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Mathew’s hand lifted and grabbed onto Dianna’s, and Tristan froze. His feet refused to move. The distance between himself and the two walking ahead continued to grow, but he couldn’t bring himself to follow. Mathew was holding Dianna’s hand, allowing her to lead him back to the cabin.
Speaking was one thing, but physical touch from a near stranger? It was unheard of.
He jolted forward, his thoughts becoming clear. She had a gift, pure and simple. They made it to the cabin before he did, but it worked out since Tristan needed one more moment to soak in his newfound clarity. Tristan pushed open the door and stepped inside just as Mathew emerged from the back carrying a stack of books that he’d brought with them on this trip. Most were non-fiction, highlighting horse breeds and how to care for them.
But the one on top was different. It was a children’s book about a little boy asking Santa for a horse for Christmas, and in the end, he realized horses were too much trouble and he just wanted a toy horse instead.
Dianna’s eyes lit up when she picked the book from the pile. “My mom used to read this story to me when I was a little girl.”
The blood drained from Tristan’s face. Uh-oh. She’d said the “m” word. He lurched forward, ready to stop the inevitable conversation.
Only it didn’t happen.
Dianna didn’t bring up Mathew’s mother. Mathew didn’t get that sad look on his face.
Instead, Dianna opened the book and put her arm around Mathew as they sat close together on the loveseat by the gas fireplace. She glanced up at him once or twice and their gazes locked, but that was it.
Her voice was melodious and the longer he listened to her, the more he started to wonder what it could be like if she wasn’t Mathew’s counselor but maybe something more.
Tristan scowled at the thought and turned away from the sight of his son growing closer to a woman who would only be in his life for a few months. Mathew would get attached like he did on occasion, but he’d get over it. Tristan couldn’t afford the same luxury. The more time Tristan spent apart from his ex-wife, the more he wished things were different. He’d loved Erika. He wouldn’t have married her otherwise. But how much does a persontrulyknow someone? Until that person was placed in a situation that they might not normally be in, there was no telling what side of the line they’d fall.
Erika was a wonderful person until her limits were met. Mathew’s early years had been hard. More than hard, they’d pushed both Erika and Tristan to their limits. But he’d stuck around while his wife had found greener pastures.
He made it to the sink and stared at the silver lining bitterly. It had been years. Why was he suddenly so interested in living in the past? Dianna had nothing to do with any of that. She was a stranger.
Tristan peeked at her over his shoulder for what felt like the hundredth time.
A very attractive stranger who would probably report him for harassment if he fell to temptation and flirted with her.
What was he thinking? He needed to get his head on straight and focus on Mathew.
They finished their book and Dianna glanced at her watch. “Well, it looks like I can stay for ten more minutes so we can draw a picture. What do you say?”
Mathew nodded and scurried out of the room.
Tristan swiftly crossed the floor and plopped down in front of her, the coffee table the only thing separating them. “How are you doing that?”
Her brows furrowed and she took a look in the direction that Mathew had taken. “Doing what?”
“I’ve never seen him so compliant.”
Dianna’s gaze swung back to him. “What do you mean?”
“I love him, but that kid has got to be one of the most stubborn children I have ever met. I saw what you did in the arena. He didn’t want to leave. But somehow you figured out a way to reach him. What did you do?”
Her pinched features grew tighter. “I guess I gave him a choice?”
Tristan huffed. “I give him choices all the time.”
She shrugged. “Maybe it was giving him that little bit of extra time with Molasses, instead of cutting it off abruptly at the thirty-minute mark?” She lifted her shoulder once more and her gaze darted away. “He’s a smart kid who knows what he wants. So far we haven’t tested his limits all that much. I wouldn’t be surprised if, at some point, you see more of his usual behavior come through. I’m new. Let him get used to me.”
“But that’s just it. He’s not used to you by any means, and I just saw him hold your hand.”
A small smile touched her lips, but just as quickly as it appeared it melted from her face. “I guess we’ll just have to see how things go for the next few weeks. It could be a fluke.”
He shook his head. “No. I don’t think so.”
She brought her gaze up to study him, and for the first time since he’d met her, he felt naked, as if she could see right through him. “Then what do you think it is, Mr. Wood? If you’re so intuitive about all of this,youtell me.”
