Page 43 of Wine Whiskey & Lipstick

Dillyn glanced down at the ground and kicked at the dirt. “Definitely not my family. They are nothing like yours. In a lot of ways, Steven was my family. He took care of me. He was the father I never had and the friend I always needed. We met in college. I was there on scholarship and didn’t have very much support. He helped make things easier. Steven made sure I had food to eat, decent clothes to wear . . . stuff like that.”

Ben listened intently.

“Honestly, I would have understood if he had just told me that we had grown apart and that he wanted a divorce. It would have been heartbreaking, but I could make sense of that.”

“Instead, he betrayed your trust. He’s a bastard.” Ben was one to talk. Hadn’t he betrayed Lana’s trust? Though Lana never knew, Ben had been attracted to another woman and spent time with said woman instead of going home to take care of Lana and protect Rylee.

“So much more than that.” Dillyn wrapped her arms around her body. “I allowed him to shape me into the person he needed. I lost myself. Then little by little—when the marriage was over but before I left him—he chipped away at my self-esteem. He would make everything wrong in his life my fault, and I allowed Steven to use that to tear away the tiniest bits of my self-confidence. For a long time, I believed it.” Dillyn’s eyes misted, but she blinked back the tears.

Now Ben understood her overly independent stance and why she was adamant about not dating. Dillyn was metaphorically fighting for her life. Ben was so angry that a man could do that to her. It was apparent she was a good person and didn’t deserve all the hurt and betrayal she’d suffered. He felt a strong urge to comfort her but didn’t think he should. Who was he to comfort her when he wasn’t there for the people who needed him the most? Ben’s throat thickened as his own guilt ate away at him. Ben just remained quiet and listened.

Dillyn’s voice was soft. “I have so much to figure out. My life is one big shit show. Summer is where I planned to try to put the pieces back together.”

Ben felt like crap for being difficult earlier. “This is a great place to figure things out, and anytime you need Whisper.” Ben gave Dillyn a lopsided grin, lending him a boyish charm to him she’d not seen before. “She’ll be here for ya.”

Dillyn rolled her head around her neck. “Uggggggggh. I know you don’t want to hear me moan and groan about my life. You’re dealing with so much.”

“Actually, it’s nicenotto have to think about me for a change.” Ben tried to lighten the mood. “But, if you want to send me a check for this session, you have my address.”

“Less the money for my boots?” Dillyn laughed sadly. “You’re not running for the hills away from the trainwreck that is me?”

Ben turned serious as he held her gaze. “I don’t run from difficult situations. Ever. I may not make the best decisions, but I’m determined to try to be there for those who need me.”Especially after messing up with Lana and Rylee.

It was nice to hear him say those words, but only time would tell. So many people often promised one thing and did another. Dillyn hoped he wasn’t one of those people.

“We better get moving. There is still so much to see.” They walked back to the clearing where they had tied Whisper to a tree, and Ben helped Dillyn get up and onto her. “You ready?”

Ben understood Dillyn’s need to have a clear mind and worked hard to make it happen. It was what they both needed, and she seemed appreciative. “There’s more? Another special place?”

“All of it is special to me, but I have a couple more spots I’d like to show you.”

“If you’re willing, then I guess I’m riding.”

Ben climbed onto Whisper. This time he decided to sit in front of Dillyn. He thought it was much safer that way and quickly had a change of heart the second she wrapped her arms around his waist.

Dillyn held on tight, and she pressed her cheek against Ben’s back. She had no real reason to trust him, but she did.

They continued to explore his family’s property. He couldn’t help but get caught up in her excitement. It was nice to see his family’s land through Dillyn’s eyes.

After spending the entire morning together, Dillyn was slightly disappointed when they finally made their way back to the stables.

Ben helped her down. “Do you do any of that fancy stuff like yoga?”

Dillyn had worked out like crazy when she was married to Steven. “A little. Why?” Her eyes narrowed. “Be careful. We’ve had a nice morning, and you’ve almost redeemed yourself. Don’t ruin it.”

He laughed. “This was your first real ride. Your ass is going to be sore. You might want to stretch and ice your joints and muscles. If you give me your number, I can text you the name of a cream to use that might help.”

“Oh.” A rosy blush crept up Dillyn’s face. She hadn’t thought of that. She was already feeling the effects of their morning ride. “For a minute, I thought you were checking me out.” She grinned.

Dillyn’s smile lit up her entire face.

Ben was grinning, too, as he basked in her attention. He stopped immediately after realizing he’dbeen doingexactlythat—checking her out.Dillyn was nowhere near ready to date, and in all honesty, neither was he. But today was a good day to start a special friendship.

Chapter 18

Dillyn walked through the front door of her house, and for the first time in a long while, she felt a little lighter. A feeling of hopefulness was expanding within her chest.

“Where have you been?” Palmer walked into the foyer with a hand on her hip and lips pressed into a firm line. She was clearly irritated.

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