Rebound (Boomerang #2)(44)

Everything, I think as I follow her inside. Everything she does when she’s playful this way is perfect.

Inside, there are four stalls on either side of a central dirt corridor dusted with strands of hay. Leather gear hangs from hooks along the walls, and the smell of horse and hay is potent. I glance at Ali, who’s pulling on some boots by the door that are way too big for her.

“That’s Persephone,” she says, smiling. “She’s my girl.” A horse peeks out of the first stall on the right. She’s a stunning animal, big blue eyes, a powerful neck, and a golden coat that shines in the light.

“She’s . . . extraordinary,” I say, stepping closer.

I don’t think I’ve ever looked at a horse the way I am now, through Ali’s eyes. Knowing what she told me on Halloween night about how much she trusts them. Knowing how much they mean to her.

Persephone looks from me to Ali, ears flipping back and forth. She’s curious, but she looks intelligent and somehow regal.

“Thank you,” Ali says, patting her neck. “I think so too.”

She takes me to another stall, where a horse is hidden in shadows at the far end. “That’s Suede. We’re just at the beginning of a long road, but I know it’ll be worth it. I just picked him up a week ago.”

“I know,” I say.

Ali looks at me. “You do?”

“I’ve heard you on the phone. In our office.”

“Oh,” she says. “Sorry. I try not to take personal calls—”

“It’s okay. Don’t apologize. I like hearing you talk about horses. It’s sexy. All that talk about teaching softness by being soft,” I repeat her own words back to her. “Knowing just how much hard is required.”

Ali smiles. “Soft just means responsive.”

“Still hot.”

“In horse talk, a hot horse is one that has plenty of energy to burn.”

I open my hands. “I rest my case.”

She laughs and clomps over in her sexy dress and huge boots to a wood locker in the corner, rummaging inside. “Here, Suede,” she says, coming back to my side with two carrots.

Slowly, the horse moves forward, and I see an animal that’s in much worse shape than Persephone. Suede’s eyes are glazed, he’s less muscular, and his coat doesn’t have the same luster.

“He’s a little nervous,” Ali says, “but give him a second. Here. Give him your bare hand first so he can smell you. Then you can feed him.”

Ali hands me the carrots, then makes a kissing sound. “Come here, gorgeous boy.”

I step closer to her. “How’s this?”

Ali rolls her eyes at me then turns back to the stall. “It’s okay, Suede. You can trust him.”

Finally, Suede comes close enough. He doesn’t peek his head out of the stall like Persephone, though, so I reach carefully inside.

“Hey, there,” I say, holding my hand out. Suede’s horse lips flutter around on my palm for a few seconds. “No pressure, buddy, but it’s really important we get along. I need to stay on your owner’s good side.” Suede smells the carrot, his head bobbing toward it, so I give it to him. “There you go. Good for the eyesight, carrots. But don’t eat too many or you’ll turn orange.”

I feel Ali smiling beside me and find that I’m smiling too.

“He likes you.”

“Well, he’s my favorite horse. I think he senses that.” My eyes go to her bare shoulder. She has goose bumps.

Before I can think about it, I reach out and run my hand along her arm. Her skin is smooth, softer than anything I’ve ever felt.

Alison goes perfectly still. I keep going, drawing my hand over her shoulder and burying my fingers into her hair. “Are you cold?”

Her lips part as she inhales. “No, I’m . . . I’m fine.” She shakes her head a little, then she lets out her breath, long and slow. Her blue eyes stare into mine, open and gentle. I’m so here with her. I want anything she’ll give me, but it’s more than that. I’m going to lose my mind if I can’t have her.

“Tell me you want this,” I say.

She’s been drinking. I can’t forget that. She’s sobered up since the restaurant some, but there’s no denying it.

Her hand brushes along my chest and stills on my neck. “I want this.”

That’s all I need. I crush my lips to hers, and it’s fast—and hot. I can’t take it slow. Our tongues are darting, doing an urgent dance as I pick her up and lift her against the wall. She wraps her arms around my neck and I yank her dress up to get her legs around me. Her heavy boots clunk to the ground, one, then the other. Then her ankles lock behind me, and she pulls me in tight. I let out a groan at the feeling, her pressed to me, open for me.

Alison feels me and moans low, kissing my jaw and my neck. I shift, freeing up one hand, and try to draw the sleeve of her dress down, but it won’t budge.

“Ali. I want to see you.” I don’t have to explain. Both of my hands are occupied, holding her up.

She straightens and tugs at a zipper along her ribs. Her blue dress loosens and slips to her waist.





Chapter 25



Alison


I can’t think of anything else but Adam.