Page 40 of Puck and Prejudice

“I’m fine,” I croak.

“Think about it,” Jackson continues. “If you decide to go, my assistant will arrange the flights and book the hotel for you.”

“I’ve never been to Vancouver, but I can’t come. I have to work. I’m sure I can convince Jane, though.”

“Oh. Of course. Just let me know.”

It could be in my head, but Jackson sounded disappointed. I’m probably imagining things. There’s no way he’d be bummed out that I can’t come. Absolutely zero chance.

ChapterSeventeen

IZZIE

Despite sleeping for only a few hours, I wake at the crack of dawn. I look for my clothes, dreading putting the dirty things on, and discover that they’re actually clean. Holy shit. Dione must have snuck into my room while I showered and grabbed them. I didn’t notice they were missing when I went to bed. Maybe she’s so used to taking care of Jackson that she didn’t think it was an invasion of privacy. But I can’t be mad when my clothes are soft and smell amazing.

I put them on and then leave the room on soft feet. I don’t want to wake Jackson again. In the kitchen, I stare at the coffeemaker longingly. I’d kill for caffeine right now, but with my luck, I’d find another bug somewhere and scream bloody murder again.

Since Jackson’s still not up, I decide to check on the foal and her mama. The fresh morning air will help energize me. The short walk to the stables is peaceful and quiet, but when I arrive, I realize I’m not the first one awake. Mickey is already there, checking on the horses.

“Good morning,” I say.

“Hey, Izzie. Did you sleep well?”

“Like a baby,” I lie. “How are Fleur and her foal?”

“They seem to be doing well, but you’re the doc.”

I head over to Fleur’s stall and see the foal nursing. That’s good. I turn and find Mickey taking a magnificent black thoroughbred mare out of a stall. He puts the horse on cross ties and starts grooming her.

“Who’s this beauty?”

“Raven Ray. She’s Jackson’s favorite.”

“I can see why.” I approach the mare and slowly raise my hand to run my fingers through her mane. She doesn’t flinch, so I continue my caress.

“She’s very mild tempered. Would you like to take her for a ride around the property?”

“Oh, I shouldn’t. Jackson is probably already waiting for me to return to Miami.”

“It’s still early. He won’t be up for another hour.”

“Are you sure? He’s flying to Vancouver later today.”

“Yes, I’m sure. Should I saddle her for you?”

I look at the horse. “What do you say, girl?”

She snorts, which means she’s happy and calm.

“All right, then.” I turn to Mickey with a huge smile. “Let’s do it.”

Mickey is a pro, and in less than two minutes, Raven Ray is tacked up. I love horseback riding. It always brings me peace. When I mount Raven Ray, all my problems and stress vanish.

“Where should I go?” I ask Mickey.

“Raven Ray knows the property well. Let her guide you. There’s a small lake she prefers. It’s beautiful. You can let her drink from it—the water has been tested.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

---