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Perhaps she could stick to the road and the trails she knew were safest. Alternatively, she could walk Princess or ask Dylan if he’d like to take her out for some exercise. He was an outdoorsy kid, and he came over every couple of weeks to visit her, even though his afternoons and weekends were usually busy with friends or sports games and practices.
A car crunched up the drive and an anxious buzzing sensation started in her gut. Princess nuzzled her, probably sensing her abrupt change in mood, and Gabby gave her a quick rub of reassurance.
“Everything is all good, sweetheart.”
She finished grooming Princess, put the gear away, and strolled toward the house. It was afternoon, and it had been raining, so the dogs had opted to stay inside while she spent time with Princess. On other days, they often joined her. She couldn’t say the animals were friends, but Princess certainly didn’t seem to mind Thelma or Louise and the dogs were fascinated by her.
She reached the back door just as Logan came around the side of the house. He must have knocked at the front and then come looking for her.
Her insides stilled. “Hi.”
“Hey.” His smile was strained. He lifted an arm, as if to wave or invite her into a hug, but then dropped it again. “Have you been with Princess?”
She cocked her head. “You know my horse’s name?”
She couldn’t recall ever having told him.
He lifted his shoulder nonchalantly. “I probably heard Shane mention it. Or maybe Dylan.”
That made sense.
Silence fell.
Gabby gestured toward the door. “Would you like to come in for a hot drink?”
He nodded. “That would be great.”
She removed her boots, which were caked in mud, and peeled off her socks. “Just let me find a dry pair and I’ll be right out.”
“I’ll start the kettle.”
“Do you know where it is?”
“I’ll find it.”
Yes, she supposed he would. Logan seemed like the type of person who managed to make himself at home in most situations. She headed for her bedroom, grabbed a fresh pair of socks, and hesitated. She sniffed her shirt. She smelled of horse and wet hay. She stripped off her top and jeans and donned a clean outfit, telling herself it was because her clothes were damp rather than because of vanity. She darted to the mirror to check her hair. It was plastered to her head. She fluffed it up, but it wasn’t much of an improvement. Her complexion was pale, too, as it often seemed to be lately.
She drew in a deep, slow breath, and held her own gaze. “You’ve got this.”
When she went to the kitchen, Logan had already helped himself to the coffee. Thelma was happily sniffing his feet while Louise eyed him warily from the door through to the living area.
“I wasn’t sure what you’d want,” he said apologetically. “You usually have coffee, but…”
“Yeah.” She grimaced. “I’m not a fan of this whole minimal caffeine thing. According to the internet, I’m probably okay to have a cup each day, but until I’ve spoken to an actual doctor, I’m steering clear. The smell isn’t great for me anyway.”
She found a box of lemon and ginger tea, placed a teabag into the empty mug beside the kettle, and filled it with steaming water. That flavor of tea seemed best for her nausea. Anything else was too strong at the moment. She took the mug to the living room and sat cross-legged on the couch, placing her tea on a coffee table so she could help Louise onto the cushion beside her.
Apparently sensing her need for space, Logan sat in the armchair and was immediately set upon by both Mouse and Thomas. She tried not to appreciate how gentle he was with her pets as she watched him rubbing beneath Mouse’s chin and stroking Thomas as the cat settled on his lap. Thelma leaned against the side of the chair and gazed up at him longingly.
I get it, girl. He’s irresistible.
“You have a lot of pets,” he said. “Are they always inside?”
“The cats and dogs often are. You don’t have allergies or something, do you?” God forbid he pass a cat allergy on to their baby.
“No, I’m just not used to it.” He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I haven’t got any pets. Obviously. You’ve been to my place.”
“Do you not like them?” She thought he seemed comfortable enough with them.
