Page 86 of Stay With Me

Magnolia

That’s okay. About to leave.

Tripp

Wanna go for a horseback ride? One of Landen’s stallions got loose and he’s picking up hay a few hours away so I was about to go look for him.

I pause when I read his words. It’s only in the fifties today, and I’m not dressed for something like that. Not to mention, I haven’t been on a horse since Noah convinced me to try riding years ago. But I want to spend time with him even if it’s doing something that terrifies me.

Magnolia

Sure, but I’ll probably kill myself.

Tripp

We’ll ride together, baby ;) We have a special saddle for two.

Magnolia

Okay, where do you want me to meet you?

Tripp

I’ll pick you up. I’m a minute away.

For the first time since Travis invaded my trailer, I smile wide in excitement. I don’t want him to think anything’s wrong, so I try to shake off the jitters my asshole ex left me in.

As soon as I lock up the trailer, I hear Tripp’s truck pull up.

He swoops me up in his arms, and I melt against him as I inhale his bodywash scent mixed with sweat and leather. I bury my face into his chest and my breathing steadies.

“You okay, Sunny?” he asks when I don’t release my grip on him.

“Yeah, just missed you. And a little scared of what I agreed to.”

He chuckles, brushing strands of my hair behind my ear. Then he tilts my chin and crashes his mouth down on mine. Warmth invades me as he consumes my body and thoughts, and the fear of losing him increases.

“Don’t worry. I won’t let anything happen to you. I’m bringing an extra rope so I can bring Rocky back, and he likes females, so he won’t hurt ya.” He winks at his cheeky comment.

Of course a stallion would like girls.

“Prepare for me to hang on for dear life.”

He takes my hand and leads us to the passenger side of his truck.

“Oh no, you clingin’ onto me. What a hardship.”

I playfully roll my eyes as he helps me up into my seat. Then he leans over and buckles me in.

“I’ll give you my jacket so you stay warm. If he’s where I think he is, it shouldn’t take too long to bring him back.”

With every sweet gesture, the guilt chips away at my heart for not telling him the truth about what happened the night of Landen’s birthday party.

I know I need to, and I will.

Just not right now when I’m falling so damn hard for him.

It’s selfish of me to wait, but I finally have everything I ever wanted, and I don’t want to lose it.