Page 3 of The Heat of Intensity

Easy, babe? I’ll show him fucking easy. It’s a shame I crave the coffee he just gave me otherwise I’d throw it at him. I mentally snort, because knowing my aim right now? I’d miss him for sure.

“To answer your question, I was swinging by to show you your blue Blagdon Gypsy Cob.”

I want to snarl at him for how considerate he is to swing by to show me something, but he mentioned the horse I agreed to buy from the Clyden’s Ranch which is known for its warm and stable character Gypsy Cobs. After the incident, I asked my sister’s help to cancel. There’s no way I can spend time with a new horse while recovering.

He must take my silence for something else than the sadness, anger, and frustration filling me when he states, “Finish your coffee, and then we’ll go out front so you can meet your new mare.”

Inside I’m fuming. Outside, though? Ice.

I slowly rise from my seat and pride myself for not flinging the coffee at the asshole. The only reason I don’t is because I can’t fucking clean it because I wouldn’t know where it fucking lands.

Taking a deep breath, I squeeze my eyes shut to brace myself. Flashing my eyes open, I roar, “Get the fuck out of my house.”

He looks as surprised as I feel when I suddenly have complete and clear sight in my left eye. Only one eye, but fucking perfect eyesight. He looks breathtakingly handsome. I only now become aware of this little fact because I can see. A sob escapes me and my sight becomes blurry in my left eye due to the tears. Dammit. I’m a fucking mess.

CHAPTER TWO

– PARKER –

Motherfucker. The sob ripping from her hits me square in the chest at full force. The hell with keeping my distance. I made up my mind yesterday anyway, that’s why I picked up the horse that she canceled the agreement for and came here to give it to her this morning.

Stepping forward, I swoop her in my arms and crush her against my body. There’s only a breath or two when she freezes and then melts against me. She fists my leather cut and I have no clue if she’s gonna push me away or make sure I stay in place.

Seconds tick by as she lets all the emotion flow from her. This was part of my concern and why I told Eastlynne honoring Cosima’s wish was a mistake. Sure, one needs time alone to lick their wounds and needs space to get their bearings, but continuing to push everything and everyone away is not the way to recovery.

I have no clue what to say. My lips stay sealed and my arms locked around her until the sobs fade and she slowly manages to calm down her breathing.

“You’re an asshole,” she mutters and wipes her tears and snot on my shirt.

“Classy.” I chuckle. “And I know I’m an asshole, darlin’. It’s why I don’t give two shits what others say, and why I’m right here holding you. You’ve been alone long enough. Your sister might respect your wishes, but I’m the asshole who will gladly take your hand and drag you back to the land of the living. Your bruises have healed. Your mind needs fresh air along with the wind blowing in your face to chase away the cobwebs inside your head that torment you.”

Cosima steps away from me and I regretfully drop my arms from around her delicious body. “If I want fresh air I’ll open a damn window.”

“Not the point, darlin’.”

She stomps her bare foot on the hardwood floor. “I don’t care. My life, my house, my own damn choice. And stop calling me darling with that southern twang. Go home or I’ll call the cops.”

“Go ahead,” I taunt. “I’m sure Kathleen will pick my side when I explain things. Especially when I tell her about the person you said was in the house this morning.”

“Or maybe she’ll share Rourke and Eastlynne’s opinion, that I’m imagining things. More rest is the best medicine and all.” Anger makes her whip out the words.

I shrug, then realize she can’t see me and I tell her, “Be stubborn. I’m gonna check on my horse and yours, then I’m going to put them into the pasture.”

“Your horse? Why did you bring your horse? And why the fuck did you buy my horse? The one that’s not supposed to be mine because I canceled.” Her voice is still raised and she places her fists on her hips when she adds, “Never mind. Just go and leave me alone.”

I lean in close and my eyes narrow when her head rears back. “Can you see me?”

She huffs and grumbles, “You’re a dark blob.”

Chuckling I tell her, “I don’t think any woman has ever described me as such.”

Her shoulders stiffen. “Probably because you’re not into blind chicks.”

Fuck. My anger flares up the way she just easily puts herself down. She takes a step forward, but I bring her to a stop by stepping in her way.

“You don’t know what I’m into, and clearly, I wasn’t either until I met you.” She snorts, but I continue. “That sassy mouth of yours gained my attention, getting to know you through voice messages was when I became intrigued by your sass and voice.”

“Cut it out, Parker. I’m not interested in–”

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