Page 28 of Wandering in Love

“Your horse is in the barn out back.”

My horse?

Oh, no. Please tell me I didn’t ride Bandit down here drunk.

Embarrassment flames my face. I should never be allowed to own a horse. I’m obviously not responsible enough.

A truck rumbles into the parking lot, and a door opens.

“Your chariot, Cinderella,” Will says offering me a hand.

“Bandit is in the barn,” I mumble as I take his hand.

“I know. Get in the truck. Johnny is gonna ride him back.”

I nod and get in, sinking into the warm seat and leaning my head back against the headrest. What the hell was I thinking? What possessed me to come down here, drunk, on a horse? At least I didn’t try to drive.

The meds are starting to kick in, finally lessening the pressure inside my skull.

Will climbs in behind the wheel and pulls out of the parking lot. “Have fun last night?”

“I honestly don’t remember it.”

He chuckles.

“Why didn’t you stop me? I probably made an ass out of myself.”

“You went to pee and never came back. I was starting to panic when Ian let me know he had you and my horse.”

I don’t have to look at him to know there’s a smirk on his face. Bastard.

He pulls into Momma’s driveway, and I open the door.

“Ya know, I think you went to Ian while you were drunk because you know that’s where you belong. Everyone in this town has always known it. It seems like you’re the only one who hasn’t figured it out.”

“It’s not that I don’t love him. I do. With the marrow of my bones, I love him, but there are things you don’t know. He deserves better.”

Will shakes his head, his eyes never leaving me. “That’s where you’re wrong. There is no one better for him than you.”

Chapter Twelve

IAN

The front door of my apartment closing wakes me.

She’s left.

Again.

Probably called my damn brother to come get her.

“I’m sorry about the baby. It’s all my fault.”

Her words from last night have played on repeat since she said them. The words had barely made it past her lips when she passed out cold. I tried to wake her, but it was no use. I had hoped her hangover would be too bad for her to escape this morning, but I guess she wanted away from me more than I thought.

She’s going to give me a damn complex. What is it that keeps chasing her off? She comes to me, then runs. I don’t get it.

What baby? Was she pregnant before she left? Did she give it up for adoption?