Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 86808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86808 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 434(@200wpm)___ 347(@250wpm)___ 289(@300wpm)
Is he flirting? I can’t tell but my voice comes out a little husky as I reply, “It’s common knowledge that you are the most sought-after bachelor in Shelby County. And no one has been able to land you yet.”
Except Diane Turner, I think ruefully. I’ve heard the rumors around the barn that they are sleeping together but I’m not sure if it’s true. It really isn’t any of my business, but it still makes me feel awkward and a bit helpless. I like Ethan. Maybe deep in my heart I had hoped he might feel something for me based on the good time we had at dinner the other night. But just knowing that a beautiful woman like Diane might be warming his bed shoots a hole through my confidence.
I’m about to make an excuse to leave when he says, “I’ve got to go back to the show barn to check on the horses. Would you like to walk there with me?”
The horse shows usually last three to four days, and today is only the second. Even though the competition is right here at the fairgrounds in Shelby County, the Blackburns and all show barns transport their horses to stay on the fairground property so the animals aren’t stressed out every day riding back and forth in a trailer. There are several barns set up for these events and Blackburn has a large one that holds several horses, which are cared for by the farm staff. It doesn’t surprise me that Ethan feels the responsibility to check on them himself.
“Sure,” I say, my neck twisting to look around the pavilion for Michelle. I want to let her know where I’m going but I can’t see her in the throng of people. No matter, I’ll be back soon.
I spot Sylvie and Carmen running around with some of the kids from other barns and it makes me smile. I have no clue whether Sylvie will end up being a rider like her dad, aunt, uncles and grandparents, but she sure is making some personal connections here this weekend.
I follow Ethan through the crowd, watching as he shakes hands with acquaintances but only spares a few moments for chitchat here and there. I’m also well aware of the way women look at him, eating him up with their eyes, staring after him hopelessly. I even catch a glimpse of Diane Turner practically licking her lips as her gaze narrows in on Ethan which makes me think there may be some truth to those rumors. On the other hand, the woman stays away and Ethan never looks at her once, so maybe they really are just tall tales.
I follow Ethan out of the pavilion and we walk through the darkness toward the show barns. “Sylvie and Carmen seem to be having a blast tonight.”
“That was the best idea I’ve ever had,” Ethan replies with a grin.
“Humble man,” I deadpan, and he laughs. “Carmen is the same. I think she’s totally enamored of Sylvie.”
“Well, hopefully Carmen can talk her into getting on a horse. I’m itching to start teaching her how to ride.”
That touches me because Ethan’s merely expressing his desire to be a father.
“It’ll happen. All the experiences that you want will come.”
He turns away and although I can’t see his expression in the darkness, I hear his yearning. “You really think so? Because although things have been good the last few days, it doesn’t mean there’s not a shitstorm brewing.”
“Did something happen?” I ask. I don’t like the concern in his tone.
He sighs as we continue walking. “Just some more family drama. I found out that Sylvie’s mom named me as a co-trustee to the winery she owned and I have to run it with Gabe Mardraggon, Sylvie’s uncle.”
“Sylvie talks about him,” I say.
That stops him in his tracks. “What does she say?”
This is not a good situation to be in. While I really like Ethan and enjoy the time talking to him, I won’t betray confidences. “All I can tell you is she’s fond of him. And while I have come to learn that your families don’t like each other, if you’ve got any bit of leeway inside yourself to be magnanimous to one of them, I would suggest you give it to Gabe. That would probably go a long way with Sylvie.”
“Fuck,” Ethan mutters as he rubs at his jaw. “Can’t stand the bastard. Never liked him. But admittedly, he’s the one I can tell has a soft spot for her.”
He starts walking again and I follow at his side. He doesn’t say anything else about Gabe and I let it rest because I know in my heart of hearts that Ethan will do whatever is in Sylvie’s best interests. I trust him on that.
We reach the Blackburns’ temporary barn headquarters and I follow him down the length of the stalls as horses lift their heads to the bars in curiosity. Ethan stops at one stall with a placard written neatly in black ink that says WC CH Get Crackin’ and underneath that, Squid, which I assume is his call name.