acting more like his old self. Hallie could see the subtle changes as he continued to gain his strength and mobility back.
They’ve been spending a lot more time going for walks around his property and even going out on dates in town. The more time he spent with his friends, the happier he was. She hadn’t realized just how much she missed this side of him until she saw it again.
She just needed to finish putting away some of the photographs she’d been collecting before she could go meet everyone for dinner. Jacob had mentioned that he thought she might want to create a scrapbook of sorts to put all her pictures in, but that was just his sneaky way of telling her to make a portfolio.
Hallie let it slide.
As much as Jacob wanted to keep their dating life separate from their personal goals, they both knew it was impossible. Caring about each other’s interests was what strengthened their relationship.
Hallie’s hand paused over a picture she’d taken of him while he was still in his neck brace and cast. She picked up the print and traced her finger over Jacob’s forlorn expression. Her heart had broken for him that day. He’d seemed so lost but she hadn’t expected anything less. He’d recently started working on his mobility and taking a walk outside had been a trial all its own. So, despite her trying to point out how much he’d accomplished, he’d only scowled and made an off-hand comment that he didn’t need to be coddled like a toddler.
Maybe she should bring the picture with her to show him just how much things had changed. Back when she’d taken this picture, the future seemed so far away. But now? His physical therapist could sign off on him returning to work.
She shook her head and put the picture into the box where she kept the others. Then she hurried through the house to grab her keys and jacket.
The weather was getting colder. They were only a few months away from the competition and Jacob would need every last bit of extra time to practice if he wanted to be comfortable in the saddle again. Time seemed to have sped up, but wasn’t that how it always went?
Hallie hadn’t gotten a message from Jacob about him ending his workout early, so she headed that direction. She’d surprise him so they could drive to the restaurant together rather than meet there.
When she arrived at the physical therapist’s location, she noticed Tate’s truck in the parking lot and she smiled. In all likelihood, they’d be doing some cool down exercises like stretching or walking.
She entered the building and nodded to the receptionist who was on the phone. She gestured toward the door leading to the gym and Hallie headed that way. The second she entered the space, she caught sight of the three men. They were on the far side of the room and the way they were seated meant she’d be able to sneak up on them. No mirrors reflected her approach.
On quiet feet, she moved toward them. Was it the best idea to jump on Jacob’s back? Probably not. But he was so much stronger than before, and it wasn’t like he hadn’t given her a piggyback or two when they’d gone on their hikes.
Only, the closer she got, the more of their conversation she heard.
And that was what stopped her dead in her tracks.
“I don’t know…” Jacob murmured. “I’m not sure I should go back.”
“Not go back to the rodeo? Why?” Tate demanded with surprise.
Jason stared, stunned as well.
Hallie couldn’t move. She’d known that he wasn’t certain of his future, and he didn’t want her to pressure him, but to not have faith in himself? It didn’t make sense.
“Are you scared you’re going to get hurt again?” Jason asked.
It was a reasonable question, and one Hallie desperately wanted the answer to.
Jacob sighed and shook his head. “It’s not that…”
“Then what is it? I’ve heard you talking to the Doc. He said there isn’t any reason why you can’t perform like you used to. It might take time to get back into the swing of things?—”
“It’s not that either.” This time Jacob sounded exasperated. It reminded her of the way he’d spoken to her when she’d asked him about his plans for the future. Part of her wanted to storm into their little group and put the guys in their place. Didn’t they know that Jacob didn’t want to talk about this sort of thing?
But then Jacob’s quiet words knocked the wind out of her.
“I don’t want her getting hurt.”
Jacob’s friends studied him. Based on their demeanors, they knew who he was talking about. His girlfriend. The woman who was eavesdropping on their current conversation. Suddenly, she felt sick to her stomach. She shouldn’t be here.
As quickly as she could, she spun around and hurried toward the door. She was almost there when she heard that familiar timbre call after her. “Hallie? Where are you going?”
