Page 11 of Caspian (HC Heroes #14)

“I t’s like déjà vu at the McCall’s corral,” the gorgeous man said, a teasing smile on his lips.

Harper laughed, feeling a flush rise in her cheeks. “Maybe a little,” she admitted, trying to keep her tone light. “You and your horse make quite the pair.”

Cas swung down from the saddle with an effortless finesse that made Harper’s pulse hiccup. “Orion’s a great horse,” he said, patting the paint’s neck. “He’s my dad’s horse, and he likes to show off a little, especially when there’s a beautiful woman as an audience.”

Smiling, she reached out to carefully stroke Orion’s nose. “Well, you both looked great out there. Sorry for interrupting your ride.”

Amusement twinkled in his eyes. “I don’t mind an interruption when it’s from you.”

His words were sweet, and she was in trouble. Time for a subject change. She turned slightly and pointed at the pink box on the porch swing. “I brought a peace offering for running off yesterday. I’m really sorry about that.”

Caspian’s expression softened. “Thanks, Harper, but you don’t owe me an apology. I get it…sometimes things get a little overwhelming. But I do appreciate the donuts. Especially if they’re from Champion Bakery.”

Harper laughed, relieved that he wasn’t upset. “Only the best for a peace offering. And there’s more than just donuts. There are cinnamon rolls, too.”

“In that case, I need to put Orion in the paddock and stow the saddle, then I’ll be back to consume my gifts.”

The gorgeous guy mounted his horse then winked before riding Orion to the paddock.

Her heart pounded out a crazy beat as she watched Cas remove the saddle, muscles flexing as he lifted it effortlessly onto his shoulder.

Momentarily distracted by the incredibly sexy sight, she appreciated the way he moved with the same natural confidence, whether on horseback or on foot.

After he disappeared into the small barn, Harper made her way to his porch, sitting down to wait for his return.

The last thing she needed was to remain there, staring at him like a love-sick puppy, awaiting his return.

She was neither of those things, although watching the handsome guy was definitely a treat.

Warmth seeped into her chest and brought with it a lightness that hadn’t been there before. When Cas joined her on the porch swing that lightness increased.

It felt right, and she didn’t even try to dissect the reason. Instead, she enjoyed the moment and his presence, along with the box of donuts and cinnamon rolls open between them.

“Ah, these look delicious.” He winked.

The morning sun was warm, and so was Harper.

Again, she ignored the reason and reached for a cinnamon roll, savoring the sweet scent of cinnamon and sugar that filled the air. Cas grabbed a donut, his easy smile making her feel like maybe, just maybe, they were starting to find their rhythm together.

“So, besides eating our weight in pastries, what’s on your agenda for the day?” Harper asked, taking a bite of her roll.

He chuckled, brushing a stray crumb from his shirt. “I thought I’d help with that barn wood feature wall. I’ve already cleared the space, so it’s ready whenever you are. After that, maybe we can sketch out some ideas for that table you mentioned.”

She didn’t technically need his help and had thought perhaps he’d had ranch work to do, but the thought of working side-by-side with the guy sent a multitude of pleasant thoughts and sensations through her body. “Oh, I thought you probably had stuff to do around here.”

“Already done.” He winked. “I was up at the crack of dawn, and after my beach run with Cooper, Dean, and RJ, I came back and tackled all my chores like a good boy.”

She laughed. The guy was incorrigible.

The smart thing to do would tell him it wasn’t necessary. Cas was way too potent for her self-control.

“Sounds perfect,” she said instead because she was an idiot.

“Great.” He grinned. “What’s the first step?”

Get my head examined.

She shrugged. “Well, I brought my drum sander, so we can start prepping the wood. We need to get it smooth enough to bring out the natural grain. Plus, it’ll give us a good idea of which pieces will look best on the wall.”

“Roger that,” he said. “And hey, no rush. I’m happy to take the day as it comes. I’m just glad you’re here to help, especially since you seem to have way more of a vision for this than I do.”

Appreciation warmed her chest, and she smiled. “Thanks, and you’re the one with the wood and the space. I’m just here to put it all together. Besides,” she added, giving into the urge to tease him, “I’ve heard you’re pretty good with your hands, too.”

Cas raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. “Oh, you remembered that, did you? I guess you’ll just have to see if I live up to my hype.”

