Page 6 of Kissing My Soulmate

“Hi. How are you?” I ask. It hurts to look at him because he’s just so handsome.

He surprises me by leaning in and kissing my cheek. I close my eyes, taking in his scent. God, Jasper smells good, even after working with animals all day.

Sadness washes over me as he pulls away. “You look good,” he says before he walks away.

On my way out to the parking lot, I feel myself on the verge of losing it. I quickly throw my groceries into the trunk and then head home. I’m not sure how I safely made it but I did.

Once the groceries are put away, I feed Bob Vance, and then head into my bedroom. Throwing myself on the bed, I bury my head under my pillows and cry.

***

I put the weights back in the rack and grab my towel, wiping the sweat from my face. I started a workout regimen two weeks ago, and I freaking hate every minute of it. I’m just trying to get myself together and prepare to move on, maybe.

I’m not quite sure I’ll ever be ready to date again, but I suppose eventually I’ll go out and meet people. Thanks to Jasper, my expectations are high. We didn’t have the perfect marriage, I don’t think there is such a thing but, damn, I was happy.

I focus back on my torture, I mean workout. My legs are jelly by the time I’m done. Everyone says it’ll get easier, but I keep waiting, and waiting. I head home and I make myself a quick protein shake. Guzzling it down, I stick the shaker in the sink.

I put some dry food in Bob’s dish and he comes running out from wherever he was lounging. In the middle of the living room, I begin doing some stretches. I start standing up, and then end on the floor.

Lying on the floor, I stare up at the ceiling blindly. I still haven’t decided if I want to freeze my eggs. I’m twenty-six so there is still plenty of time for me to have children, but to do it I have to start dating and try and meet the one. I am just not sure if I’m ready to do that yet.

Ugh, I met the one, already, and I don’t think you get more than one soulmate, right?

Getting off the floor proves to be a challenge. “Oh, sonofabitch,” I groan as I stand up straight. Stumbling toward the bathroom, I strip out of my clothes and climb into the shower. It’s a struggle to wash my hair because my arms are sore, but I get it done.

Toweled off and wearing my robe, I run a comb through my hair. Moisturizing before throwing on knit shorts and a tank top and then braiding my hair, I head into the living room and sit down on the sofa.

It’s Saturday and normally Jasper and I would have breakfast and then go to the farmer’s market. Then we usually would come home, make love, and just relax. Ugh…I need to stop thinking about him constantly.

This isn’t healthy and I’m not sure my heart can take much more.

Chapter Four

Jasper

The gravel crunches beneath my tires as I drive toward the barn at Kensington Farm. They’re new horse breeders and have asked me to come out and take a look at the mare they just bought.

I park my truck next to the others and hop out. Grabbing my bag, I make my way toward the two men standing by the opening. “Mr. Kensington? I’m Dr. Jasper Mitchell.” We shake hands.

“Call me John, this is my right-hand man, Curtis.”

We shake hands and they lead me into a barn and over to the mare. Curtis opens the gate that’s keeping the horse in her stall. She’s a beautiful gray Arabian. He rubs her muzzle. “This is Lady Gertrude Charleston. Lady for short.”

“Hey, girl.” I hold my hand out, letting her sniff it. Once she’s comfortable, I rub her muzzle. “She’s gorgeous. Are you going to breed her?” I ask while giving Lady a good rub.

John nods. “She’s four and we obviously won’t breed her until she’s five.”

“Sounds good. I’ll go ahead and start my exam.” I set my bag on the table, grab my stethoscope, and drape it around my neck.

It takes me a half hour to examine Lady. She’s a sweet girl and lets me look her over. The horse is healthy and strong. Not caring too much when I’m drawing her blood. Once I finish, I stick the vials into the little cooler I brought with me.

I pack up my bag and then turn back to Lady, giving her another rub.

“Here, she loves these,” a feminine voice says from beside me.

Turning toward it I see it’s a petite blonde, and she’s holding out a carrot.

I take it from her. “Thanks,” I say before turning to Lady and holding it up. She grabs it from my hand and chews it. Turning to the woman, I hold out my hand. “Jasper Mitchell.”

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