Chapter 189
Summer’s POV
Brandon’s eyes traveled up my body, lingering just long enough to make heat rise to my cheeks.
“It looks good,” he said, his voice dropping low. “Really good.”
I fidgeted with the jacket again. “Are you
“Trust me,” he murmured. “You look perfect. Head out first I’ll be right behind you.”
“Okay,” I nodded, stepping into the bright riding gear.
“Edward, Dr. Sean,” I greeted with a small wave.
where I spotted ward and Sean already waiting, both impeccably dressed in
Sean immediately clutched his chest in mock offense. “Mrs. Stark, I’m wounded! You call him ‘Edward but I’m still Dr. Sean? After all we’ve been through?”
I laughed. “Fine, Sean it is.”
“That’s better!” he grinned, leaning in conspiratorially. “Though I couldn’t help but notice you checking us out. If Brandon saw that, he’d be absolutely green with jealousy.”
“If Brandon saw what?” came a cool voice from behind me.
Brandon came to stand beside me. His hand found mine automatically.
“Don’t mind him,” Brandon said, squeezing my hand. “Let’s go pick out a horse for you.”
As we walked toward the stables, I couldn’t help but admire Brandon in his riding gear. The pants hugged his muscular thighs, and his rolled–up sleeves revealed strong forearms.
“Brandon,” I said softly, “you’re seriously the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen.”
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He glanced down, surprise flickering across his features before a small smile curved his lips. “Is that so?” he asked, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.
Behind us, Sean’s voice carried forward. “This is totally unfair. Brandon just abandoned us to go play happy couple with his wife. What exactly are we even doing here?”
“Weren’t you the one who insisted on tagging along?” Edward replied dryly. “You brought this on yourself.
Brandon led me to a beautiful chestnut mare with kind eyes. “This is Cinnamon,” he said. “She’s gentle, perfect for beginners.”
The next hour flew by as Brandon patiently taught me the basics. His hands stayed supportively on my waist or alongside mine on the reins, and I found myself relaxing into the rhythm of Cinnamon’s gentle gait.
“Brandon, she’s so well–behaved!” I exclaimed as we completed a slow circuit.
“She is,” he agreed. “Do you want to try on your own? I’ll be right here.”
I nodded eagerly. “Let’s do it!”
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Chapter 189.
As he released his hold, I felt momentary flutter of panic, followed by exhilaration as I realized I was actually riding by myself.
Suddenly, two riders thundered past on magnificent horses, racing neck and neck. I instantly recognized Sean and Edward, their forms perfect as they leaned low over their mounts.
“Oh my god, I breathed. “Brandon, Edward and Sean are racing. Who do you think will win?*
When Brandon didn’t immediately answer, I glanced over. “Brandon?
Edward, he replied simply.
“You sound so certain. Is Edward really that good? How does he compare to you?”
Brandon’s eyes held a hint of amusement. “Are you asking if I should race them?”
“Could you?” I couldn’t hide my excitement.
“I could,” he nodded. “But we should check with them first.”
“Let’s go!” I guided Cinnamon toward the fence.
Brandon studied my face. “You seem more excited about this than I am.”
“Of course I am! I want to see my husband show off his skills!”
“And if I lose?” he asked, eyebrow raised.
I shrugged, grinning. “Then you lose! It’s not the end of the world.”
Just as we reached the fence, Brandon’s phone rang. His expression changed as he looked at the screen.
“I need to take this,” he said, stepping away.
When he returned, his face had grown serious. “That was the Stark estate. I need to head back immediately.”
“Is everything okay?” I asked, concern immediately replacing my excitement.
Edward dismounted in one fluid motion. “No race today then?”
“Not today,” Brandon confirmed. “Something’s come up at the family estate.”
He turned to me apologetically. “I’m sorry, but I can’t stay. You’ll have to head back without me.”
–
“Don’t worry about it,” I assured him. “Your family matters are important. You can take me riding anytime.”
Edward stepped forward. “If you don’t mind, Mrs. Stark, Sean and I could take you to dinner and then drive you home?”
Brandon nodded. “That would be good. I’d feel better knowing you’re with them.”
“Brandon, I’m a grown woman,” I said, touching his arm. “I’d be fine on my own, but company is nice. Go handle your business. Don’t worry about me.”
After Brandon left, I found myself in Sean’s car, with Edward following behind.
“Thank you both for the escort,” I said, breaking the silence.
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Chapter 189
“No need to thank us,” Edward replied through Sean’s Bluetooth.
Sean glanced at me curiously. So, Mrs. Stark, aren’t you the least bit curious?”
1 frowned slightly. “About what?*
“About why Brandon was suddenly called back to the Stark family estate. He hasn’t taken you there yet, has he?”
“No, he hasn’t,” I admitted.
“And doesn’t that make you wonder why?”
I straightened in my seat. “Actually, I’m the one who asked to keep our relationship private for now. It was my decision, not Brandon’s.”
Sean nearly swerved in surprise. “Wait, what? You’re the one who doesn’t want to go public?”
“Is that so shocking?” I challenged. “You know about my family situation. I don’t think it would be good for anyone to know about us right now. The last thing I want is for my family to try using me to get to him. I don’t want to bring Brandon any unnecessary trouble.”
Sean fell silent, his expression thoughtful. As we drove toward the restaurant, I found myself wondering what exactly was happening at the Stark estate–and why Brandon had been summoned there so urgently.
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