Page 9 of Unspoken Love

“Hey,” she said, stepping up beside him. The scent of hay and leather hit her as it mixed with the fresh, sexy scent of Nate’s aftershave. It was a smell she was somehow already familiar with and, if she was honest with herself, growing to dream of.

“Hey yourself,” Nate said, glancing over his shoulder with a grin. “You look like you just woke up?”

“Do I look that bad?” She reached up toward her hair, fearing it was once more a rat’s nest.

He shook his head and then surprised her by walking over and running a fingertip down her cheek. “You have a crease, just here,” he said with a grin.

She lifted her hand and tried to cover the spot. “I hadn’t planned on sleeping that long.”

“It’s nice to get some rest.” He patted Blaze’s neck. “I thought I’d give this guy a little morning stretch during my break. Stormy wasn’t having it—too much sun, I think. She’s sort of a diva.”

She moved closer and reached out to stroke Blaze’s velvety nose. The horse let out a soft huff, nudging her hand like he approved.

“Thanks for checking on them,” she added.

He shrugged. “No problem. I miss having horses myself.”

Nate brushed Blaze in silence for a moment.

“Max did a great job updating this place,” he said, glancing around as he locked the stall door with Blaze’s name etched on it.

“Yeah. I didn’t expect it to feel so… peaceful,” She paused, then added with a wry smile. “And clean.”

He chuckled. “Did you get unpacked?”

“A little. I found something pretty exciting.”

His eyebrows rose. “Like? Hidden diamonds?” he asked.

She shook her head. “No, more like a secret hidden passage.”

“Seriously? You found a secret passage?” She nodded. “Juliette hasn’t told me that the place had any.” He glanced at the house. “She’s mentioned that she thinks the place is haunted.” He glanced over at her. “If ghosts start knocking, text me,” he joked. “I’ve got ghost-fighting experience. I used to fight them off for her when we were younger. Not that they exist.”

“You don’t believe in ghosts?” she teased.

“Do you?” His eyebrows arched as he waited for her answer.

Laughing, she shook her head. “Aliens? Now there I’m a little gray.” She shrugged and had him chuckling.

He turned to check Stormy’s water bucket, then gave the mare a quick scratch between the ears before heading for the barn doors. “Alright, I’ve got to get back to work. Lunch rush’ll be starting soon.”

Faye followed him out to the sunlight. “Thanks again.”

He gave her a crooked smile as he backed toward his truck. “Anytime. And I meant what I said—if anything feels off or you get spooked, you let me know. I’ll be by again tomorrow before work.”

“Thanks,” she said. She watched him go, his truck kicking up dust behind his tires as he disappeared down the long drive.

Faye lingered outside for a bit longer, the sun warm on her skin.

She wandered back into the barn and stood quietly between the two stalls, listening to the soft shuffles of the horses.

Blaze snorted as she reached over to rub between his eyes. Stormy gave a lazy flick of her tail, calm and content.

She moved outside and sat on a swing her brother had built and set up under a large tree, letting the quiet settle around her as her mind drifted to the upstairs closet.

To that narrow seam in the wall.

To the cold rush of air and the screaming in her head.