Page 8 of Every Single Wildflower
Cooper leans over, dropping a kiss on the top of my head. “She’d like that.”
Sliding on his sunglasses, he veers off to the left of the barn toward the main office, while I turn in the opposite direction, heading to the horses. It was my favorite place on the property. Well, it used to be before tainted memories filled the space. But I could ignore those. Ihad been for years, and I could really use some equine soothing in this moment.
Stepping inside the freshly remodeled barn, I pass two empty stalls, ignoring the room to my right until I come to the one that I’ve visited more times than I can count.
“Hey sweet girl,” I coo as I peer over at Sugarfoot.
Her long dark mane looks smooth and shiny, like it’s been brushed daily. She appears happy and healthy and that’s all I could ask for. Tears prick my eyes over the fact I haven’t been the one to do it. I abandoned her too.
I reach my hand out to press my palm against her neck, slowly running it up and down as her big brown eyes catch on mine.
“It’s been a while,” I whisper. “I’m sorry.”
An unexpected wave of fresh goose bumps dance over my skin, and I already know without having to look who just walked into this barn.
Chapter five
Maddox
I’m tired.
Pissed.
And now fully erect.
Ivy’s bare perfect ass was inches from my face and now I’m suffering the consequences.
I have my phone in hand, ready to call Coop when his name flashes across the screen.
“Anything you need to tell me?” I bark into the phone.
“Awe shit. You ran into Ivy?” He asks.
Ran into?
“Something like that,” I mutter.
“Sorry I forgot to text you to let you know she was going to stay in the extra bedroom. I don’t have any room in the loft and Ryder…well, he’s not exactly giving her a warm welcome.”
I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. I’ve been up all night, staying out with the crew while the fire department did their job. They wanted someone from the ranch present, and seeing as he and Ryder needed to be with Emmett, it was a no brainer.
“It’s fine.” I drop my hand.
Is it though?
“It’s just for a few days as of now.” He goes on. “I know she’s been gone a while, but it’s time she puts whatever bullshit aside with this place long enough to get through this mess.”
I nod, even though I know that he can’t see me as I walk aimlessly around the grounds with no particular destination in mind. I need to walk off this boner for starters.
“How’s Emmett?” I ask.
“No word yet. I just got back. I need to shit, shower, then get out there with Ryder to move pastures.”
“Thanks for the warning.” Pocketing my phone, I take a few minutes to survey the demolished structure of the farmhouse before I turn around and head to the horse barn.
I step inside, and all the progress that I had made on the walk over here flies out the window.
Ivy Mayson stands before me, transporting me back to the years when I would try to pretend that I wasn’t gawking at her while I shoveled horse shit from these very stalls.
