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Everly gave a short laugh. “As if you don’t smell just as bad after spending the day with the horses.”
“I’ll give you that. But I don’t think the wranglers’ cabins are an option. We could ask Haley if Blackwater Ranch has any open cabins.”
Everly perked up. “That’s a great idea.”
“I’ll text her now and let you know. I’ll be at your place a little after seven tonight to pack.”
“You’re the best.”
“Anytime.”
Everly ended the call and set the phone on the counter while she looked through the medicine cabinet for something that would cure a headache. Before she’d gotten the pills out of the bottle, her phone rang again. This time, a photo of her cuddled close to David filled the screen. She flipped it over and let it vibrate its way across the counter. Maybe it would be better if she dropped it in the toilet. Was it too big to flush?
She looked in the mirror and pulled her hair into a messy ponytail. A hint of Blake’s masculine scent had her breath catching in her throat. Spending the day with Blake had been exactly what she needed yesterday. A swirl of butterflies fluttered in her stomach. Blake had picked her up, set her on her feet, and totally blindsided her with an attraction she’d been stifling for years.
No woman could look at Blake without swooning a little. He’d been a starting quarterback in college, and his broad shoulders filled out a flannel shirt as well as a tailored suit. The media hadn’t missed a chance to get his face on half the TVs in America in those college years. She’d been watching the live game when he blew out his knee on the Razorbacks’ field in Arkansas. Her heart had pounded against the cage in her chest as he’d been wheeled off the field, and her pulse had raced just as quickly when she met him in person after he became her brother’s agent.
But it wasn’t that handsome face and strong jawline that had kicked her heart into a new gear yesterday. It was the kindness in his eyes and the way he said her name just before reminding her that she deserved more than a man who couldn’t be faithful.
Blake had taken the day off just for her. He’d put aside everything to be with her. David’s world was fast paced and left no time for horseback riding and dancing. It was like comparing apples to oranges.
And Blake had danced with her.Shehad danced. There’d been a split second when she’d almost said no on instinct. She’d forgotten that she didn’t have a fiancé anymore, and she was free to dance with another man. After that slight hesitation, she’d let the thrill of dancing, stepping out of her comfort zone, and Blake’s hold on her lead her through the rest of the evening.
Some things had been easier with David. She hadn’t been asked to dance because he didn’t like dancing either. He’d even requested that they not dance at their wedding, and she’d agreed. Thinking back over the fun she’d had dancing with Blake last night, it would have been sad to get married and never dance with her husband.
Dancing with Blake had felt right. It was so unlike her, but in the moment, her heart had been light and free. There had been a swirling second when she’d thought Blake might kiss her. His hand had tensed on her back as he looked down at her, and when his gaze dropped to her lips, she’d actually hoped he would.
She took a deep breath and covered her face with her hands. Was she really thinking about Blake? Was that what she’d been missing? He’d told her she was amazing and deserved a man who would tell her so. While she didn’t need for anyone else to define her worth, it had been nice hearing Blake say those things.
Had he been implying that he was the man to do that? Was she reading into things? She wanted to believe he might feel something more for her. Was that selfish? After spending one day with him, he’d raised the bar for all other men.
And that bar was sitting impossibly high right now.
She wanted all those things he’d said and made her feel. She wanted a relationship where she was put first. Well, not first. She wanted to be number two behind the Lord.
The phone rang again, but it was Jess this time.
Everly answered quickly, hoping to shake the thoughts of Blake from her mind. “Good news?”
“Sorry. They’re all full at Blackwater.”
Everly’s shoulders sank. There went her best option. “Thanks for checking.” She swirled her fingertip over the smooth countertop as she considered her words. “Um, have you seen Blake today?”
“No. Is he supposed to meet you here?” Jess asked.
“No. Nothing like that. I was just wondering. I might need his help moving some of the bigger stuff.” That was close enough to the truth, but she was also unsure about how to act around him after everything that happened yesterday. Actually, nothing had happened, so why did it feel like something had?
“He’s supposed to be here today, but he hasn’t come by the barn. Want me to tell him you’re looking for him?”
“No. Um, I’ll just see him later. When does Ridge get back?”
“He got back late last night.”
“Great. I’ll just see if he can help me. Thanks.”
Everly ended the call and stared at her phone. Now she had to tell Ridge, and her overprotective brother wasn’t going to be happy about David cheating. Ridge had looked after her from day one, and he never knew when to let things go. Where Everly would have moved on and quietly gone about her business, Ridge demanded justice, usually with a dose of masculinity that would make any grown man flinch.
She started to feel pity for David and the wrath that was coming for him. Then she remembered the image of his passionate kiss with Natasha Franco and all of her sympathy faded. That was the motivation she needed to get ready and find a new place to live.
