Lennox parked the car, peering at me. “Well? You want to ride, Duchess?”
My gaze shifted to Lennox, my pupils hazing with more emotion. “You brought me here.” He knew me. Understood me better than anyone, probably even myself. I hadn’t realized the void within until I was here, the smells of musky hay, manure, and animal already slipping into the car, making me giddy and comforted at the same time.
He stared at me, a tiny smirk on his lips.
Impulse moved me over to him, my mouth capturing his, my tongue curling around his, kissing him with everything I was feeling. Gratitude. Lust. Joy. And most of all, love. Feck…I was so crazy in love with him, it petrified me.
“Damn,” he murmured as I pulled away, his breath accelerated, his fingers tangling through the ends of my hair.
“Thank you,” I muttered against his lips.
“If I knew I would have gotten that response, I would have brought you back weeks ago.”
“Weeks ago, you would have gotten a verbal thank you, but bringing me today?”
“What?”
“Let’s just say it won’t be verbal,” I teased, grabbing the door, I climbed out, smiling coyly at him.
A growly noise ruffled the air, his hand running through his hair as he leaned his head back into the headrest. “Spencer…”
I winked, shutting the door, the icy December air instantly snapping at my face and seeping through the layers I had on. All borrowed and huge, but they smelled like him, making me want to wear his stuff from now on, no matter the occasion. His t-shirt with a belt and heels for the Holiday party? I’m sure that would be fine.
Pulling at his coat sleeves, I tucked my fingers inside, the cold air billowing from my lips as I drew in a deep breath. My shoulders eased down, my lids shutting as I felt the sun hazily reaching down to my face, taking in the smell of dirt, hay, and horses. Peace. Happiness.
I heard Lennox get out of the car, feeling his gaze on me, but he stayed quiet, letting me have my moment. Finally, I pried my lids apart, a smile on my face.
“Ready?” He held out his hand for me. Without thinking, I took it, letting him lead me to the horse stables.
A smile hurting my face, my feet practically skipping, my jubilant mood came to a sudden crashing halt as a figure came out of the barn.
Oh, feck.
Katy.
Looking as pretty and wholesome as I remembered, she was wearing almost the same outfit of khaki breeches and riding boots. This time she had on a heavier jacket and red scarf. Her long brown hair swinging from her ponytail, an elated grin spread across her mouth and glinted her eyes. Her bursting giddiness locked on Lennox. But quickly, her gaze shifted to me, to our hands, which we both immediately let go of, stepping a bit apart.
It was too late.
The smile wilted like a flower set on fire. The glint turned to fire and ash, singeing with shock, jealousy, and animosity.
Bloody hell.
She slapped on her mask, setting her features to neutral.
“Katy. Thanks for doing this. I know you guys are busy getting ready for the holiday parade.” His smile went right over her petite head, her gaze still darting back and forth between us, her muscles fighting so hard to reset her face into a serene expression.
“I was happy to hear from you,” she replied stiffly, her eyes finally landing on his, a speck of pain and longing coloring them. “I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were bringing anyone.”
I groaned inside. He didn’t tell her I was coming. She probably thought he was coming to see her.
“Sorry, I thought when I asked if two horses were available to ride…” Lennox drifted off, realization finally clicking in.
Guys.
“Yes, well…I thought…” She swallowed, rolling her shoulders back. Her attention flicked to me, her jaw twitching. She lowered her voice, but not enough for only Lennox to hear her. “After…that night.”
My jaw clamped down, and a strange need to growl and move to him like some possessive animal had my head jerking with shock. Where the hell did that come from?
Lennox’s eye twitched to me, knowing he was in a predicament. He was standing between two girls he’d slept with: one he didn’t want and one he couldn’t claim.
Swallowing back my jealousy, I grinned to myself. “It’s clear you two need to be alone…I’ll just…” I motioned for the barn. “I don’t want to be in the way…third wheel and all.” I backpedaled past Katy, smirking at Lennox.
“Spencer.” He glowered at me, telling me to get my arse back promptly. A mischievous smile was my reply as I strolled into the barn, the overwhelming stench of hay warming my insides as I bounced up to my old friend. “Penny.”
She bayed, flicking her gorgeous black mane, stomping her foot at seeing me. My palm slid over her silky coat, her nose nuzzling me, demanding more rubs.
“God, I’ve missed you.” I scratched her head, sniffing at her like people do with babies. I could stay here all day, forget the rest of the world.
“Looks like she missed you too.” Lennox came behind me, reaching over and stroking her forehead, his body far too close, pressing heat into me. Biting my lip, my body responded automatically, while my head screamed to stop, to move away from each other.
Lennox got it at the same time, his shoes sliding back over the straw, putting space between us.
“Is Penny free to go out?” I craned my neck to see Katy standing there staring at us, her expression stone, making me swallow nervously.
This was bad. Lennox and I couldn’t even try to hide it. We headed to each other like magnets; our movements around each other were too familiar, intimate.
“Yes. I had her ready for m—” For me. She folded her arms, looking absently at the objects positioned on the ground.
It took me a moment to really observe, my chest twisting with a mix of jealousy and sadness. Everything was set out for two riders, for an intimate picnic: blanket, port, crackers, cheese, and a thermos most likely full of tea.
“Thunder is saddled for you,” she said to Lennox, strain tearing at her vocals. She cleared her throat, motioning to the horse down the row.
Hearing his name, Thunder stuck his head out, snorting and tossing his head excitedly as Lennox strolled up. “Hey, old buddy.” He scrubbed the white stripe down his nose. “You ready to ride?”
Thunder stomped his foot, pushing against the stall door, huffing out his eagerness.
“I pulled out some riding boots for you.” Katy pointed at a pair of men’s boots against the wall. “I don’t think we have any for you, my lady.” Crisp. Cold. “If I’d known you were coming…”
At thirty-something, Katy didn’t come across as bitchy or immature in her reaction to me. She had learned the technique of subtly slamming someone, reminding me so much of Theo’s Grannie.
I wanted to hate her, but who could blame her for wanting Lennox as her own? For hoping she had a chance? Especially after sex with that man…bleeding hell…I’m surprised she hadn’t challenged me to a duel yet.
“Thank you, Katy.” I could hear the tension in his voice. “I hope this didn’t mess up your day.”
“No. No.” Her smile was so forced and thin, it hurt to look at. “I have so much work to do. Like you said, the parade is taking up all my time.”