Page 180 of Lost Trust

“When a man really has a big dick, he doesn’t have to swing it around for everyone to know it.”

“Fuck you.”

I smile. “Sorry. You’re not my type.”

A door opens behind me.

“Okay.” Bryce’s voice cuts through the hallway. “You get to work on your part, and I’ll do mine.”

I glance over my shoulder.

Bryce and Axle step out of the office.

Bryce takes one look at Blaze. Then at me. “Everything all right out here?”

I smile. “Everything’s fine.”

Marina

Blaze is gone.

On his way back to Francey with a promise to Ryder that he’ll call and visit more often.

I’m not holding my breath.

I’ve heard promises from Blaze before, and I know better than to build my expectations around them. But at least he doesn’t sound like he’s gearing up for a fight. No threats. No accusations. No more questions about where we are living.

As far as I’m concerned, that’s a win.

I teach my morning class, then spend the early afternoon getting ready for a late afternoon one-on-one in the indoor arena.

I’m checking the tack on one of the lesson horses when I hear footsteps coming across the dirt.

I glance over my shoulder.

Royce is walking toward me with that easy, confident stride of his, hat pulled low and his hands shoved into his pockets.

“What are you doing here?”

“Come sit with me.”

I glance toward the stands. “Are you here to beg me to have dinner with you again?”

“Yes.”

I laugh.

He climbs the steps, and I follow him, settling beside him on the bottom row.

“In fact, I’d like you to be my dinner date for the rest of your life.”

I stop breathing.

Actually stop.

My smile disappears.

“Royce …” I swallow. “You’re not …”