Page 34 of Home Is Where You Are

“Are they here yet?” she asked in excitement.

“I’m not sure. Might want to get her brushed down and put up for the night before you go check. Make sure she’s got plenty of water. I’m sure you rode her hard today,” I told her.

“Sure thing, boss,” she joked as she led the horse inside the stable.

I did a few things around the stable, waiting for her to exit.

Within minutes, she came skipping out the door, pulling it shut behind her.

“Someone’s chipper today,” I said as we walked toward the house.

“I sure am. I can’t wait to see Dylan and Aspen.”

I couldn’t wait to see them either. I needed to size Dylan up and at some point, pull him to the side so we could have a chat. Man to man.

We walked through the door just as I heard car doors shut outside. She moved faster than I’d ever seen her move toward the front door. Quickly, I followed behind her.

I walked into the living room just in time to see her jump into the arms of another man. He held onto her tight, spinning her around. I hadn’t missed that his hands held her underneath her ass to keep her from falling. A low growl escaped my lips as I leaned against the wall for support. I hated seeing how excited she was to see him. Especially when she hadn't had that reaction to seeing me.

“I’m so glad you guys are here,” she said as she pulled away from hugging Dylan. Her arms were still wrapped around his neck as she took in the sight of him. She’d just seen him three days ago. They couldn’t have missed each other that much. Or could they?

He placed her on the floor, letting Aspen come up to give her a hug of her own.

“I love you and all, Leigh, but you smell like a horse,” Dylan said.

He loved her.

I could handle her being friends with him, but loving her, I couldn’t sit back and watch.

Taking a deep breath, I controlled the rage building inside me. I clenched and unclenched my fists to keep myself from stomping over there and demanding an explanation for the love he had for her.

“I just came in from a guided tour. I was just about to shower. Let me show you to your rooms, and I’ll get the stench off me,” she replied as she pulled them toward the stairs after they picked up the bags they’d dropped on the floor.

I cleared my throat, causing her to stop in her tracks, and Dylan and Aspen turned to face me.

“I’m sorry for being rude. Dylan and Aspen, this is Gentry,” she said as her cheeks reddened.

“Good to meet you, man.” Dylan stepped toward me with an outstretched hand.

I shook his hand with a firmer grip than I needed to, but he didn’t even flinch.

“You too,” I said, keeping my emotions in check.

I turned toward Aspen and held out my hand which she also shook and told me it was nice to meet me. She smirked as she turned toward Ainsleigh.

What was that look about?

Ainsleigh and Aspen went up the stairs with their arms linked chuckling, Dylan following close behind them.

“I’m glad to see her so happy. You need to calm down, son. I’m sure it’s not what it seems. She’s never let on that they were more than just friends.” Lillian tried to reassure me once they were out of sight, but until I heard that they weren’t an item straight from her mouth, I’d remain uneasy.

“I don’t have a clue what you’re referring to. This is me. Calm and all.”

Lying to her wasn’t the best choice I could’ve made, but it was all I could come up with at the time.

“Sure you are. Let her explain before you jump the gun,” her mother warned.

I wasn’t sure I could do that.