Page 48 of My Not So Wicked Boss (My Not So Wicked 3)

“I’ve learned a lot since that first book.”

“Agreed, but a lot of people did love that book, and your publisher must have, so I wouldn’t beat yourself up over it.”

He shoved his hands in his pockets. “But I do. I worry that if I can write such drivel and get it published, what if the same thing happens with this book?”

“It won’t.”

He stopped and peered at me. “How do you know?”

“Because . . .” I stammered, “because . . . I won’t let that happen. And neither will Isabella.” I walked off, not giving him a chance to respond. I caught up with Henry and Dane. I took Henry’s other hand to calm my racing heart. I wasn’t sure I liked being open. Or maybe I just wasn’t used to it. I’m not sure I ever would be. Or was it that I would never allow myself to be? It’s not what I wanted. Truly.

Dane grinned between me and Miles, who had quickly caught up to me. Dane’s grin said he wondered if there was something between us. There was—a contract. A contract that protected both of us.

“What breeds do you have?” Miles asked.

“Quarter Horse, Palomino, Paint, and Thoroughbred.”

“I own a Thoroughbred myself,” Miles responded.

“You’re from London, correct?” Dane asked. “Do you own a stable there?”

“I’m a city dweller by nature. I board my pony at the polo club where I’m a member.”

“You’re a polo man. Sorry to say we don’t have any clubs around here. My horses are used mostly for trail rides and working. But if you ever want to take a ride, I do have some English and dressage saddles available.”

“Very kind of you,” Miles replied. I could hear the longing in his voice. He missed his home.

I couldn’t blame him, seeing as I was obsessed with the UK. I knew it wasn’t all garden parties and handsome men with delicious accents and large fortunes. One of the reasons I enjoyed watching the BBC was the realness of it. American television was so stylized, and everyone was glamourous. In the UK, it was gritty. In their crime shows you didn’t get DNA back immediately and the men and women stars were for the most part average-looking people. It was refreshing. Miles was an exception. There was nothing average about him.

I loved Carrington Ranch’s stable. The gray stone and wood structure had a storybook feel to the outside, and inside it was like a deluxe hotel for horses. Several of the horses were out in the nearby pasture, but Henry was enthralled with the few that were in their stalls. Dane picked him up and showed him how and where to stroke the horses. Henry was particularly delighted with the foal born just this past summer and her mother. The duo was named Dolly and Madison. Dolly, the Palomino mare, was a favorite of Shelby’s. She was a beautiful, gentle creature. Henry thought so too, by the way he loved on her head. Her foal, Madison, made Henry giggle when Henry fed her a carrot and she tickled his fingers with her mouth.

Miles stood back and took pictures with his phone of everything from the high-beamed ceilings to the tack room and, of course, Henry. His eyes swirling with all the possibilities. Personally, I could picture Isabella here talking to the horses, trying to sort out the mess in her life. More than anything, probably trying to come to terms with her feelings for Dexter. Miles was going to have to write that relationship carefully. Isabella would put up a fight; I knew her battle well. I fought on the front lines with her. Once she fell for Dexter, I would miss my sister in arms in this war I started for myself, but now it felt like I was fighting more and more against myself. How did I ever forgive myself and call a truce?

I wanted Miles to be right. If I looked at it through Isabella’s perspective, maybe I could figure it out.

“Nanny,” Henry called, drawing me out of my own head. “The horsey likes me.”

I took Henry out of Dane’s arms and kissed his cheek. “That’s because you’re so cute.”

Henry reached out again to pet the horse.

“I wish I could spend more time with you,” Dane said to me, “but we have some fences that need repairing before winter hits. Feel free to go anywhere on the property. You know it as good as anyone. Make sure you drop by the house and say hi to Frankie. She said something about making some chocolate chip cookies.” Frankie was their cook and a character. She probably fed us as much as our own parents had in high school.

“I can’t say no to Frankie’s cookies. Thank you for everything.”

Dane kissed my cheek. “Always a pleasure to see you. Bring Chloe by soon, and this kiddo.” Dane mussed Henry’s hair.

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