Page 29 of Don't Fall For Your Brother's Best Friend

My appetite disintegrates, and I scrape my chair across the hardwood as I stand. “I’m going for a walk.” I leave the house in a flash, not even sure where I’m going, but I need to get there fast.

My feet move to their own volition, bringing me further and further away from the house.

“Anya, wait,” I hear Griffin’s voice call out behind me.

I spin around, crossing my arms over my chest. “You don’t need to look out after me. I’m not your little sister.”

His face twists as he blinks at me. “I definitely don’t think of you like a little sister.”

“You hurt my feelings,” I admit, and then inwardly cringe at how pathetic I sound.

“I’m sorry,” he says, and I feel the pain subside.

There’s just something about him. Griffin has a way of setting my soul free. Like his words make me feel all warm and bubbly inside. It’s weird.

I need to head back into the house before Callum comes out to investigate.

“So,” I say a bit awkwardly. “Horseback riding. Are you up for it?”

Griffin smiles and it nearly takes my breath away. “I can’t wait.”

What was I thinking when I agreed to take Callum and Griffin horseback riding? The sun sits high in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. The weather is absolutely perfect—better than any day I've ever experienced. The temperature is just right, not too hot and definitely not cold. A gentle breeze rustles the leaves, adding to the idyllic atmosphere.

However, there's one significant problem. Callum is nowhere to be found.

“I just tried his cell phone, and nothing,” Griffin says, sliding his phone into the back pocket of his jeans. He looks good today, I notice. His dark jeans fit him perfectly, and his white t-shirt with the phrase ‘Chop It Like It’s Hot’ printed across the chest adds a touch of humor to his casual look. His hair is slightly tousled, and there's a relaxed confidence about him that makes him seem effortlessly stylish.

I can’t help but feel a mix of irritation and worry. Where could Callum be? He was so excited about this outing, and now he’s MIA. The stable owner is giving us curious looks, probably wondering if we’re going to cancel. The horses are ready, their coats gleaming in the sunlight, and I can feel the anticipation in the air.

Griffin's brow furrows slightly, and I can tell he’s concerned too. “Maybe he’s just running late,” he suggests, trying to sound optimistic. But there’s a hint of doubt in his voice.

We stand there in the paddock, the smell of hay and leather mixing with the fresh scent of the outdoors. The other riders are mounting up, and I feel a pang of envy. This was supposed to be a fun, carefree day. I glance around, hoping to catch sight of Callum sprinting towards us, but there’s nothing. Just the serene landscape and the occasional chirp of a bird.

“Should we wait a bit longer or start without him?” I ask, feeling the weight of the decision pressing down on me. Griffin checks his watch, his expression thoughtful.

It isn’t the first time Callum has bailed on an outing.

Griffin grabs his phone once more. “I’m calling the restaurant,” he says, punching at his phone.

“Don’t bother. Even if he is there, by the time he makes it here…” my words fall away thinking about my brother and how he’s most likely at work. I swear he doesn’t know how to have fun. “We can just ride ourselves,” I tell Griffin.

Mr. Daniels smiles at us. “So, just the two of ya, then?”

I nod. “I’m so sorry about this. You know Callum,” I say with a shrug.

Mr. Daniels laughs, because he does in fact know Callum very well. We used to play on this ranch when we were kids. Mr. Daniels taught us all how to ride, even Griffin. So, we’re not new to horses.

“Just take them down to the watering hole, and let them rest and drink, and then you can bring them back later this afternoon.” Mr. Daniels tips his hat at us as he walks the third horse back.

I grab the reins of Silver, my favorite horse. It’s been a while since I’ve ridden. Silver’s a beautiful Quarab horse with a coat of black and white hairs, giving it an almost silver appearance. Silver is the most intelligent horse I’ve ever known, and I’m happy I get to be the one riding her.

I mount Silver, and once I’m steady in the saddle, I walk her over to where Griffin stands in front of the American Paint horse, Honey, he’ll be riding.

He mounts Honey, and then we’re off, both of our horses moving side-by-side together. The wind in my hair reminds me why I love riding so much.

We move like fire through the fields, eating up the distance with ease. Silver runs smooth, and it’s like no time has passed as she remembers me. I see the watering hole coming up fast, and I pull on the reins to slow Silver down.

Once we reach a good stopping point, I start to dismount. My foot gets snagged, and oh my god, I go down.

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