Page 81 of Time To Learn

“It makes me proud,” I begin slowly, “and satisfied. Honoured, too. I mean, it takes someone a lot to place their trust in the hands of a virtual stranger,” I point a finger at my chest, “and for that person to take your vision and turn it into something extraordinary. I’m grateful I possess the talent to make some people’s dreams come true, I guess. It humblesme.”

I turn on the indicator as I see the sign of the farm coming into view up ahead. The tension between us has almost disappeared now, making me breathe a small sigh of relief.

“Thank you.” Laura’s voice makes me quirk an eye at her. “For telling me about yourself,” she explains.

I smile softly at her and jerk my chin, happy to see her so much more relaxednow.

“You’re welcome.”

I just hope that placing my trust in her has the desired effect. That she’ll finally begin to trust me. That she’ll let me inside her, body and mind, and allow me to seeher.

All ofher.

* * *

Laura

From Laura’s Journal

What the hell possessed me to tell Kristian that I’m not sorry about James being dead? I didn’t mean to say it, but it sort of slipped out, and now it’s too late to take itback.

That bloody man. I can’t say no to him, not when his blue eyes are staring into mine, so hopeful and intense at the same time. It feels like he can make me say anything lately. Even parts I swore I’d never tell anyoneelse.

I kept hoping that he’d leave me alone when we drove home, afraid he’d push me to reveal more about my past life—to divulge things about the person I used to be in those dark years—but when he started to tell me about himself, I was so surprised and relieved that he somehow felt that I needed some space. But instead of dampening my desires, all he managed to do was make them more persistent. More intense.

And now here I sit, alone yet another night, almost desperate to learn more about him when I should remind myself to keep my distance.

He intrigues me. I can’t deny that—but how long will it be until he wears medown?

It feels like this friendship thing between us is just a ruse—and we both know it. That it’s only something we’re using—an insignificant word—to avoid the inevitable.

The questionis…

Which of us will give in first?

Me?

Orhim?

I putmy pen down as I inhale deeply. Without reading what I’ve just written, I close the journal and place it carefully in the drawer next to my bed. Then I look out of the window and turn off the lights.

I frown as I watch Kristian outside, seemingly wandering aimlessly about in the courtyard.

Curious, I nibble on my lips, spying on him, and a sense of longing overtakes my body. As if in a trance, I turn away from the window, grab my long, black cardigan and quickly pull it on over my nightgown, before I rush out of my room and tiptoe downstairs.

Knowing every creak and crevice of our house, I walk through our home, careful not to wake anyone as I go to the backdoor. As Sally lifts her head and lets out a soft whine, I shush her and quickly brush my hand over her fur, making sure she settles down before I move past her. Then I slip into my wellies standing at the backdoor and open the door, slipping out into the night.

The further I go –the closer I get to Kristian—the yearning in my senses intensifies. My heart beats hard against my ribs, and my skin prickles.

Kristian has stopped near the paddock where Thunder is, keeping a respectful distance as he admires the horse in front of him. It’s as if they’re having a stare-down, both trying to get the upper hand, but it’s a silly notion and I push it from my mind. I force myself to slow down as I get closer—I don’t want to sound too eager—but still making a bit of noise on the gravel so as not to startlethem.

Kristian turns around when I clear my throat.

“Can’t sleep?” I breathe as I stop next to him, careful not to touchhim.

I can feel his eyes trailing over every inch of me as he remains silent for a while.

“No. The silence is tooloud.”