“She’s feisty,” I said, my voice low and calm. “Just like you.”
Sapphire huffed. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”
“Take it however you want.”
Comet pulled back, but she stayed close, shifting her weight and giving me sideways glances. I moved closer, slowly and carefully, until I was standing at her shoulder. I let her sniff my palm, and as I ran my other hand along her neck. My bicep burned, but it was worth it.
This was a milestone.
“She’s never let me do this before,” I said. Her coat was rough under my palm, but the muscles beneath were healthy and solid.
“Maybe not seeing her yesterday made her realize what she was missing,” Sapphire said.
I glanced back at Sapphire. “You think the break was a good thing?”
“I think a break can do wonders sometimes.” There was something sad in her smile.
I held her gaze for a long moment. “Yeah. Maybe.”
Comet raised her head and snorted, then bolted away, kicking out sideways.
“You missed me,” I called, shaking my head. I turned to Sapphire. “She got me the other day—kicked me in the ribs. Hurt like hell. I was lucky she didn’t crack one.”
“You must be getting soft. I’ve seen you take much worse back on the rodeo.”
“Oh, yeah. I forgot you used to watch me ride.”
“I didn’t.” She shrugged. “Forget, that is.”
The morning light caught her face just right, and her hair fell loose around her shoulders. Standing there barefoot in shorts and a T-shirt, she looked damn sexy. My favorite part of the day was so much better with her in it.
I topped up Comet’s water and grain bucket from the barrel by the gate, then climbed back over the fence. Sapphire hopped down, and we walked back toward the homestead together, the sky brightening with every step.
We were almost to the barn when Cassidy appeared on the back verandah, coffee mug in hand.
Her eyes narrowed as she looked between us, grinning way too much. “Hang on a minute. Did you two spend the night together?”
“It’s not what you think, Cass,” I growled.
“Oh, I think it’s absolutely what I think.” She took a sip of her coffee, still grinning. “So, what’s the story between you two anyway?”
I shook my head. “We’re not having this conversation. Be at the chopper in ten minutes, or we go without you.”
“You can’t go without me, bro. I have the map up here.” She tapped her temple. “Besides, I’ve got Bella making us some breakfast packs. You two look like you’re starving.”
I groaned and walked away.
“She doesn’t miss anything, does she?” Sapphire murmured beside me.
“Nope. Much like you.”
Sapphire and I took turns in the bathroom, then climbed back into the loft. She sat on the edge of the bed while I grabbed a clean shirt from the pile on the floor.
“Sorry about Cassidy,” I said. “She’s relentless.”
“It’s fine.” Sapphire smiled. “But I get the feeling it’s going to be a very long flight to that cave, right?”
“Yep.”
