Page 38 of The Bourbon Bet
“I’m not alone. I have my staff, my horses...”
“But no friends? Family?” So much for not prying.
His gaze slides away, focusing on some point in the distance. “I have acquaintances. Business associates. That’s enough.”
I frown, sensing a deeper story beneath his terse words. Is this who he really is, or just his way of staying safe?
Before I can probe further, the rain turns insistent, and he says, “We should return before the storm arrives.” Together, we spur our horses into a canter.
We reach the barn seconds before a crack of thunder booms from the dark sky. I’m greeted with the musty scent of hay, leather, and safety.
I dismount, my legs slightly stiff from the ride. Sebastian’s stable hand waits with an expectant nod. “Thank you, John,” I say, handing him the reins.
He leads Cinnamon toward the tack room. I stand awkwardly for a moment, watching as he efficiently removes the saddle and bridle, hanging them on their designated hooks with practiced precision. The thunder crashes again outside, but Cinnamon barely flinches under his confident touch. I linger, feeling out of place in Sebastian’s world, where even the care of my mount is handled by others.
I move to the nearest stall, seeking comfort in the familiar act of petting the American Quarter Horse. Sebastian follows close behind. He leans against the stall door, his shoulder nearly brushing mine.
“Rosalia, about earlier...” His voice is low and earnest. “I am sorry for assuming the worst. It’s just, in my world, people always seem to have ulterior motives.”
His words sting because they’re too close to the truth. Given my arrangement with his brother, I have no right to stay angry about Sebastian’s assumptions. I should put distance between us, but instead I’m drawn to the vulnerability in his voice. Despite the lies, the deal with Thorne, the mess with my lease, this pull between us is stronger than my guilt.
“It’s fine,” I tell him, stepping closer.
The crunch of footsteps has us jumping apart like two teenagers about to be caught by adults. A guy enters the barn. “Bastian, are you in here?” he calls, his gaze sweeping the space before landing on us. His eyebrows shoot up. “Sorry, I thought you were alone.”
The man is around our age, with hair a shade lighter than Sebastian’s, and he wears the same expensive look. He carries a leather folder and has an air of confidence that suggests he is used to being in charge.
Sebastian’s shoulders stiffen and a frown tugs at his lips. “Daniel. I wasn’t expecting you.”
“Clearly.” His gaze darts between us. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
Sebastian doesn’t confirm or deny, and an awkward silence descends. He shakes his head. “I really need to change the code on the gate.”
Daniel grins, revealing white teeth with a slightly crooked canine. “You can’t keep me out. And you’d miss me.”
Sebastian snorts. “Rosalia, this is Daniel, an old friend from college. Daniel, this is Rosalia, my…” He hesitates, as if searching for the right word.
I offer my hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Shifting the leather folder, he shakes my hand, “I’m Daniel Poncelet.”
His last name smacks me like a physical blow. “You’re the lawyer.”
His brows furrow and his gaze jumps between Sebastian and me. “I am a lawyer.”
“Who works for Blackstone. Who works for you.” I say, glaring at Sebastian. He found out about my building issue a few days ago, my ass. What else is he lying about?
“I thought you said you didn’t have control over the leasing side of things.” I point at Daniel. “But if he’s your friend and the lawyer in charge...”
Sebastian glances away momentarily. His expression turns guarded. “Like I said earlier, it’s complicated.”
Daniel clears his throat. “I should let you two talk privately. Sebastian, I’ll head inside.” He offers me an apologetic smile before ducking out of the barn.
In the tense silence that follows, I study Sebastian’s face. It seems he isn’t a hapless, innocent bystander who knows nothing of my mess brought on by his company. But does it matter? I’m the one who’s made the devil’s bargain with Thorne, sacrificing my integrity to save my store and literacy programs.
I need to get out of here and clear my head. “I should go,” I murmur, moving toward the door.
“Let me drive you home instead of Tom,” Sebastian offers.
