Page 143 of Perfect Pitch

In her shadow, I question whether I could have prevented any of this. Knowing the determination her father had to find out the truth, I sincerely doubt it. But the agony Austyn’s suffering, possibly.

It still wouldn’t have stopped the fracture in her immediate family as her grandfather’s lies came to light. Just as we step inside the cool shadows of the barn, I clasp her elbow. “Where do you think you’re going?”

She flicks her eyes in my direction. “Do you know how to ride?”

I sweep the space, not spotting any vehicles. “Have ATVs in an outbuilding?”

“Not quite the mode of transportation I was thinking of, but it gives me my answer.” Austyn makes her way down the wood floors, the heels of her boots clicking. She slides open a stall before cooing, “Hey, Clef. Hey, baby. I missed you.”

A woosh is the only response. I approach the stall to find Austyn scratching her nails beneath a horse’s chin—an older stallion that easily dominates her in size. Yet, just like the rest of the men in her life, he bends to her will. The majestic beast’s head snaps in my direction when he catches sight of me. I can practically hear him grumble, How about a little privacy?

I feel the same way, buddy. I’d give up everything for some privacy with Austyn, a chance to recement our relationship. Maybe I can’t stop her world from spinning out of control, but perhaps I can offer her a safe space when she needs to crash.

Amid my musings, Austyn’s left and reentered the stall giving the old fellow a few carrots. He butts his head into her stomach, causing her to laugh. The sound is still tinged with heartbreak, but it makes my heart thump harder just to hear it.

As she backs out of the stall, moisture staining her satiny cheek, my heart and my mind finally align. This woman, who I never bargained for, means everything to me. I catch her around the waist as she tries to pass by and her head snaps in my direction. Wounded blue eyes reflect up at me. I swipe a hand over her cheek. “What do you need, Beats?”

Her lips quirk upward. “Do you trust me?”

Without hesitation, I answer, “Yes.”

She nods. Before moving to the next stall, she stitches up a bridle and a lead rope. She unlatches the gate and steps inside. After a few minutes of gentle murmurs, she leads out a beautiful stallion. I don’t know much about horses, but his almost caramel coloring and dark mane are exquisite. “What kind of breed is he?”

“American Quarter Horse. They excel at sprinting short distances and outrun most horses in races of a quarter of a mile or less—hence the name.”

Cautiously, so I don’t spook the impressive animal, I ask, “What’s his name?”

“He’s Clef’s son. Meet Double Sharp. I just call him Sharp.” Austyn strokes a hand over the beast’s big side and flank, as comfortable with touching the horse as she is with her electronics.

As comfortable as she is touching me.

I rove my eye up and down him. “He’s big.”

“He is. The larger size quarter horses top out around sixteen hands. He’s my big boy.” She leans forward and presses a kiss to the horse’s cheek. He shakes his head as if embarrassed. Buddy, you know you love it. I think. “Sharp’s seventeen and a half and around 1,400 pounds. He’s a descendent of the Hancock line.”

As she talks horses with such ease, another piece of the woman I’m falling for clicks into place. “You love this place.”

Her eyes drift away from mine. “I do. That’s part of the problem right now.”

She starts to lead the horse forward.

I follow her, wondering if she plans on feeding him. I always thought horses got their food in their stalls. Maybe a bath? Do horses get baths? I wonder if that’s how this one’s tail seems to sparkle in the Texas sun as Austyn loops the leather she’s leading him by through a ring. She doesn’t say anything but leaves me and the horse alone while she goes into a small room. The horse’s head swings in my direction as if asking me what she’s up to. I lift my hands. “I have no idea, buddy. Your guess is as good as mine.”

We don’t have long to wait. Seconds later, Austyn emerges with a heavy saddle and blanket hoisted in her arms. She quickly and efficiently drops them on Sharp’s back, reaching beneath his stomach for the belly strap to hold the saddle in place. Frowning, she tickles the side of the horse who chuffs, forcing air out. Then she readjusts the belt to tighten it. She adjusts the stirrups with minimum fuss before swinging herself into the saddle.

All within minutes. Without a word, she starts to walk away from me.

I hate to piss off an already emotional woman, but I have to. I follow them quickly yelling, “Nope. No way. You’re not going anywhere unless I’m with you.”

She stops at a set of stairs. “I never planned on it. Climb on.”

My mind goes blank. Completely blank. “Climb on where?”

Her smile is fleeting, but it does appear. “On back. What? Did you think I expected you to climb on without help?”

“We’re both going to ride him?” The horse’s head swings in my direction, his eyes filleting me. I give as good as I’m getting. “Listen, buddy. I’m not questioning your manhood. I just want to make certain I survive.”

Austyn’s laughter rings out through the barn. When I look up at her, she’s grinning down at me—as comfortable in the saddle as she is behind her keyboard. “I would never endanger you or him. You’ll be fine. Trust me.”

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