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He nods, looking out at the water. “I like it here. I wasn’t sure at first. It was really hot, and I didn’t know anybody. But perfect is the enemy of good.”
“That’s what Zane says.” Rachel glances at me, and I rub my neck, looking down. “I think you’ve done a really good job here. Zane has taught you a lot, and I’m so grateful for it.”
She’s looking at me, but I pull myself onto Frodo again. “We need to head on back now.”
I’ve got to get to Miss Gina’s, and we’ll need to feed and tack the horses. Edward goes immediately to where Shiloh and Nala are standing, waiting to give his sister a leg up.
The ride back is quicker, and when we get to the stables, we each take our horses to their stalls. Edward can help Rachel. It’s best if I keep my distance.
I carry my heavy leather saddle to the narrow tack room, and stop short when I see her inside, examining the different bridles and equipment. Without making eye contact, I pass her, dropping the blanket on the ground before sliding the saddle onto its horse.
“I’ve got this!” Her voice is bright, and she grabs the blanket before I have a chance. “Where does it go?”
Stepping up beside her, I take it. “It’ll hang on this rack to dry.”
She steps to the door, peeking out, then hops over to me, putting her hands on my chest. “I think he’s still in the stall brushing Shiloh.”
Rising higher, she goes for a kiss, but I pull back, putting my hands over hers, and moving them down.
“Is something wrong?” The confusion in her eyes twists the pain in my stomach.
“I haven’t gotten much work done this week.”
“I know.” Her voice is naughty, and she waggles her eyebrows.
She reaches for my hand, but I avoid it, going to the shelf and picking up a brush instead. It makes no difference, she follows me into the barn, all the way to Frodo’s stall.
“You’re limping again.” Her voice is upbeat, and my chest is tight. “We need another massage session. The real, sports-medicine kind.”
“I’m okay.” I open the door and step into the stall, placing my hand on the horse’s shoulder.
“You’ve been doing a lot of hip work. It’s only natural your back is tired.”
“The pain helps me remember…” I don’t finish that sentence.
“Remember what?”
Shit. “You wouldn’t understand.”
“Who would?”
I don’t answer. I rub the brush across and down Frodo’s back in a few long moves, then bend down and check his hooves for rocks. Finding none, I start for the door again, where Rachel stands, her arms crossed, green eyes blazing.
I tell myself it’s better this way.
“Who do you talk to about your pain?”
“What are you doing, Rachel?” It’s a question from our early days of bickering.
“I’m trying to find out who you’ll let close to you. If not me, then who? The horses?”
My jaw tightens, and I exhale a growl as I pass her. She’s not letting me off the hook.
Taking a breath, she changes her tone to gentle urging. “Ilove that you have this connection with the animals. I see how beneficial it is to you and to Edward, but you need more. You need people. You need a person.”
She stands in the doorway, blocking my way out of this small room, forcing me to face her.
“We’ve had a good time, Rachel, but it’s time to get back to normal.”
