Fortunately, I’m saved from having to deal with the guilt of lying to Kyla when a shadow falls over my plate. “Good morning, Matthew. Worked up an appetite last night, I see,” the man states, a coy grin on his face.
Before I can reply to his comment, he takes the empty seat across from me. “May I help you?” I ask, cutting into my biscuits and gravy and taking a hearty bite.
The man just grins, bringing his cup to his lips and sipping the hot liquid inside. The sound instantly grates on my nerves. I fucking hate listening to someone sip or slurp. “I was just discussing with Darnell Masterson about your big business venture.”
I mentally roll my eyes. “Yeah? What do you know about it?” I ask, taking a big bite of eggs and hash browns.
“Well, I heard they were entertaining another very generous offer.”
That makes me pause. Setting my fork down, I lean back in the chair and take in the man across from me. He appears to be a few years older than me, with the start of gray hair coming in around his ears. He’s freshly shaved and reeks of expensive cologne. “I’m sure you’re mistaken,” I finally reply, reaching for my coffee.
The man shrugs. “Possibly. Though, Masterson is usually spot-on when it comes to hearsay in the business world. He seems to have more contacts than any one person can have. Hopefully he’s mistaken.”
I grunt in reply, taking too big of a drink of hot liquid and scalding my tongue in the process.
“Anyway, I thought I’d just mention it to you. Something to keep an eye on,” he replies, slurping from his coffee cup once more. “I heard Miss Morgan was here last evening.”
I snort. “You’ve heard a lot already this morning.”
He lifts a single shoulder, getting comfy in the chair and waiting for me to comment. I don’t indulge, however. I go back to my breakfast, pretending he’s not there. I have no clue if these guys are my brother’s friends or not, and even though I should probably play nice, I just don’t have it in me. Not when these guys are sitting around gossiping like teenage girls in a schoolyard.
“Well, I can see you’re busy. I’ll let you enjoy your breakfast. Maybe we’ll see you in the sauna later today,” the man says, getting up and taking his coffee with him.
I’m left with my mind flopping between the mention of the business deal that’s supposedly all but signed and of Kyla. I realize how small this community is, even if it’s a huge building. Everyone knows everyone and everything and I’m not a fan. I much more prefer the small rural town I’ve become used to in the last decade.
Sighing, I drop my napkin on the table, breakfast forgotten.
I’m stuck here for twenty days, and this is going to be a big challenge.
Good thing I have Kyla to help pass the time.
Chapter Six
Kyla
“Look at you, pretty girl,” I greet the horse in the paddock behind the shelter.
Dolly whinnies, as if she knows how gorgeous she truly is, and nudges my hand with her muzzle. I take a few minutes to pet her, loving the feel of her soft hair under my palm. Longing sweeps in as I give the mare a small smile. Out of all the animals I’ve seen come through the shelter, this is the one I’d keep in a heartbeat. From the moment I saw her, I wanted her. I just wish I had somewhere to keep her.
“How about a good workout today?” I ask, reaching into my back pocket for the brush. We don’t have a ton of room around the yard, but enough I could get her up to a trot for a few laps.
“This must be Dolly.”
The deep voice startles me, but I know who it is. Matthew made it.
I quickly turn around and smile. “Hi.”
“Hey,” he replies, giving me a quick grin before turning his attention to Dolly. “Wow, what a gorgeous mare.” Matthew steps up beside me and pets Dolly’s back with long strokes.
“Isn’t she? I was just telling her we’re going for a ride today.”
“Oh, I’m going to have to take her out too,” he says, patting her side. I get a good look at the man as he leans against the fencing. He’s wearing another pair of well-worn jeans and a flannel shirt. Boots adorn his feet that look like they’ve seen a few horseback rides in their day. This casual, rugged version of Matthew is almost better than the suit and tie.
Actually, I think I like it more.
“Let’s take her into the barn and get her saddled up. The family of the original owner sent everything with her: bridles and bits, a few reins, lead ropes, and a stunning leather saddle with pads.”
He’s already moving toward the gate, leaving me trailing behind and practically running to catch up. Matthew holds the large gate open for me, latching it after we’re both inside. For the next ten minutes, I don’t do a thing but watch as Matthew prepares Dolly for a ride. He talks to her almost the entire time, getting to know the big, beautiful horse in a way I’ve never seen before.
“Tell me about the owner,” he says, as he secures the saddle around her abdomen.
I go through the story, everything from the time we got the call about the Belgian mare through today, and even though Matthew continues to prep the animal for a ride, I know he’s paying attention to me. I’m also surprised I’m not asked to help, but he clearly knows what he’s doing around a horse.
When there’s nothing left to say, he turns and gives me a crooked grin. “You ready?”
I nod anxiously, stepping forward and reaching for the saddle horn. I place my foot in the stirrup just as I feel two large, warm hands wrap around my waist. I’m being hoisted into
