AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I want to punch it.
“Thanks.” Rachel blinks away embarrassed. “But I don’t work here, so…”
She blinks in my direction, and when our eyes meet, she jumps slightly, lowering her beer and stepping away from Sam.
“Zane?” It’s a breathless laugh, possibly nervous. “Hey.”
“Hi, Zane!” Sam steps forward, extending a hand. “I haven’t seen you since you got home. I wanted to tell you I watched all your games, and that injury was?—”
“Thanks.” I don’t even look at him. “Sorry to interrupt, but would you come with me? I have someone I’d like you to meet.”
“Oh.” She looks from me to Sam. “I guess… Do you mind, Sam?”
“No way! No problem.” He nods. “Can I get your number before you go?”
Now I really want to punch him in the junk.
“Hurry before they leave.” I place my hand on her elbow.
I’m not gripping her, but she can feel the pressure of my touch. I’m sure it confuses her as much as it confuses me.What the fuck am I doing? Why am I so pissed?I don’t have time for these questions.
I guide her away before she can respond to Sam’s request, but halfway across the dining hall, she jerks her arm out of my grip.
“What are you doing?” she snaps.
I like that she’s mad. I need her to be mad so I can get my head out of my ass.
“Gloria is here.” I don’t look at her. “She owns the stables where I work. I thought you might want to meet her since she runs the equine therapy program.”
“Oh.” Her tone changes at once. “I’d love to meet her. Of course. Please.”
I lead her across the dining hall where everyone is dancing to Mariah Carey to where Gloria and Sandra are standing side by side bopping along.
They’re not great dancers, but I can tell they’re having fun. Every so often they lean into each other and say something.
Sandra’s eyebrow arches when I approach with Rachel, and I don’t have to ask what she’s thinking.
“Gloria, Sandra, this is Edward’s older sister Rachel.” I gesture between them. “Rachel, Gloria owns Second Chance Stables and runs the equine therapy program there.”
“It’s so nice to meet you.” Rachel reaches out to clasp Gloria’s hand in both of hers. “I’ve read about equine therapy, and I think it would help Edward so much.”
“Is he special needs?” Gloria frowns, and I realize I only told Sandra about his situation.
“Very mildly,” Rachel answers quickly. “He had a little incident in Birmingham… At school. Some boys were making fun of him, and I think… I think he punched one of them in the nose. He was suspended, and they wanted to put him on medication. So I brought him here. I’m kind-of home-schooling him for now, but I know he needs to be in school. I’m working on that part.”
She seems nervous, and her voice grows more apologetic with every new piece of information she provides. It’s all new to me, and as she unfolds their story, protective anger surges hotter in my chest.
“Edward’s not a fighter.” My tone is sharp, and Rachel blinks up at me confused.
“No, he’s not.” She watches me like she doesn’t understand me at all.
I’m not sure I understand, but I don’t like hearing about her fighting for her brother all by herself. It shifts something in my chest. It makes me want to help her, protect her, and we don’t have that kind of relationship.
We don’t have a relationship.
Gloria puts her other hand over Rachel’s still holding hers. “I think you made the right call, and I’m sure he’ll find what he needs at our ranch. I’ll work with him.”
“You’re so kind.” Rachel’s voice breaks, and I have to look away from the two of them.
