Page 20 of Eyes Like a Hurricane

“Oh, I slept like the dead and passed out right after I got home. I literally came in, let Chloe out to potty, and then madeit upstairs with enough energy to shower, brush my teeth, and climb into bed. But when I woke up this morning, my bed sheets tried to eat me,” I say.

“Did you try to catch your phone again? I know you have fast reflexes, but maybe wait until you are fully awake to try to use them,” Leo taunts.

Laughing, I say, “Yeah, I did. It’s just instinctive. Breaking a four-hundred-dollar phone is something I want to avoid. I’m glad you and Kieran made it home safely. Did you guys have fun last night?”

Tsking, Leo says, “I called to find out how you and Mr. Hot Rancher did last night after we left. You seemed to be enjoying his company, and I have to say you made quite the sexy dance couple. He had moves, girl.”

On a dreamy sigh, I murmur, “I know, Leo. I really like him. I daydreamed about him the entire car ride back from North Bend.”

Leo chokes. “Excuse me, from North Bend? You mean you didn’t meet him for the first time at the bar last night?”

I take a moment before I reply. “Uh, yeah, he was at the gas station when I was. Remember that truck with the dog in the back?”

Leo gasps. “You said you were only looking at the dog! Liar, liar, pants on fire! It was about the guy driving the truck. I knew it!”

Shaking my head, I respond, “Well, at the time, I didn't see him, only the dog. But I did meet him and his dog in North Bend. I honestly didn’t think I would ever see him again.”

Leo clears his throat, “I think he felt the same way. The way he looked at you during your dance gave me shivers.”

“I’m definitely looking forward to getting to know him better. Kissing him felt like magic and coming home.” I sigh.“Anyway, I should probably get going on the day. Thanks again for everything yesterday. I’m looking forward to seeing the furniture you ordered. I can’t wait to try out the chair in my library. Will I get to see you guys next weekend? I can come your way if that is easier.”

“No, no, we will definitely come your way,” Leo says, “I want to help organize, and if some of the pieces come in, I want to make sure I’m there to help you set up your downstairs. Have you thought about what you'll do with the two extra rooms upstairs yet? If not, no worries.”

“Not yet, but you will be the first to know. Give Kieran a hug from me. I love you both,” I say.

Leo replies, “We love you too! Have a great first day.”

I finish my shake as I pocket my phone and rinse my glass out in the sink. I turn back toward the door just as Chloe arrives at the threshold. “Chloe, wanna go for a jog, sweet girl?” In response, she starts wiggling from side to side.

We head for the stairs and head back to my bedroom. Against the far wall are all the boxes of clothing I have yet to unpack. Maybe that will be my task for this week. Leo will place the order for my furniture today, which leaves the boxes on my to-do list.

I scan the room and locate the box with ‘Work Out Gear,’ written in black Sharpie on the side. Opening the flap, I begin to dig around inside. I'm able to find a pair of leggings, a sports bra, and a t-shirt that reads ‘I Run Because Murder is Frowned Upon.’ At the bottom of the box, I can just barely reach a pair of socks. If I remember right, my shoes were put in a different box. I move boxes around until I find the one marked ‘Shoes.’ As expected, they are right on top.

After getting dressed in my running outfit, I throw Chloe’s jogging harness on, and we head out the front door.We take off at a nice pace through pine-scented streets. The sun filters through the pine needles, casting slivers of shadows across our path. Chloe lengthens her stride, and we take off for a thirty-minute out-and-back.

Chapter 21

Lachlan

The sun is just beginning to peek out of the tree line as I slide open the barn door. I came out to do my morning routine, which includes checking the individual stalls and the animals. Finn trails behind me, taking his time to pick up all the scents on the ranch.

I watch Noah let some of the horses out to pasture. I’ll meet him at the grooming station after I make sure the other animals are fed and watered. Sunny and Puddle are the first two horses on the schedule for therapy today.

We have two clients arriving at 9 a.m. Noah, our licensed occupational therapist, will be working with an amazing army vet named Sam. He is new to the program, and although he has physically recovered from an IED explosion, his mind still relives the moment frequently. We have him brushing Sunny. The repetitive motion helps him calm his mind and soothe his nerves. In the last two weeks, he has gone from tentative brush strokes to full circular motions.

Our other client, Erik, has been with us for about six months. He was one of only two from his unit who survived an attack when they were returning to base. He lost his lower left leg and has found walking Puddles around the covered arenagives him physical and mental confidence. Striding next to the powerful creature allows him to feel safe and protected but also in control of the pace and distance. Walking Puddles allows him to build strength on his prosthetic and ease his anxiety of walking without both legs fully intact.

Watching these two courageous men find their confidence again lightens my heart. It’s the most surreal feeling to watch as the connection develops between a man and his horse.

I find Noah leaning against the wall near Sunny. “Morning, sunshine,” I say, striding up next to him. As I lean against the wall beside him, I look over and see a shit-eating grin on his face.

“Hey, Boss. Your legs tired from dancing last night? I didn’t realize you were such a dancing queen,” he says as he starts humming ABBA.

“Shut up, Noah. I had been waiting a whole day. That's twenty-four hours’ worth of waiting to wrap my arms around that beautiful woman. The fact I got to watch her play pool in those cut-off jeans was no hardship either,” I say, smirking.

He chuckles. “Yeah, man, we could tell. It's a good thing it was dark in there and you chose to wear your thick jeans. Otherwise, I’m sure the whole place would have been able to tell how excited you were to dance with her and watch her hold a cue stick.”

Sunny decides that is the perfect moment to snort. If I didn’t know any better, I'd think he was laughing at me.

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