Page 12 of Never Left You

I chuckled, giving Nova some love before leaving the stall. They needed to be brushed down, given hay and food and then wrapped for the night. The barn was warm compared to the winter weather outside, but I knew they still appreciated a blanket over their coat. Leaving Nova’s stall, I stepped over to Luna. The brown mare gave me a slight huff as she poked her nose over the stall’s door.

“Well, you haven’t changed a bit.” I said softly.

Memories of racing flooded my mind the moment I touched her nose. Sylas on Luna always trying to beat me as we ran the length of the ranch. Lachlan would win no matter what Sylas and I tried to do. It was always in between rides that we came here. We relaxed and practiced and trained as best we could, but we always ended up in the field with nothing but our horses, a fire, and the cattle all around us. I could still smell the smoke; I could still hear the crackling of the wood. It was a memory I wouldn’t be able to erase anytime soon. It wasn’t one I tried to forget. A memory like that brought a smile to my face every time.

Luna nudged her nose up and down, forcing my hand from her. Her jaw moved as she took the last step towards the gate.

“Ready to meet the last house guest?” I asked her, adjusting the hat on my head.

I turned, reaching out to pat her nose once more, then my eyes drifted towards where my rig sat, the trailer still open. Charming was waiting in the trailer—or at least I thought he was. I froze, and I swear my heart stopped beating completely.

Abi Acosta stood in the stable’s doors, Charming’s lead tight in her hand as she stared right at me.

Five

Abi

Mygriponthelead tightened when I saw the man next to Luna’s stall. It couldn’t be. Anyone but him. Anyone but Cash Callahan.

When I saw Lachlan stepping into the unknown trailer, excitement filled my entire body. Our first paying boarding client. Three horses for at least eight weeks. And, a person renting the arena for training space? I basically jumped for joy when I looked at the white horse in the trailer. And when Lachlan said, “His name isCharming?”I let out laugh and gave the gelding attention before leading him into the stable. Hewalked slowly next me, using his nose to nudge my cheek, being absolutely…charming. I was enamored with him, right until I saw the darker skin and black hat of the man I hadn’t seen in years. The man I never thought I’d see again.

“What the hell?” I said breathlessly.

Cash’s dark, rich eyes hit mine. They were different, a hint of something I couldn’t quite read sitting behind them. I pinched my brow and focused on him. He was holding onto something in his eyes, but then in an instant, he changed. His eyebrows rose and a smirk spread across his lips, revealing his white teeth. His cocky smile was the same as I remembered—it was just those eyes that were different.

“Abs.” He gave me a nod.

His voice. Deep and rich, that Tennessee drawl flying through the air sparked more memories than I cared to admit.

“It’s been awhile,” he finished.

It’s been awhile!?

I bit the inside of my lips, holding back any and all words that I may vomit out. Trying to find something decent to say. Anything other than what I really, truly wanted to say to the man standing near my husband’s horse.

Get away from Luna.

Get the fuck off my property.

Where the hell have you been?

Why didn’t you call me back?

Why did you leave us? Leave me?

Why….why…

Why the hell didn’t you come to Sylas’s funeral?

I finally settled on one simple word. “No.”

“No, what?” He raised a brow, stepping away from Luna’s stall to come a little closer to me.

I dropped Charming’s lead, noticing right away how he didn’t turn his head to wander off, and took one step towards Cash.

“No.” I repeated before spinning on my heel, feeling my hair whip around my back in my fit of rage. “Lachlan.” I glared at my cousin. “I need to speak with you, please.” I grabbed Lachlan’s collar and yanked him hard, dragging him out of the stables as fast as I could. Away from Cash Callahan.

“Abi.” Lachlan stumbled. “What—”

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