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Moments later, they sailed over the vertical as if it were mere inches, and after the final combination, the crowd roared as Fire cantered over the line. A quick glance at the board revealed no time or jumping faults. She pumped a fist in the air as the announcer confirmed she’d move on to the jump off with the current leader, and any additional riders who qualified.
She exited the arena and dismounted as Charlie took hold of the reins.
“Great job out there.”
“Thanks,” she undid the strap of her helmet and handed it over to hug Fire’s neck. “He did amazing, didn’t he?”
“You both did,” her father’s voice said from directly behind her.
Her stomach gave a little lurch as she turned to face her dad.
“I’m proud of you, honey.”
Her anger over Colorado had dulled some, and now her certainty during the ride confirmed he’d done what he thought was best for her. Then she noticed tears in his eyes and emotion clogged her throat as she stepped forward to wrap her arms around his waist. “Thanks, Dad.”
“I’m sorry about the last few weeks.” His hand smoothed over her hair as his chest expanded on deep breath. “Whatever you decide to do, Raine, I’ll support you.”
She leaned back with a frown of confusion. “Whatever I decide to do?”
He loosened his hold and stepped aside. “Someone’s here to see you.”
She followed his gaze past the people milling about. When she saw Reyes leaning against the back wall, her heart lodged up in her throat and swelled with joy. It took a moment to register that Shelby and Devante stood with him. Her cousin offered a smile and a wave as they started forward without Reyes.
Her heart raced the whole time she gave them each a tight hug and distantly accepted their congratulations on the ride. All the while, she was hyper aware of the tall, gorgeous man a mere twenty feet away instead of however many states lay between New York and Colorado.
A stolen glance skipped her pulse at the sight of his tousled, dusty brown hair, those dark eyebrows, and his intense green gaze locked on her. He should’ve been nondescript in a plain black T-shirt and worn jeans, but Reyes Torrez was not a guy that would ever fade into the background. Not for her, anyway.
“She’s not even listening to us,” Shelby groused to her fiancé.
Raine turned her guilty gaze back to her cousin. “I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be.” She jerked her head toward Reyes with a grin. “Just go.”
She gulped back a surge of nerves and started toward him, her heart thudding hard with anticipation. As she got closer, words from the last time she’d seen him started to pour into her brain. Her feet grew heavy and a lump of renewed pain formed in her throat.
“You’re reading too much into last night.”
“I never made any promises.”
She’d handed him her heart, and he’d shoved it back at her with no concern for the damage he caused.
Stopping in front of him, she crossed her arms. “Why are you here?”
He straightened from the wall, but left his hands in his pockets. “You and Fire looked great out there. It was an amazing ride.”
“Thanks.” She lifted her chin slightly as the announcer called the next rider. “You were right. I do want gold, and I’m not giving up until I get it.”
“Good.” He nodded solemnly. “I’m glad.”
Someone bumped into her from behind, and she murmured a quick acknowledgment for their apology before turning back to Reyes. “You flew all the way here just to tell me you’re glad?”
A crooked smile appeared and was gone just as quick. “I came to tell you I’m sorry, and that you were right.”
About what? The anxiety in his eyes made her heart beat faster as she tilted her head and waited.
He eased closer, his gaze never wavering from hers. “I came because I love you, Raine, and I want to be here for you in any way you need me. Any way you want me. Because I pray to God you still want me.”
The gruff emotion in his low voice weakened her knees, but she managed to keep from throwing herself into his arms. He didn’t deserve for her to make it too easy after she’d spent weeks with an ache in her chest that had made it hard to breathe at times.
