Read A Love Like Ours for Free Online

Mentally reset.
    She’d miss her horse therapy if she only did art. And if she only rode horses, she’d miss her creative outlet. Doing both was her way of straddling the best of both worlds. Not to mention, her income from her books plus her income from riding paid the bills.
    Today she’d taken an optimistic approach and dressed in what she typically wore to exercise horses: leggings, boots, and a knit top under a lightweight jacket. Her helmet and vest waited in her Jeep if needed.
    The sleek and muscular bodies of the horses became clearer as they emerged from the mist, their manes and tails tossing dramatically. Then Lyndie’s view of them obscured again as they journeyed away. The sight, so full of mystery and beauty, caused Lyndie’s imagination to stir.
    She’d already done one book on horses and cowboys and a separate one on a kingdom full of pink and purple ponies. But the fairy-loving girls probably wouldn’t mind the inclusion of a horse—no, a unicorn —in their book. A fairy and a unicorn could set off together on some sort of quest. . . .
    So far, finding her way with her fairy story had been like bumping around in an empty, pitch-black room. But suddenly ideas were shifting through her mind in a kaleidoscope of bright, fresh patterns.
    “Good morning.”
    Lyndie glanced up to see Bo approaching. “Good morning.”
    Kindness radiated from his gray eyes, marked at the outer corners by laugh lines. Bo had a way of making a person feel comfortable in his presence. He was dressed similarly to Jake, but wore no hat. Though both brothers had dark hair, Bo shaved his close to his skull.
    “Has Jake seen you here yet?” he asked.
    “Yes. He didn’t look too happy about it.”
    “Interesting.” Bo took her measure, half-smiling. “I remember how you and Jake were as kids.”
    “So do I.”
    “If we can convince him to hire you, I think you’ll be good for him.”
    “I’d like to be,” she answered honestly.
    “Then let me see what I can do. C’mon.” He led her from the stand to a position along the outside of the rail near where Jake stood. “Hey,” Bo said to Jake.
    “Hey.”
    “I’d like to see Lyndie ride. Is that okay with you?”
    Bo might be the horse farm manager, but Lyndie knew that astrainer, this track fell under Jake’s domain. The employees and these wildly valuable Thoroughbreds were his to command.
    Jake looked across his shoulder and met her gaze, his eyebrows drawn down beneath the brim of his hat.
    She returned his stare levelly, powerfully cognizant of the difference in their heights. He’d probably forgotten that her small stature and pleasant expression hid a backbone of iron. Say yes , she willed him. Give me a chance, Tall, Dark, and Brooding. Say yes .
    He said nothing. His attention returned to the track.
    She peeked at Bo.
    Bo appeared unruffled by Jake’s gruffness. Entertained, even. He beckoned to a hand-walker. “Juan?”
    The man approached.
    “Can you bring out one of the horses?”
    Juan nodded. “Which one, sir?”
    “Jake?” Bo asked.
    Still, Jake hesitated. Still!
    Lyndie caught herself biting her lip.
    “Let’s get her up on one of the horses,” Bo prodded. “It’s the least we can do for Mom’s best friend’s daughter. Right?”
    Jake exhaled roughly, his breath fogging the cold air. “Gold Tide,” he told Juan.
    Lyndie could only assume Gold Tide was the name of a horse. Victory rang through her. “I’ll get my gear.” She took off before Jake could change his mind. All the way to her Jeep and back, she couldn’t quit grinning.
    She’d donned her protective vest and secured the chin strap of her helmet by the time Juan met her at the mouth of the track with Gold Tide. The black filly stood calmly, her nostrils flaring to catch the morning’s scents.
    Jake checked the Thoroughbred’s girth strap, then cupped his hands to offer Lyndie a leg up. With a powerful sense of déjà vu, Lyndie set her foot in his hold and swung into