“How long were y’all in here?” Colt asked.
Lauren smiled and sat down. “Long enough.”
I rolled my eyes. I’m so tired of games.
I glanced over to Lex, who was standing at the edge of the stairs. She gave me a look and then headed back down. I quickly followed.
She stopped at Banjo’s stall and smiled at me. “You feel like a nighttime ride? It’s still pretty warm out.”
I grinned and nodded my head. “Sure. You want me to saddle up two horses?”
She shook her head. “Nah, I’ve been riding Banjo bareback. Do you mind riding him with me?”
My heart slammed against my chest at the thought of being so close to her. “That sounds good to me,” I said as my voice cracked.
Lex attached the reins to Banjo’s bridle and led him out of the barn. She looked over her shoulder at me. “Can you help me up?”
I knew damn well she could get up on him by herself, but I played along. The moment my hands touched her body, I felt it. It was the same sensation that always ran through my body whenever I touched her.
She adjusted herself and winked at me. I grabbed her hand and jumped up behind her. Banjo was a big paint horse—sixteen hands and built like a machine. I’d never seen a horse love a person as much as Banjo loved Lex.
She rode out of the barn and down the trail leading to the river. We rode along in silence. I took in every single detail of her—her smell, what she was wearing, how her hair was pulled up, the way she rode her horse in perfect form. I loved everything about her, and I always would.
Lex brought Banjo to a stop and stared out over the river. “I love it here so much.”
I followed her gaze. “Yeah, so do I.”
I slid off the side of Banjo and helped Lex down. Having her in my arms was bringing out so many emotions.
“I’d ask if you wanted to sit down on a log, but—”
She hit the side of my arm and smiled. “Colt or Luke?”
I laughed. “Both filled me in. I’m so sorry, baby, um…Lex.”
She closed her eyes, and when she opened them, her tears about dropped me to my knees.
“I’ve never been confused about my love for you, Will—not once. I won’t stand here and make excuses because I know my actions hurt you, but you have to believe me when I say nothing, absolutely nothing, happened between Blake and me. Would I change things if I could go back? Yes…and no.”
I tilted my head and looked at her.
“I learned something through all of this. I need to start thinking for myself. I need to stop listening to my father’s voice in my head and start listening to my own voice. And us being apart helped me find that voice within. The last few weeks have been hell, but the time apart has opened my eyes as well.”
I swallowed hard. She’s moving on without me.
“I’m glad you found yourself, Lex. I’m really happy for you.” I turned and started walking toward the river. My heart felt like it had just been ripped from my chest and stomped on.
“Do you know what it’s been like?” she asked from behind me.
I let out a sigh. “What has what been like?”
“My life without you.”
I shook my head and closed my eyes.
“It’s been empty, completely empty.”