Page 102 of Saddle Storm

I still, my gut twisting low. Setting the bottle down, I slip off the table like I’m going to be sick.

“Storm?”

“Hmm?”

“Jasper—my . . .” he air-quotes the words, “. . . second best friend.”

I nod absently. “Right. Yeah. The one who threw you that party.”

Silas shakes his head. “Think it’s one of the top reasons we don’t speak anymore. That and . . . I don’t know. Kind of always thought the guy was a jerk.”

Yep, I’m going to throw up.

“Storm.”

“What?”

He grins but his brows push together. “You feelin’ all right?”

“Spend the night,” I say before I ruin tonight by asking him to leave because I’m suddenly not woman enough to deal with my poor choices.

“Wh—are you sure?” He lowers his voice. “I mean, shouldn’t we be taking baby steps with Max?”

Please don’t say baby.

I shake my head. “It’ll be fine. We’ll be careful. Please.”

He crosses to me, hearing the urgency in my voice, cupping my cheeks. “There’s nothing I want more.”

I relax under his touch. Even if I know the day is coming. I can push it off a little bit longer.

32

The Shack is half full this afternoon with most of the staff choosing to sit inside while I opt for the patio. Heaters glow along the edge of the elevated platform. The air is sharp, cold, laced with the scent of woodsmoke. Wesley’s arranged Halloween decorations to hang from the rafters. Mostly little plastic pumpkins that light up after sunset.

There’s an annual Halloween event tonight including hayrides and other family friendly activities that my brothers always try to get me to come out for—either to help set up or get fans to show up and create buzz. Probably the latter since they never seem to want my help with anything.

But since the fall holiday lands weeks after season kick off, I never make it into town.

Even today, it’s the last thing on my mind as I scroll through more posts of Storm and me at the game. I never pay this much attention to social media. Not even when my fall aired. But this—this is bothering me. I was relieved Storm took it so well. And to be honest, the fact that she’s sticking with me despite the exposure, sends a thrill through me like I never imagined.

I wrap my hands around the now-lukewarm mug and bring my phone to my ear.

As usual, Harvey picks up on the second ring.

“Silas, I told you, I already tried, but they’re not budging on moving up those tests.”

“Not calling about that,” I mutter.

He exhales. “This about the girl?”

“Yes. It’s everywhere, Harvey. I’ve had girls in my seats before—why isn’t this dying down?”

“Not ones that had your eye all night.”

Silence stretches as I look out into the fields. The stables my eyes always gravitate to. Wherever she is.

And I see his point.