Page 37 of Wine Whiskey & Lipstick

“Our marriage was over long before that.”

It was now obvious why Dillyn was so adamant about her interest in him, or better yet, lack of. “What about the rest of your family? Have they been supportive?”

Dillyn lifted her head to the heavens. She spoke quietly. “Not really.”

Ben could feel her pain. He connected with it on a level Dillyn would never understand. He should probably mind his own business, but for some reason, he couldn’t.

An idea came to Ben. Maybe he could help in some small way. He extended his hand to her. “Come with me. Let me show you something.”

Dillyn was hesitant at first and just stared at his hand.

“This again?” Dillyn glanced up at Ben through thick lashes before deciding to follow him. Slowly, she placed her hand in his and allowed him to lead her.

“Just so we’re clear, you’re not really a germaphobe, are you?” he asked.

“No.” Dillyn bit her bottom lip and cast her eyes down, having the good sense to feel bad about lying.

“The kiss I understand, but what was the big deal about shaking my hand?”

“I didn’t know you.” Dillyn might as well be honest. “We were alone, and I may have overreacted a little.”

“What about now?” he asked.

“We’ve shared a meal, a dance, and a fight. While I don’t know you well, I don’t havestranger dangerbells going off in my head.”

“Don’t forget a kiss.”

“What?”

“We shared a kiss too.”

Her brown eyes looked deeply into his. Dillyn took a furtive glance over her shoulder back toward the party and all the people.

Ben regretted the words almost as soon as he said them. “I promise. You’re safe with me.”

Ben didn’tfeelthreatening. “You’re not a serial killer, are you?” Dillyn was only half-joking as they started to walk over a short distance over to the stables.

“It’s a little late to ask me that, but no, I’m not.” It wasn’t long before they stopped in front of Whisper’s stall. Ben clicked his tongue a couple of times, and the head of the most beautiful golden beast peeked out.

“Oh, my God.” Dillyn’s eyes widened. Her hand went to her chest. “I’ve never seen anything so incredible in my life!”

Ben beamed with pride. “She is pretty magnificent.” He released Dillyn’s hand and caressed Whisper’s head. “This is my favorite girl in the whole world—next to Selah. She is not only beautiful, but she has a calming force that’s unmatched. Whisper has done more for me than tens of thousands of dollars in therapy was ever able to do. Whisper, meet Dillyn. Dillyn, meet Whisper.” He reached for Dillyn’s hand and placed it on his horse. “Here, touch her.”

Dillyn had never been around horses. She didn’t even know they could look like the one standing in front of her. She was slightly intimidated. “Ben, I’m a computer geek. This animal is huge. I’m somewhat nervous.”

He appreciated her honesty. “She won’t hurt you. Quite the opposite. Here. We’ll do it together.” He linked her hand with his then slowly ran it up and down Whisper’s head.

Whisper could sense the unease in Dillyn but remained calm.

As Dillyn slowly glided her hand up and down Whisper’s head, she suddenly felt more at ease than ever before—even peaceful—as if Whisper had a secret magical healing power. Shocked, her eyes jerked up into his.

He smiled knowingly. “I know. If you think this is something, you can’t even imagine what it’s like to ride her at full gallop with the wind blowing in your face. For a little while, Whisper can make you forget everything. That’s what she does for me every morning between five and six a.m.”

Dillyn was curious. “Every morning?”

“Yep.”

“I wish I knew how to ride.” She would give anything to have that experience.

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