I watch as Riggs disappears and once he is gone, I get to work. I have four hours to clean out ten stalls on this side, then I can carry on with the right side once Harlow and Conrad get here.
Hitting the broom head onto the concrete, I get to work.
Slowly standing up,I wipe the sweat from my brow. I've managed eight stalls, which honestly, I don't think is bad going. My boobs are solid and beginning to ache. I need to pump. Placing my hand over them, I wince.
I turn around and focus on the large clock that hangs at the back of the stables, it's just before twelve.
Placing the pitchfork next to the broom, I step out of the stall to see Tripp walking in with a horse. He notices me straight away.
Slowing his steps, his lips tug at one corner, but his eyes are like stones as he stares at me. I am aware I look a mess.
My braids are messy, strands loose. Brow sweaty and three shirt buttons undone.
The closer he gets, the more I struggle to catch my breath.
Something about him being all dirty and sweaty does things to me that it shouldn't.
But there is nothing there between me and Tripp anymore.
“You okay?” He calls out, brows furrowed as he loops the leading rein through the hoop on the stall wall.
“Yup, just need to pop up to the house, but don't want to go until Conrad and Harlow are here,” I say, brushing a loose strand of my dark hair off my face.
His eyes drift down, eyes widening slightly when they land on my chest.
Slowly slipping my arm across my body, he turns away from me.
Fuck.
The sound of tires fill the stables, overriding any tension that was once brewing between me and Tripp.
Two doors slam and that’s when I see them.
Harlow and Conrad.
Harlow is pretty. Light brown hair, long, brushed off her face in a high ponytail. Slender body, dressed in a tee and jeans. Cream cap on her head.
Conrad places his hand in Tripp’s, giving it a firm shake. Messy brown hair, floppy kind of. Thick denim covered thighs nestled in dirty chaps. Deep brown eyes that would consume you in one. Whole. Killer jaw, perfect smile and that's when he catches me staring.
Glistening eyes, lips parting a little wider as his gaze roams up and down my body.
“Who's the new girl?” he smirks, eyes not lifting from me as he asks Tripp and I watch as Harlow rolls her eyes.
“I'm Dixie,” I step forward, holding my hand out for him to take, which he does, gladly.
“Dixie,” my name rolls off his tongue a little too easily and I feel myself blush.
Damn. I needed to pull myself together.
“I'm Harlow,” she says, pushing past Conrad and giving me a wide grin.
“Hi Harlow,” I hold my hand up.
She turns and strolls towards the pretty chestnut.
“Hey, Amber.”
Ah, a mare.