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“I meant the being in sync with your partner part. Kolby is our partner at the moment. I have to find his rhythm and settle into it.”
“Mmhm, that’s right.”
She was quiet for a minute then glanced over her shoulder again. “I think I have it now. This feels better.”
“Good, because we’re about to move faster.”
I spurred his belly and loosened the reins. “Yah…”
Kolby took off in a steady gallop and I tightened my arm around Shore so she felt secure. We traveled along the trail that outlined my property. The tree lined path shaded our ride and dropped the already chilly temperatures which had Shore leaning back into me and snuggling closer for warmth. I think I liked riding with her more than I did my solo trips.
“It’s so peaceful out here,” Shore said quietly. Her head tilted up, moving left and right as she took in the landscape. There was a never ending expanse of pastures leading up to the mountains. Riding out this far was one of my favorite things because it was peaceful and serene. To know Shore felt the same made pride settle into my chest from her appreciation and genuine gratitude for a part of my life that not many understood. My body settled into the moment further confirming that this woman was perfect for me.
The steady cadence from Kolby’s gallop combined with Shore leaning into me while I cradled her waist was a blissful combination. One I was looking forward to experiencing on a regular basis.
For the next hour, I rode with Shore until we circled back to the stables where I pulled on the reins and slowed our pace. After we reached a complete stop near the paddocks, Shore tipped her head back with a gleeful smile exposed. “I’m pretty sure this is my new favorite thing.”
I chuckled and shifted forward, enough to get my mouth on hers. The kiss was soft at first but it grew hard and demanding, with me tugging her close while I explored her mouth. When I broke away, she released a harsh breath. “Okay,oneof my favorite things.”
I pecked her lips once more and swung down off the horse and reached for Shore, helping her onto the ground. She brushed her hand softly over Kolby’s side and turned to me.
“I’m good at this.”
I barked a laugh at the seriousness in her expression and shook my head. “You didn’t do shit to be good at, Boston. The ride today was all me. We’ll see how good you are when you’re up there alone.”
“Let me get him stripped down and we’ll head back.” I guided Kolby into the paddock and Shore leaned her arms against the fence watching me until her phone sounded with a call she ignored. Whoever was on her line was persistent because they called several more times back to back until she answered.
I kept my eyes on her while she spoke in hushed tones but animatedly until the call ended. By then I was carrying the saddle and leaving the paddock so when I got to her I had to know what was wrong. She seemed upset.
“Bad news?”
“My parents found out I got fired. Summer let it slip that the reason I wasn’t home for Christmas had nothing to do with me working and I’d gotten fired. My sister was calling to give me a heads up that my mother was on the warpath…” Her eyes lowered to the phone and she was frowning again. “Shit. That’s my mom.”
She turned away from me, heading for the stables. I entered a few seconds after and dropped the saddle on the floor nearby, stepping in front of Shore who was staring at her phone with a panicked look.
“If you’re not ready to talk to them, don’t, but no matter how long you wait, the conversation is still going to be hard. Might be best to get it out the way and tell ’em what’s going on.”
The call stopped for a brief moment and started up again. “You’re right.” Shore released a sigh, swiped a finger over the screen, and lifted the phone to her ear.
When she stepped away, I gave her space even though I wanted to be right there with her, handing over whatever support she needed. This was her situation and she had to work through it. But I decided to mind my business until I noticed her voice elevate and begin to get a little shaky. In a couple of long strides, I was at her side again.
“Well if that’s what you think then fine. I can’t live your dream andmine. It’s not my dream, it’s never been. It’s yours. I never wanted to be a lawyer, but you made me feel like I had to becauseyoucouldn’t be one and Summer refused to. I hated my job. I was miserable… I…yes…I know and I’m sorry…yes, sure. I will.”
She ended the call and huffed a sigh. “Well that was pointless.”
“What did she say?”
“The better question is whatdidn’tshe say. She kept going on and on about how much they invested inmydream,mycareer. She also made sure to tell me how disappointed she and my father were because I got fired and that right after the new year, they would be helping me find a proper job. AjobI don’t want and have no intention of accepting.”
“And how do you feel about all this?”
She shrugged. “Truthfully, I don’t care. I’m tired of living for everyone but me. I deserve to be happy.”
“What makes you happy, Boston?” I moved closer, lowering my chin so my eyes leveled with hers.
“You. Being here. All of this but my parents are never going to understand any of this because I barely do.”
“It doesn’t have to make sense; it only has to make you happy.”