They both laughed, the easy banter setting a comfortable tone for the day ahead.

Harper felt the last remnants of yesterday’s worries slipping away, replaced by the excitement of a new project and the company of someone who made her feel at ease.

As they finished their goodies, she couldn’t help but look forward to whatever the rest of the day would bring, grateful for this unexpected connection and the sense of purpose it brought with it.

“Ready to get to work?” she asked, rising to her feet.

“Absolutely,” he replied.

For the next several hours they worked side by side, taking turns with the sander, laughing as they competed to see who could smooth a piece of wood the fastest. It was easy, comfortable, and Harper found herself enjoying the rhythm of their work.

Cas’ easygoing nature and playful banter made the time fly by, and before long, the sun had shifted high in the sky.

Not only had they managed to sand all the pieces of wood needed for his wall, but also the remainder of the pieces that she could use for his father’s house next week, as well as some for his table.

Harper glanced at her watch, surprised at how much time had passed. “Wow, it’s already late afternoon. I guess time flies when you’re having fun.”

Cas looked over at her, his smile warm. “Or when you’re working with good company.”

Heat rushed up into her cheeks, but she didn’t shy away from his gaze. “Yeah, this was nice. Thanks for the excellent help.”

He shook his head. “Thank you. You did most of the work.” He set down the sander and wiped his brow. “How about we wash up, and I grill us some dinner? I’ve got steaks and veggies, if you’re up for it.”

It was weird how she didn’t even hesitate. “Sure, that sounds great.”

She should probably be worried about that, but she wasn’t.

They spent the next hour prepping dinner and grilling on Cas’ back porch, the scent of sizzling steaks filling the air.

Harper relaxed in one of the porch chairs, savoring the feeling of contentment that had settled over her.

The guy moved around the grill with an ease that matched everything else he did, and soon they were enjoying a delicious meal together.

Afterward, they migrated to the front porch swing. The warmth of the evening air combined with Cas’s quiet presence made it easy to let her guard down.

“I’m sure you must be wondering what I mean when I keep saying that learning about my great-grandmother’s past might help me with my own,” she said quietly as they rocked gently back and forth.

The squeaking of the chains was one of the most relaxing sounds she’d ever heard.

“I figured you’d tell me when you were ready,” he said in a calm, quiet tone.

She nodded without looking at him. “Now is a good time,” she said, then began to tell him about the school shooting she’d survived in Geometry class her senior year when she was seventeen, about the chaos and fear, and about Alex—her boyfriend—who had shielded her with his own body and paid the ultimate price.

She chanced a glance or two at Cas, truly grateful that he listened intently, his expression solemn but never pitying.

He reached over, taking her hand in his, offering a solid, comforting presence that steadied her as she fought to keep her composure.

“I went back for graduation,” she told him, staring at their entwined fingers, noting how small and smooth hers appeared against his long, thick, calloused ones.

“I walked the stage for Alex, for my friends who were also killed,” Harper said, her voice thick with emotion.

“It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but I knew I had to do it. For them. For myself.”

By the time she finished, tears were streaming down her face, but she felt a strange sense of pride that she’d kept it together long enough to tell him everything.

Her body was shaking, though, so when Cas tugged her into his arms, she finally let herself go, sobbing harder than she had in years.

He held her close, his arms strong and reassuring, murmuring soft words of comfort as he caressed her hair and back.

“It’s okay,” Cas whispered, his voice gentle. “You’re safe. You’re strong. You’re not alone.”

Harper clung to him, letting his strength seep into her, grounding her as the storm of emotions finally began to subside.

She felt lighter, freer, as if a weight she’d been carrying for far too long had finally been lifted.

When she pulled back, she managed a smile, feeling more at peace than she had in a long time.

“Thank you, Cas,” she said, her voice still shaky but filled with sincerity. “I didn’t realize how much I needed that.”

He lifted a finger to gently brush a tear from her cheek, his expression tender. “You don’t have to thank me, Harper. I’m just glad you felt like you could share that with me.”

So was she.

Grabbing his hand, she squeezed as gratitude and sense of connection filled her chest. She knew she’d always be stuck on this long road of healing, but for the first time, Harper felt like she wasn’t walking it alone. And that, more than anything, gave her the hope she’d been searching for.