“Was that okay? You didn’t want anything, did you?” There’s a hint of anxiety to his voice, as if he’s afraid of being presumptuous.
“Couldn’t possibly.”
“Good, good.”
He tries to pay when Gemma brings the card machine over, but I give my card to her before he can. “Don’t take his money.” She nods, waving him off when he offers his.
“Come on, Gemma, you’ve known me since before we could read. Why are you on her side?”
She raises a perfectly penciled black brow at him. “Us ladies have tostick together.”
Quint is still complaining as we make our way outside. “I wanted to pay.”
The drop in temperature sends a shiver down my spine. Quint pulls off the light jacket he wore, draping it around my shoulders as we walk down the unassuming little main street under the soft glow of the streetlamps.
“You paid for my coffee the other day, and I can afford it. Not to mention you’ve done so much to help me out, like letting me live rent-free at your place and cooking the world’s best breakfast sandwiches for me. Oh…” I lean in closer. Even though there’s no one close enough to overhear, I can’t fight the need to whisper the words. Just in case. “And you’re teaching me how to ride.”
A flash of headlights illuminates him as he helps me up into the truck.
“That was a fantastic meal. Thank you so much.” I needed it. That chance to almost feel like a normal person again. It’s been a long time since I was able to go out and just eat at a restaurant. No planning, no disguises or decoys. It felt fucking amazing.
Chapter 13
Aura
Amonthintomynew ranch lifestyle, I’m getting way too used to this feeling of normal. The blissful little bubble I’ve been living in with Quint since our dinner last week is bound to pop soon. The daily routine of riding lessons, helping around the ranch, and eating with him or his family is so nice. Such a departure from my usual life in LA that fluctuates between extremes of overstimulating and lonely with nothing in between. With only a couple of weeks left until the rest of the cast and crew arrive, my time in his world is limited.
I’ve been working hard every day on my riding, and it feels like it’s paying off. Even the constant dull ache in my legs from the new activity is starting to ease up a bit. I thought I was in shape before, but nothing I did in the gym with my personal trainer prepared me for mornings spent in a saddle. Which is why I’m outsideright now, getting back into my regular yoga practice. I stretch deeper into the downward dog pose, loosening all the tight muscles, and a sigh slips out.
The sky above me is an endless stretch of pale blue as I tilt my head up. Yoga has always been a refuge for me, but here, outside in the fresh air and vast empty space, the calming effect is multiplied. The gentle breeze on my skin, the rising sun on my face, and the fresh dew under my bare feet is perfection.
Until something bumps into me from behind. I teeter for a moment before toppling to the ground in an undignified heap. Then a couple of damp paws land on my bare midriff with a thump, and a wet nose nuzzles at my cheek.
“Blinkie, what are you doing? Silly girl.” I grab her face, planting a kiss on top of her head.
Footsteps come thudding up beside me and I catch sight of Quint’s worn brown boots.
“I’m so sorry. She was down at the barn doing turnout with me and I think she must have caught sight of you. Back off, Blink.” He tugs her off, then gives her scratch under her chin.
“It’s fine.” I jump to my feet, brushing the grass and dirt off my leggings. “I’m going to have a shower anyway.”
“Bad girl,” Quint says to the dog, but his tone is adoring, no heat to the words.
“I thought I’d make breakfast today?” I say as we stroll back into the house.
“Didn’t you say there should be a warning label attached to any meal you happen to make?”
I spin toward him, walking backward. “I can’t cook, but I can blend.”
“Blend?”
“I make a mean smoothie. My green goddess?” I kiss my fingers. “To die for.”
“Literally? Because you know I’ve got a lot of plans for this place, and I really can’t be leaving it in Caleb’s hands anymore. He’s got no imagination.”
My phone is buzzing on the coffee table as we walk inside. “No, you asshole. Not literally.”
His shoulders are shaking with laughter when I turn to level a glare at him.
