Page 90 of Saddle Storm

I nod like my progress doesn’t land somewhere between relief and frustration, slipping my sweater back on. “What do I have to do to play again? To pass whatever tests the team’s planning?”

She grimaces. “Not much beyond what we’re already doing. Your range looks better, and you’re not as sore as last week. Whatever you’re doing outside our sessions—it’s working.”

I scoff. “Thought I might’ve pushed it a few days ago. Tried saddling my old horse. Then ended up riding him.”

She smirks. “Believe it or not, that kind of controlled movement can actually help. As long as you weren’t pulling or jerking with that arm.”

“I wasn’t.” I scratch the scruff along my jaw. “Had a good trainer.”

“Oh, I’ve seen her.” Jenny rolls her eyes. “But no, I wouldn’t worry. You probably did more good than harm. Just don’t push it. Training and testing still come first. And that part could take weeks.”

“Course it will,” I mutter.

“But I’ve got some good news.”

“What’s that?”

“Don’t think there’s any reason for you to stay at the ranch. You could probably do just fine back home in Denver. Sure there’s a team therapist who can take over from here.”

A pit forms in my stomach. “Somethin’ I said?” I tease.

She huffs. “Cute. I know you want to get outta here. No offense taken.” She winks and heads back to her car.

Go home.

There’s an idea. Leave Storm—go back to nothing.

Except training, tests, scrutiny, and disappointing everyone around me because of something I’m not good at.

I pull my phone out in the parking lot and send my agent a quick update before I can overthink it. Might as well get his reaction over with.

Silas: Cleared for skating only. No games.

He responds with a thumbs-up and a, We’ll talk later. I take that as code for “hang tight.”

Two weeks ago, I’d have said, Got nothing else to do.

But now I do.

Storm. Max. And everything I want for them.

Things I know damn well she won’t let me do.

Get him a phone so we can always reach him. So he doesn’t feel so left out in a world growing on technology. Sign him up for a sport—any sport.

I want to take Storm out on another date. Maybe a movie. Kid-friendly of course. It’s easy around town, people don’t approach me as much here anymore. But I want to take her out of town too. Places I know she’d love.

Buy her a home. A real home.

I love her.

If the ache in my bones at the thought of ever leaving her behind is any indication—I love her.

Her heart, her commitment, her strength, her as a mother . . . a lover, I love it all. I want it all.

Checking my watch, I head toward the stables. Thursdays are her busiest days, with lessons and training so I know I’ll need to make my visit quick. At the very least tell her about my progress and maybe see what else I can do with my hands.

A familiar horse catches my attention. I stop in my tracks looking up at Tuck’s rider.