AllFreeNovel
Share Us
faded away. It was just us, two women standing on the precipice of something powerful. But would our connection be enough to withstand whatever storm was brewing just beyond our horizon?
I moved through the quiet kitchen. The world outside was still cloaked in darkness. I reached for the coffee pot and the rich aroma filled the air, offering a brief comfort. The clock on the wall ticked
softly, its hands creeping toward 3 AM. I poured the steaming liquid into a travel mug, my mind
buzzing with thoughts of the upcoming race.
“Early bird or night owl?” Melody’s voice cut through the stillness, laced with laughter. She came into the kitchen bright-eyed and cheerful—a stark contrast to the exhaustion I felt clinging to my bones.
“Definitely an early bird,” I replied, forcing a smile as I turned to face her. “Got a lot on my mind.”
She leaned against the counter, crossing her arms with a playful smirk. “Are you sure it’s not just the pressure of the big race? I mean, we all know you’re a workaholic, but you’ve really taken it to the next level.”
I chuckled softly, knowing she was right. “You could say that. Just trying to make sure everything runs smoothly. Phantom’s counting on me.”
“Uh-huh,” she said, feigning disbelief. “And what about you? You can’t pour from an empty cup, Steph. You need to take care of yourself too. The ranch needs you to be healthy and strong, and I can’t have my best friend turning into a caffeine-fueled zombie.”
Her playful concern brought a warmth to my chest, and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at her antics. “I’m fine, Melody. Just a little caffeine to kickstart the day. I promise I’ll get some sleep after
the race.”
“After the race? Please,” she scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. “You’ll probably be so hyped up on adrenaline that you’ll want to celebrate all night. Just promise me you won’t forget to eat, okay?
I’m not about to let you starve yourself in the name of ranching.”
I laughed, the tension easing a bit in my shoulders. “I promise I’ll eat. I’ll even make a point to sit down and enjoy a meal—maybe even one you cook.”
“Now we’re talking,” she grinned, grabbing a muffin from the counter and tossing it my way. “Here, take this for the road. It’s not a full breakfast, but it’s better than nothing.”
“Thanks,” I said, catching the muffin and popping it into my bag. “I really appreciate your looking out for me.”
“Always,” Melody replied, her tone softening. “But seriously, you need to let loose a little. I mean, it’s not just about the race. There’s more to life than work, you know?”
Her words hung in the air and I felt a pang of reality wash over me. The weight of the upcoming race, the fear of losing the ranch, and the unspoken tension between Ashlyn and me had become all-consuming. It was easy to lose sight of everything else. “I know, I just . . . I feel like there’s so much at stake right now,” I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. “If Phantom doesn’t win, we could lose everything. And I can’t let that happen.”
Melody stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “You’ve worked hard to get to this point, Steph. Just remember that you’re not in this alone. You’ve got me, and you’ve got Ashlyn. Lean on us a little, okay?”
Her words resonated deep within me and I nodded, grateful for Melody’s unwavering support. Did I have Ashlyn, though? I wanted to believe in our connection, so very much. But, something wasn’t right between us. “You’re right. I just need to keep my focus on the race for now. Once it’s over, I’ll take a breather.”
“Good plan,” she said, eyes sparkling with mischief. “And maybe after you win, we can have a celebratory bonfire. Get some s’mores going and reminisce about how you single-handedly saved the ranch with your mad skills and Ashlyn’s incredible riding.”
“Deal,” I replied, my spirits lifting at the thought of a celebration. “But only if you promise to make those fancy hot dogs you love.”
“Only if you promise to actually eat one this time!” Melody shot back, her laughter filling the kitchen as I grabbed my things and headed for the door.
“Okay, I’m in. See you later!” I called over my shoulder, the warmth of our banter lingering as I stepped out into the crisp morning air. I settled into my truck, ready to face another day of preparations for the race. I just couldn’t shake the feeling that this was more than “just a race.” It was a turning point for all of us, and I was determined to rise to the occasion—no matter what it took.
The soft glow of the moon filtered through the curtains, casting gentle shadows across the room as I lay nestled beside Ashlyn. The world outside was wrapped in quiet stillness, a stark contrast to
the whirlwind of thoughts that had led up to this moment. Tonight, all the tension and doubts that had clouded my mind melted away, leaving only the warmth of her presence beside me.
I turned my head to watch her as she slept, her features softened in the moonlight. Her hair spilled across the pillow like liquid gold, and I couldn’t keep myself from reaching out to tuck a stray lock behind her ear. Ashlyn stirred slightly, a faint smile gracing her lips even in her sleep, and my heart swelled at the sight.
This race was the culmination of so much hard work and dedication—both for Phantom and for us. It loomed large on the horizon, a challenge that could change everything. Yet here in this moment, it felt like nothing else mattered. All the noise and chaos of the world faded away, leaving just the two of us cocooned in our own little haven. As I shifted closer, I felt the warmth radiating from her body. It was comforting, grounding me in a way that I desperately needed. I wrapped my arms around Ashlyn, pulling her close. Savoring the feel of her against me. Ashlyn’s body fit perfectly against mine, and I relished the intimacy of this quiet moment. We had a connection that transcended words—a silent understanding of everything we had been through together.
“Hey,” I whispered, my voice barely breaking the silence. She stirred again, her lids fluttering open to reveal those captivating eyes that seemed to hold galaxies within them.
“Hey,” she murmured, a sleepy smile blooming on her face as she took in the sight of me. “What time is it?”
