Page 7 of Headed for Home

Harper takes a noticeable step backward. “I’m beginning to think I shouldn’t tell you.”

“Why?”

“Would you like a mirror to see how you’re chomping at the bit?”

“I’m hot to trot about horses.” I neigh for dramatic effect.

She guffaws. “Or the redhead who owns the herd. Did she put those hearts in your eyes?”

I avert my gaze to hide the evidence, but it’s too late to stop the loop from replaying her captivating features.My beauty.The nickname reminds me of the filthy excerpt Cassidy was reading, which reignites the lust in my veins. I snuff out the flames with a grunt before Harper reports me to her other bosses.

“Maybe,” I grumble.

A hum scolds my evasive maneuver. “Maybe my ass. Either way, I approve.”

My focus flings forward. “You do?”

“Sure, but how did you meet her? She rarely leaves her property from what I’ve heard.”

“Well,” I start but pause while deciding how much to actually reveal. “Cassidy and I went to middle school together. Hadn’t seen her since, but we just bumped into each other at Bean Me Up. Got to talking and… yeah.”

Her jaw hangs open. “Oh. My. Gosh. That’s too freaking perfect. Why don’t you just text her?”

I scrub over my face. “She told me she’s not interested, but mutual attraction and chemistry like ours can’t be faked. I’vethought about her a lot over the years, which might sound crazy, but I can’t stop. Maybe that’s why my other relationships failed. Every other woman falls short of her and what’s meant to be for us.”

Harper blinks quickly as she digests my romantic mush. “She’s the one, huh?”

“I think so. Actually, I know without a doubt. Right here.” I clutch the fabric over my heart. “We’re unfinished, but I’m going to change that.”

“Oh, this is so perfect. I can tell you’re super smitten and already halfway in love. It’s one of my many talents. Look at Ridge and Callie. Totally called it.”

I grunt. “Anybody with decent vision could see their happily ever after from a mile away.”

“Mhmm, you’re right. Ridge wouldn’t have it any other way. But how about Garrett and Grace? I could take credit for them.”

“That was a group effort,” I correct.

“Whatever. Just don’t fuck it up.”

“Not planning on it,” I grumble.

She pauses, that shrewd focus pinned on me. “Horses are your point of entry, huh? Have you ever been around them?”

“Just with Cassidy when we were kids. It’ll be a cinch.”

Harper laughs. “Your confidence is adorable.”

“I’ve thought this through. Mostly. There’s nothing she loves more. They go together as a package deal.” I twine my fingers together in a unified formation. “Figured there’s no better place to start than getting acquainted with the furry beasts.”

“Calling them that will go over really well.” She clucks her tongue before waving a hand in a dismissive gesture. “It doesn’t matter. I’m not going to involve my kid in your latest… romantic exploits.”

Can’t really say I blame her but this isn’t a random date I shouldn’t have gone on. “I just want to tag along. No funny business.”

“That’s doubtful. Go on your own, weirdo. It will look super suspect if you randomly show up with us. Besides, Sydney doesn’t have a lesson until Monday. Can you wait that long?”

That’s almost a week away, which feels like an eternity. Desperation has already crawled under my skin and it’s only a matter of time until drastic measures seep out. “Won’t it be more strange if I just stop by?”

She shrugs. “Boarders come and go as they please. Just act like you belong.”

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