Page 58 of Growing Into Love

I finish all this in a rush, my heart thumping. Jaz sits back in his chair and wipes his forehead.

“Wow,” he says. “Cass…wow. This sounds incredible. It’s a terrific plan—one even Declan won’t be able to complain about.”

“You think so?”

“I do. I really do.” He cocks his head. “And you know, you’ll have access to very affordable vet services as well.”

I perk up. I hadn’t wanted to ask, since I know he’s so busy. But god, what a relief that would be!

“Really?” I say.

“Of course,” Jaz says. “Cass, I never meant to imply that I didn’t believe in you. You’re so clever and capable, of course you’re going to run a successful sanctuary and save hundreds of horses. Oak Hill is your farm too. You’ve every right to start something for yourself. The truth is—”

But whatever the truth is, I don’t get to hear it, because suddenly, Scott appears at our table.

“Evening, fellow competitors!” he says. Neil is right behind him. “Fancy seeing you two here. Look, we’re neighbors.”

They sit at the table beside us, effectively canceling any further conversation.

Jaz smiles, ever polite. “How was your day? That Westphalian of yours is a real beauty.”

“Isn’t he? Ziad and I have been riding together for years. He’s the best thing I won in the divorce.”

Americans are so weird. Who brings up a divorce around people you only just met?

“Ziad?” Jaz says. “That’s a Lebanese name.”

“It is,” Scott says brightly. “My ex is Lebanese. I was wondering what sort of name Jaz is.”

“It’s short for Jasar,” Jaz says.

“My wife had a cousin named Jasar. Real dickhead though.”

“Don’t hold that against me,” Jaz jokes and they laugh.

The waiter brings our drinks and I settle back in my chair as Jaz engages Scott in conversation.

I feel a thrum build in my chest, hope sprouting tendrils.

Jaz believes in me. He sees me as clever and capable.

I just wish he could see me in other ways as well.

SIXTEEN

JAZ

After dinner,Cass heads back to the room and I go to the front desk to check in with Betty.

Her expression when she sees me tells me everything I need to know.

“No luck?” I ask.

“I’m really sorry,” she says. “We’re completely booked for the rest of the week.”

I feel a lurch in my chest. Sleeping next to Cass for the rest of the week sounds like heaven. Except that I can’t touch her, so it’s more like hell.

Glad David doesn’t seem to be coming. That would be extremely awkward. I’m not sharing a room with Cass and her boyfriend.

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