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I toed at the wood shavings around my feet. “He’s a good horse. I can handle him.” I bit the inside of my cheek.
Wyatt took off his hat and dragged his hand through his dark hair, blowing out a breath of air. He paced back and forth in front of the stall a few times.
I exited Cher’s stall, hanging her halter on the hook beside the door.
Wyatt continued his pacing. He’d wear a trench in the dirt by the time he worked out whatever was going through his head.
I leaned against the door, crossing my arms over my chest. Apparently, I wasn’t done waiting for Wyatt Collins to get his shit together.
He stopped and looked at me for a few seconds, then went back to pacing, tenser than a freshly tightened wire fence. He stopped, lifted his hat, and dragged his fingers through his hair yet again before placing the hat back on his head. “I don’t like this.”
“What? This?” I gestured to me and him. “Or this?” This time, I gestured to me and Gambler.
“The horse!” He threw up his hands, clearly exasperated with me, which was nothing new.
“Well then, it’s a good thing we’re not dating anymore, so it’s none of your damn business!”
“Fuck, Kinsley!” He put his hands behind his neck and closed his eyes, his mouth drawn into a hard line.
“I appreciate your concern, Wyatt, but this isn’t your problem. There is no problem. I’m going to ride Gambler, and I’m going to win.”
We spent a few agonizing moments standing there, staring at each other. These moments allowed me to remember what it was like when those deep brown eyes looked at me like I was the only person in the world who mattered. The way his gaze bore into mine made my breath catch in my throat.
I couldn’t tear my eyes from his. My heart raced for him once again, pounding against my ribcage as if it wanted to escape and close the distance between us. I ached to go to him, feel his strong arms wrap around me once more, and breathe in his familiar leather-and-pine scent. It had been months since I’d felt the comfort of his embrace, the safety and warmth only he provided.
My feet itched to move and take that step towards him. I wanted to tell him I missed him, that I still wanted him, that maybe we could make it work this time.
But before I gathered the courage to move, Wyatt shifted, his boots scraping against the barn’s dirt floor. He took a step back, then another, his eyes never leaving mine. “Good luck out there.” His voice was low. “Be careful with that horse.” With that, he turned and walked away, his broad shoulders disappearing through the barn door.
I sank to the ground, my back sliding down the rough wooden wall of Gambler’s stall. My knees pulled up to my chest as I wrapped my arms around them, trying to hold myself together.
The realization hit me like a ton of bricks—I wasn’t over Wyatt. Not even close.
Chapter 4
You Proof - Morgan Wallen
Wyatt
Iwas so screwed. Did I think it would be easy to see her again? To see her and then walk away from her?
I couldn’t believe she’d bought that damn horse. Gambler was a ticking time bomb, and she was playing with fire. Did she have any idea how dangerous he was? How capable he was of hurting her? The thought made my stomach roil.
Even as I fumed, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the wildfire that burned so brightly within her. It was the same fire that had attracted me to her in the first place, that fearless, unstoppable spirit that made her take on challenges others would balk at.
I wanted to shake some sense into her, make her see the risks she was taking, but I knew Kinsley. She was stubborn as a mule and twice as headstrong.
I ran a hand through my hair, frustration coursing through me. I should’ve stayed away and let her handle Gambler on her own, but the thought of her getting hurt...
As I neared the campsite, the guys were all gathered around a fire, their tents pitched in the background.
“Hey, slacker, we set up your tent for you,” Grady announced, pulling a hot dog on a stick from the fire. “You’re welcome.”
“Thanks.” I sank into a folding chair with a heavy sigh, resting my head in my hand.
“Oh, bad mood. So, how’s Kinsley?” Finn prodded.
The group shared an amused glance.
