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I think over the past few months and how we’ve stayed in contact through texting while he didn’t have to. Yet we both enjoyed it and I might even go as far as stating the both of us developed some form of friendship because of it.
It’s for this reason I blurt, “What are friends for, right?”
He squeezes my hand once more and it’s then I realize we’ve been holding hands the whole time.
“I appreciate you more than you think, my friend,” he muses back and lets his gaze slide to the mare and the foal.
The both of us release a deep sigh and I dare to say hope blooms for the fostering in front of us and the friendship we’ve developed over time, switching from text to face-to-face. Strangely I feel good about myself; jumping into action without thinking with this as a result gives me the strength to up the scale tomorrow, and the day after.
It’s time to get my life back on track and today was a major step forward to be standing here alone with a man I’ve never met face to face…and we’re still holding hands and I’m not freaking out. I’d say that’s a win on all fronts.
CHAPTER TWO
– PERRY –
I carefully cross my booted ankles, trying not to disturb the delicate woman who fell asleep a few hours ago with her head on my shoulder. It’s early morning and we spent the night sitting in the stable observing the fostering. I still can’t believe Melba fully accepted the foal after a few hours. She’s a lifesaver, along with Ramona.
Glancing at her sleeping face, it’s clear she’s restless with her eyes moving behind her lids and the soft tormented sounds tumbling from her lips. Anger flows through me, knowing what she went through and how fucked-up a guy can be to violate such a gorgeous woman.
Ramona has explained a lot in full detail about what happened to her and in return I’ve shared some of my past. And for the first time in my life, I realize a good friend of mine happens to be a woman.
Her issues have kept us from meeting face-to-face but it doesn’t diminish the lack of distance we have in communication. I know this woman through and through and it’s also why I have to tread carefully when she wakes up.
She’s been violated in her sleep and waking up is traumatic for her. The way she describes it to me, it’s as if she’s getting hit by a bucket of ice water the moment she opens her eyes. Everything comes rushing back and the fear and disgust of her own body twisted with the memories of the past causes her to cry out in revulsion.
Ramona stirs against me. The mare is standing a few feet away from us and the foal is lying on the ground sleeping. I don’t want to disturb the serenity of the moment but mostly I want Ramona to wake up without being stuck in her head.
“Good morning, sunshine. You snore, did you know that?” I quip and Ramona jolts upright and whips her head in my direction.
Her eyes are wide and filled with disbelief.
“Yeah, kept me awake all night. Not those two, though. Look.” I point behind her and she throws a look over her shoulder.
A soft sigh of relief flows through the air and she scoots back to the wall to sit right next to me again.
“Such a pretty sight,” she breathes.
“Sure is,” I reply while I keep my gaze on her delicate features.
If my wife hadn’t ruined me for all future relationships, I would be going all in to swoop this beautiful soul off her feet and make her mine.
“I slept,” she whispers, more to herself than to me.
“You sure did. I mentioned the snoring keeping me up, right?” I tease.
She playfully smacks my chest. “I do not snore.”
“You do, but I happen to think the sound is adorable.” I shrug.
Her eyes go thoughtful and I want to give her some reassurance about sleeping with me because I understand how heavy the weight on her shoulders is due to her history.
I pull my phone from my pocket. “I gave Ivar and Medley the codes to log into the camera we put in place to watch the mare and foal last night. I hope you don’t mind but the both of us were drained and I wanted to have the extra pair of eyes in here in case we fell asleep.”
“Which we did,” Ramona muses and stretches her arms above her head, yawning as she closes her eyes for a breath or two.
My heart squeezes painfully. Damn. Like I said…if my wife didn’t rip the rug out from underneath my emotions and expectations concerning women I would go all in with Ramona. Though, deep down my gut is telling me she’s worth every burn my heart would suffer to take the fucking risk.
Diverting my gaze, I shove my phone back into my pocket and stand, turning to offer Ramona my hand to pull her to her feet. Her palm slides over mine and I swear touching this woman feels like sparkling water where others are simply flat.
