CHAPTER 21
Miles
Iwake before the sun breaches the horizon.
Birdsong drifts in through the open window, and the moon is still bright enough for its silver light to spill through the gap in the curtains and across the bed.
I can’t breathe.
Sitting abruptly, I swing my legs over the side as I try to drag in a full breath, but there’s a tightness in my chest.
It’s so . . .unfamiliar. And I hate it. It crawls beneath my skin as I force myself to breathe again and again until eventually, I have no choice but to stand.
Turning, my eyes drift toward the shape lying beside me. Her bare back glows beneath the moonlight, framed by a shock of bronze hair.
For the first time in my life, I can agree I’ve been reckless. Never have I had sex without a condom. And now that I have—every sensation heightened and magnified—I can’t ever see myself returning to them. Or being with someone who isn’t Ruby.
The pull becomes too strong to resist, and I slip back beneath the covers beside her.
She doesn’t even stir.
I’m not usually one for overnight guests, especially not sleeping beside someone, but the moment I settle next to her, breathing in the warm, soft scent of her shampoo and skin, something under my ribs loosens.
And only then—only when I lie back down—can I finally take a full breath.
“Miles. Miles.”
I blink and look up to find Billy and Jack staring at me. Judging by their expressions, I’d say they’ve been talking for a while, yet I haven’t heard a word they’ve said.
“Sorry,” I mutter. “What?”
Billy narrows his eyes. “You okay?”
“Yeah. Fine. Just tired. Didn’t sleep well.”
Billy’s eyebrow arches suggestively. “Didn’t sleep well...or didn’t sleep at all?”
It’s a fair question, especially given my history. It’s something I’ve never apologized for before, nor given a second thought to. But this morning, after last night with Ruby and waking up next to her, I feel. ..different.
So, I’m definitely not in the mood for whatever joke he’s trying to make.
“What’s up?” I ask shortly.
Billy’s brows lift in surprise. He’s not used to me snapping.
“Our first match is at twelve,” Jack says slowly. “We need to decide who’s going out first.”
“Well, we’ve got Piglet and Owl, Violet and Rose. They’ve all been performing well in practice this week. I think we should try them first.”
By the time the other horses arrive later this afternoon, they’ll have rested enough for tomorrow.
I pause suddenly. “Wait. Did you say our match is at twelve?”
Jack nods. “Yeah. Pitch nine.”
“Are you sure? I thought it was at one.”
“No.” He shakes his head. “Definitely twelve.”
