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“He’s fine. Horses lay down all the time to relax.” I kept my voice calm, even though I wanted to laugh. She was sweet.
“Then why did you go to New York if you weren’t planning on competing?”
I loved that she wanted to know more about me and my work. “I tagged along to support the rest of the team. Plus, with Blake being pregnant, she needed an extra hand out there.” Shrugging, I took another bite of my taco.
“I’m not sure how it all works, but aren’t you concerned about your standing and points and all that? How many shows have you been out with Zeus being injured?” Her focus was no longer on dinner. My stomach did a flip at having her attention solely on me. I wasn’t used to it.
“I’m not worried. We won medals at the Olympics over the summer. We have another year before we need to worry about my standings.”
“I can’t believe you went to Brazil with Grace. That’s so cool.” Abbey sighed and rested her chin in her hand. Her eyes were bright as she stared at me.
Duke grumbled, and I chuckled. Was Duke jealous?
“Competing has given me so many opportunities to travel, but it’s been nice to have a place like King’s Ranch to come home to. Honestly, I wish there were more times I could just stay and relax without having a packed schedule.” These thoughts had been weighing on me more and more lately. I didn’t want to think of the wordretire,but after twenty-plus years of this life, I was ready to slow down. Thirty-five was still a prime age for competing, but I wanted to look forward to other things besides the next Olympics.
“I’m sorry, Liam.” Abbey reached across the cherrywood table and squeezed my hand. The warmth of her touch sent tingles of awareness up my arm.
“That’s what the team life is all about, right?” I took a deep breath and tried not to stare at her warm touch. It took everything in me not to place my other hand over hers.
“I have a question.” She pulled away and turned her golden-brown eyes toward Duke. “Liam just got home from a trip, so it’s understandable, but I would have expected you to have Friday night plans.” She pointed to him. “Or did you cancel something because I’m here?”
I was surprised at her directness.
“I’m on a four-day break at work right now. And my plans usually include working around the ranch and relaxing.”
“Plus, Duke doesn’t socialize very well,” I added, earning a glare from him. I shrugged. It was true. He hated going out in public, and his attitude was getting worse every day.
“I don’t get out much either.” Her voice dropped to a tone so quiet I had to strain to hear her. “Normally, I’m at home with a book or a movie. I try to put my sketchpad away after a certain time, so I don’t get too lost.”
“Is that what you were doing in the paddock? Sketching?” I’d seen the notebook in her hand, but I’d thought it was a reading one.
“I sketch in my free time.” Abbey looked at her plate.
“That’s amazing. I have no artsy bone in my body.” Duke’s deep timbre was smooth instead of its usual gravelly edge. “Were you an art major?”
Abbey nodded. “Nothing came out of it though. No one likes my work. I just do it for myself.” Her cheeks took on a fiery tint that reached her ears. I hated that she was embarrassed by what she saw as a lack of success.
“I’d like to see it someday, if you’d show me.” This time I reached across to her hand, wanting to comfort her.
Duke nudged her arm. “Me too.”
When she looked up, her eyes were glistening. I didn’t believe she wasn’t any good. Maybe she needed someone who supported her unconditionally to take the next step. I was curious to see what she’d drawn today. Perhaps see how she’d drawn Zeus.
Duke cleared his throat. “What’s the plan for tonight?”
“What kind of movies do you like?” I asked. Abbey had mentioned she usually watched movies at the end of the day. We did too. I liked that we all used a movie to unwind.
“I usually go for comedies. What about you?” Abbey finished her taco. “Wait, let me guess. You like horror and suspense?” She shivered as she pointed at me.
I chuckled. “How did you guess?”
She gave me a satisfied look, as though she’d gotten one over on me before dissolving into laughter. “The books in the guest room. Duke said they were yours.” She turned to Duke. “And I think you like to watch sport movies?”
“Nope. I like nature documentaries and survival shows.” He cocked his eyebrow at her and smirked. It was amazing to see how quickly Abbey had been able to break through his grumpiness.
“But I thought you said you didn’t like reality TV?” She titled her head, challenging whatever conversation they’d had previously.
“I don’t, but those survival shows are ones I don’t consider reality.”
