AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Adler let out a big sigh as he got ready for his lesson with Desiree. He had a hard time believing she’d spent that much money to have a lesson with him. What did she want? That wasn’t hard to figure out, and how he’d flirted with her the night of the auction didn’t help. He was being childish, trying to make Leila jealous. Who was he?
Now it’d been two additional weeks since he’d seen Leila. He’d spent the time working, avoiding Desiree, and deleting texts he started to Leila. She’d looked sincere when she apologized at the fundraiser, and there was no doubt she was upset seeing him with Desiree.
Every time he saw her, his heart ached. He pictured her sitting at the table holding Skylar. Before she turned toward him, her face was glowing, and she was beautiful. He was drawn to her, just like the first time he danced with her at the wedding.
Then after the auction, the sadness which radiated from her ripped his heart out. She apologized, and he wanted to accept itand wrap his arms around her, but instead he was immature and hurt her just like she’d hurt him.
Someone would have to give in, or he’d be miserable forever.
Oh, well. Gotta get going. He slipped his feet into his boots, grabbed his sunglasses off the kitchen counter, and filled a small cooler with waters. He refused to drink beer. He didn’t want his inhibitions to be diminished, allowing him to make a stupid decision. He rode his motorcycle the short ride to the stables where Desiree was meeting him for the riding lessons she didn’t need.
Sure, she may not have been a professional, but she’d been here with him, and they’d been on the trails. He really hoped she didn’t think this was how they would get back together. Right now, he didn’t want just sex. His heart hurt, and he wanted Leila.
Finally, a car pulled up and Desiree got out. She wore jeans and a tight shirt which showed off her belly button ring. There once was a time he’d thought that was so sexy. Now it did nothing except make him think that outfit was not something you should wear to go riding.
“Hey, sexy,” Desiree purred as she sauntered toward him, her hips swaying and her auburn hair up in a high ponytail.
He gave her a small smile and hugged her without the enthusiasm of her squeeze.
She pulled away and cocked her head to the side and looked up at him with her green eyes. “You good?”
“Yeah. You ready for a lesson? Let’s get it started. What do you want to learn? You already ride pretty well.”
She shook her head, her auburn ponytail flopping side to side. “Honestly, I don’t want a lesson. I just wanted time with you.”
That’s what he was afraid of.
She placed her hands on his arms and looked up at him seductively. There once was a time that look would have gottenhim worked up and he’d have no problem taking advantage of her, but not this time.
“Des. Don’t.” He backed away, putting much needed space between them.
She dropped her arm and chuckled. “I can’t believe it.” She stood there shaking her head.
He quirked his brow. “What?”
“You have serious feelings for her, don’t you?”
He froze and slid his gaze over her. Desiree was hot, and any guy would want her, but she didn’t have that sweet innocent beauty about her. She didn’t make his insides heat up with her smile and with her touch. Leila did. His shoulders met his ears. He couldn’t deny it.
“I know you like each other. Hell, it’s obvious. Everyone can see it. What I don’t understand is why didn’t you accept her apology at the auction?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. I’ve been wondering the same thing.” His vision started getting blurry. He turned away and blinked quickly.
Desiree’s voice was soft and gentle. “You love her.”
Adler’s heart stopped. “Excuse me?”
“Leila, dumbass. You love her, and don’t deny it. It’s written all over your face. I know we stopped seeing each other because you had feelings for her, but I didn’t really think they would last.” She chuckled again. “I guess I was wrong.” She shook her head as a smile broke across her face.
He couldn’t be sure he loved Leila. He had never loved anyone before but his family. Love wasn’t a word he used ever. But these weren’t feelings he’d ever had either. “I don’t know if I love her, but I do miss her. Not that it matters.”
“What do you mean?”
“She doesn’t think I’m good enough. She can’t forget my past.” He walked away as anger rose from his chest.
“Did she tell you that?”
“Yes. The night we stopped seeing each other.” He slumped against the fencing.
