Broken(48)

If only…



Chapter Nine

When Cade entered the barn to tend to the horses, he was surprised to see Jocelyn’s friend, Kyla, standing in front of Wildfire’s stall. She looked like she was trying to decide whether or not to get any closer.

What was she doing here? He hadn’t seen much of her except at the dinner and at the bar last night. Cade wasn’t sure what to make of her. Since Jocelyn left, the perverse need to follow her career had him reading every news article he’d come across about her and that included some of the people she associated with. What he’d read about Kyla Page hadn’t exactly been favorable, yet she didn’t seem like the demanding diva he thought she’d be. By her mere association with Jocelyn, however, he knew he’d need to be wary.

“She won’t bite.”

Kyla jumped with a yelp. “Jesus Christ. You scared me.”

“My apologies. If you want to stick around to look at the horses, feel free to do so. I just needed to check on Wildfire. I fitted her with a new shoe the other day and I want to make sure she’s faring well.”

“She’s a beautiful horse. They all are.”

“Thank you. Do you know anything about horses?”

Kyla shook her head. “No. Actually this is the first time I’ve been close to one without a handler.”

“On a modeling shoot?”

She raised a brow. “You know who I am?”

Cade lifted his head to look at her. “I didn’t realize your profession was a secret. I would think a person of your fame would get recognized quite a bit.”

Kyla shrugged. “Depends on where I am and whether I want to be noticed.”

“Well, your secret is safe with me if you’re worried. But it won’t be long before others figure out Jocelyn’s friend Kyla is actually the Kyla Page.” Cade snorted. “I can’t imagine where you wouldn’t be famous. You’re lucky no one recognized you at the bar.”

She grimaced. “Well, I didn’t exactly encourage anyone to approach me. I got out of there before someone could.”

“I see. Tired of your adoring fans?”

“I get the distinct impression you don’t like me very much and now I wonder if it’s because you might have read or seen something on television about me.”

“What would give you that impression?” He didn’t bother hiding the sarcasm.

Kyla’s nostrils flared. “Call it a hunch. Maybe I should go.”

“Don’t run off on my account.” Whatever his issue was with Jocelyn it wasn’t fair of him to take it out on her friend. No matter what he’d read about the famous Kyla Page he didn’t know how much stuff written on her was true. She at least deserved the benefit of the doubt. “Look, I’m sorry. I guess I’ve been a little testy lately. And I was serious. I won’t tell anyone about you if you don’t want me to.”

“Thank you.” She eyed the horse. “Can I pet her?”

“Sure go ahead, just be gentle. She likes the attention.”

“Thanks.” Tentatively, she reached across the gate and patted the mare on the nose.

Wildfire whinnied with pleasure.

“I think she likes me.” Kyla grinned.

“There aren’t many people she doesn’t. So what brings you out to the stables today? I can’t imagine it’s just to make small talk.” Cade opened Wildfire’s gate and stepped in. Slowly, he knelt down before her and gently grasped her ankle.