Page 33 of Charlie

I groan.

"Oh, stop it. He's never at the barn anyway. The chance of you seeing him is practically zero."

"Fine," I grumble, "When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow." She grimaces, wincing a little as she waits for my reaction.

"You fucking owe me."

"Deal." She holds out her spoon and cheers me with it.

The following morning, I take the bike Isla loaned me and ride it over to the castle. I go past the main entrance, turning into the second drive, hoping to eliminate any chance of seeing Jack. Slept-in mascara and a messy bun is not exactly the impression I want to give. Again. I lean the bike against the side of the barn and push open the heavy double doors. There are eight stalls, and only three of them are occupied.

Sorcha is in the first stall – small speckled pony with a gray mane. The second horse is a beautiful flaxen chestnut, her coat the perfect backdrop for her gorgeous mane. I stop in my tracks as I approach the third horse. He stands much taller than the other two, curious brown eyes staring me down. I sweep his forelock out of his eyes and rub his velvety nose.

"Well, aren't you a gorgeous boy," I murmur. He nuzzles into me gently as I press a kiss to his muzzle. He's the most beautiful horse I have ever seen. His mane is so long that I can't see the end of it unless I stand on my tiptoes and peer over the stall door. He's black as pitch, not a speck of white anywhere. He nibbles at my fleece, making soft whinnying noises.

"Looks like he has good taste in women."

I jump.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, spinning to face Jack.

He chuckles. "I think I'm the one that should be asking you that. But since you asked, I'm feeding Lucius."

I'm going to kill Isla.

"Your turn," he prods, smirking.

"I'm feeding Sorcha for Isla."

He nods but doesn't say anything.

I slide Sorch’s bridle over her head and walk her out of her stall, clipping her to the lead ropes attached to the barn posts. I find the brushes in a caddy hanging on the wall, so I get to work with the curry comb first, ignoring Jack as he leads Lucius into the paddock.

"What are you up to today?"

My heart jumps to my throat at his nearness, and I whirl toward him. "Stop doing that!"

He leans against a stall door, shrugging an apology.

"I'm going back to Lewis to do some research." I wince as I say it, dreading the drive.

"Why the face?"

"The drive is awful," I admit.

"I'll drive you. I have to stock up on a few things anyway." I mull it over for a second. "It's not a big deal, Charlotte. I can drop you off, do what I need, and pick you up on the way home."

"You're sure?"

"I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't."

"Okay." I chew my lip. This feels dangerous. I give Sorcha a final brush before looking up at him. "Thank you," I whisper, the words getting stuck in my throat.

"I'll pick you up in an hour." Gravel crunches under his heel as he turns and walks out of the barn.

God. That man could melt the polar ice caps with one look. I lead Sorcha out to the pasture, realizing Jack has already thrown out hay for her. Damn it. I don't need another thing to the growing list of Jack's pros. The con list is pitiful; the only thing on it is 'Scotland,' and 'Scotland' is under pros, too. I'm fucked.

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