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“What’s normal? Pushing me away? Treating me like I don’t matter to you?”
Her words are knives in my chest, but I keep my tone firm. “I told you how it is with me. The pain reminds me not to get too close.”
“Are you saying you’ll never let me in? After everything we’ve shared?”
My eyes move from hers to the wooden floor. “It’s for the best.”
“No, it’s not, and if you think you’re getting away that easily, you’re wrong.” Exhaling a huff, she turns on her heel and walks away from me.
I tell myself I know what I’m doing.
I go to where Edward is finishing up feeding the other horses, and I hand him the key to my Jeep. “Give this to Rachel. I’ll take the truck up to Miss Gina’s.”
His brow furrows, and he looks around. “Okay.”
“I’ll see you later on tonight.” Reaching out, I pat him on the shoulder. “Good work today. You make a good trail leader.”
He looks up at me, and the confident expression on his face is enough.
22
Rachel
The windows are up, my phone is connected to the Jeep, and I’ve cued up my favorite drag queen music. I’m rocking my fiercest moves all the way back to Newhope.I will survive.
Edward’s brow furrows as he glances at me from his side of the Jeep. “Nala’s a good horse. I’m sure Miss Gloria wouldn’t mind if you rode her whenever you need to.”
I sing a line to my brother about having a new attitude, and he frowns. “Are you okay?”
“Yes.” I shake my finger and keep on singing. “My worries are few.”
“Okay.” He shifts again. “It’s just… you usually play this music when things aren’t so good.”
“Things areperfect.” I hit the word hard. “I’m a strong, confident woman, and I’m feeling good from my head to my shoes.”
Zane Bradford can’t shake my confidence. The first time he pushed me away, I was devastated. This time, he’s got another thing coming.
It wasn’t just a kiss, and it’s not just sex. It’s a lotmore than that—for both of us. I’ve seen it in his eyes. I’ve heard it in his words, and he’d better figure himself out before he loses something really good.
We park the Jeep and hop out, walking down to the restaurant. “Dylan, Allie, and I are going to the park to do yoga. Want to walk over?”
“The tournament is this weekend. Benji Maxwell is coming over to practice.”
“Who’s Benji Maxwell?” I frown as he continues with purpose.
“One of the kids from Second Chance. He’s not very good, but I’m going to coach him. His mother asked if I would, and I said yes.”
“His mother asked about you?” Blinking wider, I hold the door for him to enter the large dining hall.
“People have heard of me.” He says it so calmly.
We enter, and a stocky woman with short brown hair, rosy cheeks, and a sweet smile stands beside a boy who looks a little younger than Edward.
“Hi, I’m Alice Maxwell.” She holds out a hand, and I shake it. “It’s so nice of Eddie to help Ben. He really wants to play on Sunday.”
Ben is dressed in the usual boy uniform—jeans, T-shirt, and navy hoodie. He looks around the room before looking at Edward. “I’ve never been this far north.”
“We live in Barnwell,” Alice explains. “It’s such a nice restaurant, and Zane is just wonderful with the kids. He put Eddie and Ben together on Shiloh, and they’ve done so well together.”
