Page 52 of Redemption

Presley

I spot Beckett as soon as I walk into the stables standing in front of Magnolia’s stall. It looks like he’s just finished tacking her up. I approach slowly from the side, extending my hand. I smile as Mag leans into my touch, and a soft, snorting sound escapes her. I still can’t believe she remembers me after all these years. She was always a bit skittish around new people, but when I took her for a walk the other day, there was no apprehension whatsoever. Her ears were relaxed, her tail was swinging, and she wouldn’t stop rubbing her head against me. When I brought her back to her stall, I could swear she was disappointed we didn’t go for a ride, but I think she forgave me after I gave her a good rub down.

“Hey, girl, it’s been a while, so I’m going to need you to take it easy on me, okay?”

Beck watches us for a moment before stepping back to grab the other saddle. “Give me just a few, and I’ll be ready to go.”

He opens the gate three stalls down and takes a moment to greet the horse before slipping the halter over its head. Once it’s secure, Beck leads the animal out and ties her to the hitching post.

“Presley, meet Moonshine.”

I lift my brows. “Moonshine? As in the light from the moon or the liquor?”

He grins. “What do you think?”

I shake my head. Beck’s dad loved making apple pie moonshine, and Beck and I had been known to sneak some on occasion. We’d sit out by the pond, slowly sipping it throughout the night. Sometimes we’d talk for hours. Other times, Beck would bring his guitar and sing songs, intentionally screwing up the lyrics to make me laugh. Then there were the times when we were so busy loving each other with our bodies, we didn’t have time for words. I duck my head, trying to hide my smile, but I know he sees it.

I stroke Magnolia’s neck and mane as I watch Beck giving Moonshine’s glossy black coat a good once-over with the brush before cleaning out her hooves. Once she’s all saddled and ready to go, we lead our horses out of the stable.

Beck holds out Mag’s left stirrup. “Hop on, Pres.”

I take a deep breath, loop my fingers under the rein, and grab the horn. Beck doesn’t release the stirrup until my foot is firmly in place, and I’m pulling myself up.

I blink a few times, shocked that it only took one attempt. “Whoa, that was much easier than I was expecting.”

“Told you. Just like riding a bike. You look good up there.”

I chuckle. “It feels good up here, but there’s no need to be cocky, Armstrong.”

“We both know that’s not true.” Beck mounts his horse like a pro and winks.

My cheeks warm, and I get this strange flutter in my stomach. It takes me a moment to realize I’m blushing.

Beck laughs when he gets a good look at my flush. “Nice to see that I haven’t lost my touch.”

Beck gives Moonshine a little nudge, and she starts off on a walk with Magnolia and me following. Wow, this is like riding a bike. I’m not about to go barrel racing, but I think I can handle a slow ride.

I give him a wry look. “You know... if this friendship thing is going to work, you can’t be doin’ that.”

“Doin’ what?”

I flick my finger between us. “The flirting. If you want to be friends, you need to back off on the flirting.”

He laughs. “I never said I wanted to be your friend, Pres.”

“Oh.” I bite my lip, unsure of how to respond to that.

Beckett shakes his head. “I meant that I don’t want to settle for being your friend. I want it all. No point in trying to deny that any longer.”

“Beck,” I groan. “I’m not... we’re not... I haven’t even filed for divorce yet. I can’t think of anything beyond getting past that right now.”

“So, I’ll wait.” He maneuvers the horse, so he’s on my right. When I give him an inquisitive look, he says, “I lost the hearing in my right ear a while back. It’s easier for me if you’re speaking on this side.”

My brows draw together. “How did that happen?”

His shoulders lift. “IED.”

I wait for him to say more, but he doesn’t. “Um... you can’t just tell me something like that and not explain. Is that why you’re no longer in the Navy?”

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