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I smile. “I love you too.”
Walking out of the bathroom, I see Zara has made herself comfortable on the bed, her fingers flying across the screen of her phone. I’m a little taken aback she isn’t trying to interact with Jacob, who is playing with his cars on the floor. Jack is still in the bathroom, running the bath.
“Jack’s just filling the tub,” I tell her, and she finally looks up from her screen.
“Great. Are you staying to help too?” she asks, and I shake my head.
“No, I’ll be in my room.”
“Okay.” She looks back at her phone, indicating the conversation is over and I can’t help but frown. Less than ten minutes ago she was desperate to make a relationship with Jacob and become friends with me. Maybe the tears had been fake after all? It sure seems that way. I make my way to the foot of the bed and kneel on the floor where Jacob is playing.
“Bath time, little man,” I tell him, ruffling his hair. “Have fun with Daddy.” I’m just about to stand up when he stops pushing his car around and climbs onto my lap.
“Ria come?” he asks.
“Not this time, buddy, but I’ll see you downstairs later, okay?” He nods before throwing his arms around my neck, and I hold him tight.
“Who’s ready for a bath?” Jack shouts from the bathroom. Zara jumps off the bed and kneels next to me just as Jack pokes his head around the bathroom door. She flashes him a smile and I roll my eyes before kissing Jacob’s head. There is no way this woman wants to play fair.
“I’ll leave you to it.” I stand and head for the door. Closing it slowly behind me, I catch her placing her hand on Jack’s arm. She says something to him, but I can’t hear what, and he smiles at her. I would never have described myself as a jealous person before I met Jack, but leaving them alone and walking away feels like one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.
Despite telling Jack and Zara I’m going to my room, I need some air. Jogging down the stairs, I quickly head through the house and out of the front door. I can hear voices coming from the den, but I can’t face Emma and Phil. As I make my way to the stables, I pull my phone from my pocket. Scrolling through my contacts, I come to Savannah’s name and hit the call button.
“Hey, Aria. How’s it going?” Savannah asks as she answers the call.
“Hey, Sav. Are you free for a ride?”
“Erm… yeah, sure. Is everything okay?” I can hear the concern in her voice, and I sigh.
“Yes, no. I really don’t know.”
“Meet me at my place. Marley is already here. We can go down to the river.”
“Thanks, Sav.” I end the call and saddle up one of the ranch horses, heading over to Savannah’s place at a steady trot.
Savannah waves as I come into view, trotting over to me on Marley. “That was quick.”
“I was already in the stables when I called.”
“Come on, let’s go.” I nod and we set off in a gallop. Riding is usually my escape, but not even that seems to be helping today. My mind swirls with thoughts of Jack and Zara, and I groan internally, pushing the irrational thoughts away. They’re bathing Jacob, not fucking in the tub.
We ride in silence until we reach the river and dismount. Letting the horses graze, Savannah gives me a few minutes to speak, but when I stay silent, she prompts me.
“What’s going on, Aria?”
“Did you hear that Zara showed up?” Her eyes widen in surprise, and the shock on her face tells me she had no idea.
“Zara, Jack’s ex?”
“The one and only.”
“Fuck!”
“That about sums it up.” My voice is deadpan, but Savannah knows me too well and reaches for my hand.
“What does she want?”
“A second chance.”
