Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 82798 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82798 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 414(@200wpm)___ 331(@250wpm)___ 276(@300wpm)
When I stepped into the kitchen, Kye and Levi were the only ones there, sitting at the table.
Levi lifted his gaze to look at me. “Get you some breakfast.”
I walked over, taking a plate. I noticed the small glass bowls with yogurt, granola, fruit, and what looked like honey drizzled on top. That was more my speed. I picked it up and headed for the table. When I paused, unsure of where I was supposed to sit since the table was normally full and I took whatever available seat there was, Levi pulled out the chair beside him. Taking that as my answer, I walked over and sat down.
I could feel Kye’s eyes on me, and I chanced a peek at him. He gave me a crooked smile.
“Sundress is cute, but I miss those pajamas,” he drawled.
My face felt hot.
“What are you talking about?” Levi sounded angry.
Kye raised his eyebrows at him. “I saw her leaving your room this morning.”
“It’s not what you’re thinking,” Levi bit out.
“Then, you’re a fucking idiot.”
“Enough.” It was one word, but it sounded like an order.
Kye didn’t seem concerned as he took the last piece of bacon off his plate and stuck it in his mouth like a cigarette before standing up. “See you at the shop,” he told Levi, then left the kitchen.
“Put something over those pajamas of yours when you leave the room,” he said, not looking at me.
“Okay.”
We continued to eat in silence. It was starting to feel like I had done something wrong.
Finally, he turned to look at me. “Do you like horses?”
That was an odd question.
“I’ve never actually seen a horse up close, but, yes, I think they’re beautiful. I used to ask Santa for a pony every year for Christmas. Of course, I never got one, and I really started to dislike the man, especially the year Cindy Golf got one for Christmas. It was a relief when I found out Santa wasn’t real. That explained a lot.” I stopped rambling and put another bite of yogurt in my mouth.
“Change out of that sundress and into a pair of jeans. You’re going with me to the stables.”
My eyes widened. “There are stables? With horses? Here?”
He grinned and shook his head. “No, but I’ve got to go handle some things today at Hughes Farm. You’ll get to see as many horses as you want. We don’t have any ponies, but we do have a three-month-old colt. He’s a beauty.”
“You work there too?” I asked, still unsure of what he actually did.
He leaned back in his chair and took a drink of his coffee. “More or less,” he replied.
I was curious as to what more or less meant exactly, but I was also excited about seeing horses. “I’m finished,” I told him. “I’ll go change.”
He nodded, and I felt his eyes follow me from the room. The butterflies were in full force.
Sixteen
Levi
Having grown up in this life, I’d forgotten how it appeared to others. Seeing the complete amazement on Aspen’s face when we pulled into the stables made me wish I’d brought her sooner. I had barely stopped the car when she was ready to jump out and see everything.
Garrett wanted me here when the mare that Khan would breed arrived. King, the newest colt on the farm, was Khan’s. He was no longer racing, but his prizewinning bloodline was sought after.
“You like it?” I asked her, already knowing she did.
She beamed at me. “This is incredible. I didn’t know places like this existed in Florida. But then again, my traveling has been pretty slim.” She blushed, as if admitting that embarrassed her.
“Where all have you been?” I asked, finding myself curious.
“Uh, well, Alabama and Florida.”
That was it?
“Really?”
It seemed hard to believe. Even for someone who had grown up so sheltered. Hadn’t she gone on any trips with her gran?
“Yep,” she replied. “But on my bucket list is New York City.”
“You might want to add some other places. New York isn’t as great as television leads you to believe.”
She frowned at me. “I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that. New York City is magical.”
I laughed. “No, sweetheart, it’s not. It’s full of crime, and it stinks.”
“Stop it right there,” she said, holding her hand up. “I refuse to hear more.”
Damn, she was cute.
“Okay, fine. I want to hear a list of things you think are magical in New York.”
She bit her bottom lip, glancing at me nervously. “Broadway. I mean, could you imagine seeing Phantom of the Opera on Broadway?”
“Uh, no. Don’t think I’ve ever been tempted. What else is on this list?”
She rolled her eyes. “Times Square, Central Park, Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Statue of Liberty, The Russian Tea Room, looking in windows on Fifth Avenue, eating from a food truck with a long line on the street.” She stopped.