CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Skylar

Her heart raced as she tightened her grip on the reins. The big horse, Aspen, raced along the edge of the field, the hooves thundering under her feet. “Whoa, big guy.”

Riggs came up beside Skylar, riding his saddle like he was born there. She barely heard his chuckling over the thumping of the horse’s feet. He reached across her, grabbed the reins, and pulled back slightly to slow the horse. “You’re fearless, aren’t you?”

“Actually, I’m terrified. He just bolted off, galloping into next week.” She swiped her hair off her face, the strands loose from her ponytail.

He laughed. “That wasn't a gallop. He was barely cantering. Let’s stick with a walk for now.”

“That would be great. I’d rather not be trampled.”

The endless chirping of crickets filled the hot air, the sun beating down on her shoulders. Her thin cotton T-shirt might not be enough to keep the UV rays from burning her skin. With each step, a few grasshoppers jumped out of the way, causing a small ripple in the field, spanning more to jump off into the tall grass.

“Your horse seems pretty calm. Did you give her anti-anxiety meds or something?” she asked.

“Aspen is the calmer one. Trust me, you’re not ready to ride Laurel. If you’re calm, he’s calm. Find your rhythm.” Riggs gave back the reins, but stayed close to keep them at the same pace.

His presence eased her fear, giving her the chance to catch her breath, and enjoy the country scenery. A grove of pecan trees shielded the property from the main road, providing plenty of privacy. The tall grass in the fenced off pasture sprouted dandelions and white flowers every few paces. The sky spread out like a giant powder-blue canvas dotted with wisps of clouds. “This place is beautiful.”

“Not like Chicago, is it?”

“Nope.”

“This is your first time on a horse?”

“One in an open field, not a hot walker at the county fair.”

“What do you think?”

Skylar gazed across the high grass, the white barn sitting at the top of the hill. “Peaceful.”

“Do you miss Chicago?”

The row of pecan trees swayed in the breeze. “I miss the lake. Anywhere I went, I could always feel it in the air. But I certainly don’t miss that cold.”

“I bet. We have plenty of lakes here in Texas. Man-made, but still pretty views.”

She pressed her lips together, keeping her gaze on Aspen’s coppery-colored mane. What she refused to admit was that she really missed looking at the lake without feeling that pain. That fear. The unbearable loss.

The distrust of strangers.

“I can take you boating if you want. When you’re ready.”

She looked sideways at him. “When I’m ready?”

Riggs guided their horses under the shade of the pecan trees, and stopped them. He patted Laurel on the neck.

Skylar copied him by patting Aspen.

“I called your sister. She told me what happened.”

Shivers raced down her back. Goosebumps covered her arms instantly, impossible to hide. She bit the inside of her cheek. “I wish she would just keep her mouth shut.”

The second time my sister betrayed me.

“I’m really sorry, Sky.”

She narrowed her eyes, and kept her stare on the row of trees. Her heart beat harder against her sternum.

Aspen fidgeted under her legs.

She patted him again.

If I’m calm, he’s calm.

“I’m sure that’s the reason Wren called me. She wanted you to feel safe in a new city. There’s no better reason for that than what you’ve suffered.”

“What Phoebe suffered. Not me.”

Riggs shook his head. “Obviously, it affects you, too. Believe me, I know.”

She finally looked at him. “I invite you to tell me about that sometime. But I’m not ready to talk about Phoebe.”

He sat up straighter, his expression so soft, it made her heart ache all over again. “When you are, I’m here.”

She squeezed her legs around Aspen, and had him stroll back across the field. Praying the hot sun would dry up the tears threatening behind her eyes. From the thumping behind her, her lover was just a few paces away, silent.

But there.

Just like every date they’d been on. Always there. Right beside or behind her. Less than an arm’s reach away. Supportive, without overbearing.

Just the way Phoebe was.

Skylar forced a deep breath into her lungs, and reentered the barn.

Riggs dismounted, and helped her out of the saddle.

She gripped onto his shoulders, until her feet were safely back on the ground.

He didn’t let her go.

She wanted to look up into his face, but couldn’t. Not when those tears still threatened.

“Skylar?” His voice was so tender, so caring, it chipped away at the wall around her heart.

“She was jumped from behind, walking to her car after her shift…” She swallowed, the words foreign because she’d refused to talk about it to anyone. If she’d said the words out loud, they’d be permanent. The atrocity her sister had lived through and died from would be real.

Riggs stood very still. Keeping his hands firm on her hips. He was like a sturdy tree, blocking the wind of grief while she etched out the words with the chisel of truth on his chest.

“The police said she was strangled and raped. Then tossed into the lake.”

“By a guy with a black ponytail.”

She finally looked up. Skylar didn’t have to ask. Wren had given him that detail.

Grief covered his forehead, but tenderness engulfed his eyes.

“From the surveillance tape at the hospital. They never found him. But they found her…a few days later.”

His hold moved up from her waist to her elbows. “You were there.”

“When they pulled her out…yes.”

His chest rose and fell with a deep breath. “So, the day I met you in the hospital parking lot…very poor form.”

Skylar nodded.

“But…”

“But what?”

“You still agreed to go out with me.”

She paused. “Yeah…”

“Even after that fear, you still had dinner with me. Why?”

She blinked. “You…”

Why? Why did I say yes?

"You made me laugh.”

The corner of his mouth lifted. “Which started your trust.”

Skylar grabbed his arms, him still holding onto her elbows. “I guess so. Because Wren knew you.”

“That’s all part of life. Laughter, trust, even fear. It’s all part of the same package. As long as we don’t let fear overshadow trust, or snuff out the laughter. That’s all Wren wanted for you. I’m sure Phoebe, too.”

She nodded. Nothing she hadn’t heard before.

Live your life, Sky, Wren had told her countless times. Live it for her. For yourself.

“You trusted me enough to share that heartbreak. Thank you for that.” Riggs’ hands slid to her back, and he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

“It would make me a hypocrite if I didn’t,” she replied.

“How do you mean?”

“You have your own torment. Obviously.” She placed her hand on his shoulder. Over the scar. “I’m here to listen…when you’re ready.”

A muscle flexed along his jaw. Then he lowered his face, pressing his lips to hers. Soft, slow, sweet.

So worthy of her trust.