We don’t flaunt our relationship. When we’re in public, I’m fairly sure we appear to be coworkers. But she scrutinizes our every move. She sees the way we look at each other, and she’s jealous as hell.
I turn. “Hi, Lora.”
She leans against the counter. “Who did you work for before coming to DHR?”
“No one in particular. Odd jobs here and there.”
“You don’t seem the type to do that.”
“What type do I seem?”
“I’d say more the sorority-girl type.”
I laugh. “You’re way off.”
“I don’t think I am. I get the feeling you’d be one, but somehow you couldn’t. Something stood in your way.”
“We don’t always get what we want.”
She grunts. “Was that directed at me?”
I keep quiet. I don’t do confrontation well. It’s why I learned to stay under the radar. I put away the last of the towels and return to my room.
She follows me and stops in my doorway. “It won’t last, whatever you and Aaron have going on. He’ll tire of you. Whatever he sees in you will blow away like a summer breeze. You’re a lost puppy, and he’s taken you in. But puppies grow into unruly dogs—not so cute and playful anymore. When that happens, he’ll move on.”
“Let me guess, to someone like you?”
“He’s college educated and from a well-off family. He’ll own a good part of this ranch one day. He needs someone by his side who can support and encourage him, not suck the life out of him.”
I get my cowboy hat and walk past her.
“Going riding with him again?”
“If you must know, I’m headed to the stables. Mickey is teaching me how to train horses.”
She snorts. “I may have underestimated you. You’re immersing yourself here. Making friends. You know that will all change when they find out about you, right?”
I tense. “I don’t know what you mean.”
She laughs cattily. “Sure you don’t. Well, enjoy your training. I’ll be here with Aaron going over this week’s agenda.”
She says it to make me jealous, but I don’t give her the satisfaction. “Have fun,” I say, giving her a smile before I leave.
On my ATV on the way to the stables, I pass Aaron returning from the main ranch. His whole face lights up. “Morning,” he says.
He could be remembering last night. It’s kind of hard not to. We’re getting more and more comfortable with each other, doing things in bed I never dreamed of doing. I still haven’t given him an answer to his question about moving in with him. Part of me wants to—the part that’s sure what we have is like what I read in books. The other part thinks Lora is right, and he sees me as this helpless pet that needs caring for. I need more time.
“Hi. Did you tell Lora about me? How you found me?”
“Of course not. Why? Is she giving you trouble?”
“Not really. She knows about us, though, and she’s jealous.”
“It’s not our problem.”
“Uh-huh.”
“Are you meeting with Mickey again?”
I smile. “It’s the best part of my day.”
He fake grimaces. “Hopefully not the best part.”
I giggle. “You know what I mean. He’s been great. I’ve already learned so much.”
“He likes you. Just don’t let him like you too much.”
“Who’s the jealous one now?”
“I’m kidding. Mickey’s happily married. They live in one of the apartments over by the stables. His wife, Sara, is the assistant manager of a diner in town.”
“I know. He told me.”
“Just how many training sessions have you had?”
“Three.”
He laughs. “You’re really throwing yourself into this, aren’t you?”
“I’ve got nothing but time now that I’ve got my routine down at the lodge, and I love being around horses. He’s even teaching me more about riding.”
His happiness wanes. “I was teaching you about riding.”
“Yes, but you work a lot.”
“I’ll always make time for you, Dev.”
“Okay. I won’t ask him for any more tips on riding, only training. Happy?”
His smile returns. “Extremely.”
“Gotta get going. I don’t want to be late. Besides, Lora is waiting for you at the lodge.”
“See you tonight? How about we do supper at my place?”
My eyebrows shoot up. “You cook?”
“I didn’t say I’d cook. I said we’d do supper at my place. I’ll rustle up something.”
“It’s a date, then.”
“I like the sound of that. I know you’re officially my girl and all, but we’ve never really been on a date.” He laughs. “If you don’t count the Chick-fil-A drive-through.”
“I hope you don’t expect me to put out,” I joke. “I usually wait until the fifth date.”
“See, now I found out something else about you. You have a sense of humor.” With a click of his tongue, Reuben carries him away.
I think of how what he said is proof there are two Devyns. He only sees the fairy tale. The potential to have what Maddox and Andie have. Or his parents. He has no idea he can never have it with me. How long am I going to let him think he can?
The closer I get to the stables, the more excited I become. Lessons with Mickey really are the highlight of my days. Horses make me happy. They’re my future, I’m sure of it.
I mostly watch Mickey put his pupils through their paces. Occasionally, he’ll pull me into the ring and let me take charge. It’s exhilarating. I’ve never felt this sense of accomplishment before. That maybe I do matter in some small way. I’ve read how horses can be therapy animals. Maybe they’re helping me. Maybe that’s why I like being around them so much. They’re unassuming and trusting, and most importantly, big enough so I know nothing I do can hurt them.
By the end of this session, Mickey has let me do more than ever. “You’re a quick study, Devyn. You have a future in this if you want it enough and work for it.”
“Do you really think so?”
“With a few more months of hard work, I’d say you’ll be ready to talk to Owen and Maddox about becoming an assistant trainer.”
Elation courses through me, until I realize what it would mean. Giving them my name and social security number. My history. “Thank you for the vote of confidence, but I’m happy just tagging along and helping you out from time to time.”
“You could do so much more. The horses really take to you.”
I walk to the gate. “Thanks, Mickey. See you Tuesday?”
“I’ll be here.”
Andie catches me before I get to the ATV. “I’ve been around horses for more than twenty years. Worked with them professionally for ten. I’ve never seen someone learn as quickly as you have. Are you sure you’ve never done this before?”
“I’d never been on a horse before last month.”
“Incredible.” Her phone rings, and she glances at the number, then back at me. “Hold on a sec. I want to talk to you about Sunday.”