Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 66962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66962 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 335(@200wpm)___ 268(@250wpm)___ 223(@300wpm)
I didn’t respond because I was too busy watching Blade walk away. I wanted to chase him, but I had no doubt he wasn’t going to just run off with me when Grant and Rogue were right there. It was clear he wanted things between us to happen in secret. For now, I was fine with that. I’d go along with almost anything as long as I got to touch him again.
“Come on. Let’s get the truck unloaded, then you can go ogle him.”
I carried the hay as fast as I could after that. I was determined to get into the barn before Blade disappeared on me.
When we were done, I hurried to the barn. Grant met me on the way out. “Where are you going?”
“Into the barn. As if that wasn’t obvious.”
“This isn’t a good time.”
“I’m not going to bother Blade. I know he’s hanging out with the foals.”
Grant eyed me suspiciously. “I still don’t know what the hell happened between the two of you the night you arrived, but he gets evasive every time I mention you.”
“I didn’t think he was known to be a big talker on his best day.”
Grant scowled at me. “You have no idea what he’s been through. Leave him alone.”
“If Blade asks me to leave, I will.” That was true, but I had no doubt he wanted to see me, even if he didn’t want to admit it. Grant clearly liked to be in charge of everything, but while I trusted him to keep me safe—at least from everyone but him—I wasn’t going to let him run my life.
“He shouldn’t have to ask. Just go back to the house. You can see the horses later.”
I walked right past Grant, hoping he wouldn’t come after me. My odds in a fight with him were shit.
I heard Rogue call Grant, and I hoped that would buy me some time.
When I stepped into the barn, I saw Blade. He was leaning over a half door into a stall and cooing. He was the most relaxed I’d ever seen him.
I stood still and watched him for several moments. He coaxed the foal over and gave him scratches, then offered treats to his mother. He looked so content. I hoped he hadn’t been depriving himself of coming to the barn because I was there. He obviously needed this time.
I glanced toward the door. Rogue was still talking to Grant outside, but I didn’t know how much time I had.
I moved closer to Blade. “Hi.”
He looked over his shoulder. “Hi.”
“I want to see you again.”
He smiled. “You’re seeing me now.”
I gave him a slow once-over. “Not all of you.”
“Carlo, this isn’t the place.”
I looked toward the door to the tack room. “I mean, it could be. I’d risk it.”
“I’m sure you would, but I… Shit. I don’t know what’s happening here, and I don’t want to explain it to”—he waved a hand toward the barn door—“all of them.”
“I think some of them already know.” That was stretching the truth.
He sighed. “Yeah, I got that impression, but I want to avoid talking to them about it.”
“Do you want to avoid me?”
He shook his head. “I can’t. You’re… I need to see you again. I told myself I was just coming to see the horses, but I wanted you to be here.”
“Can you meet me later? Somewhere private. I can come to your cabin.”
“No, you’re not supposed to be alone. It’s not safe for you to come out there by yourself, and I don’t want you sneaking away. I’ll find you later.”
I didn’t want to agree to that. Of course, if he didn’t find me, I could still sneak out and go to his cabin. I wasn’t going to keep waiting for him to make a move. It was all I could do not to jump him right there in the barn with Rogue and Grant standing outside the door.
He must have felt my need. He took a step toward me, and I was sure he was going to kiss me, then Grant stomped back into the barn, and we jumped apart.
Grant glared at me. “Is everything okay in here?”
“It’s just fine as you can see.”
Blade said something about the horses, but I didn’t catch the exact words. I was too busy staring at him and seething at Grant for ruining my chance to touch him again.
“I’m going to head to the house now,” I said. “See you later.”
Blade only acknowledged me with a nod.
13
BLADE
When I saw Carlo by the barn, I’d nearly said to hell with meeting Grant and dragged Carlo back to my cabin. I should have sought him out again sooner. I’d known trying to stay away would never work, especially after our second time together. Why was I torturing myself like that? I wanted him. He wanted me. I could ignore any feelings that interfered with keeping it simple. I’d been ignoring my emotions for years.