West of Forever (Heartstone Ranch #1)(45)

Unless you change your mind…





Or I do, but so far, I haven’t wavered—much.

I’ve run through all the consequences, but each time, I end up knowing I’ll regret not going more than if I do.

That is…unless someone finds out.









Chapter 17





Tristan




The chicken coop renovations are almost done, and I got a request to come see it.

The last thing I expect to find is Lark standing there with Sadie.

Just the sight of her has my entire body thrumming with anticipation.

“Dad, come look!” Sadie calls to me, and I walk past Lark, brushing my arm against hers.

I hear the quick intake of air through her pouty lips.

“What are you doing here?” I ask her, looking around to make sure my sisters and father aren’t anywhere to be seen.

“Sadie saw me riding, said it was safe, so I’m here.”

Great, this is going to be a hundred times harder now.

Pun intended.

As Sadie shows us around, my finger grazes the exposed skin on Lark’s back when she’s bending over.

Lark plays the game back with me, moving around me, touching me subtly, resting her hand on my shoulder as she leans in close so I can smell her perfume.

Every fucking second is driving me insane.

I was hoping for another day without seeing her, but it seems I’m not lucky enough for that. Forty-eight fucking hours left of this torture.

After another five minutes, we’re done touring the coop.

“It outshines mine in every way,” Lark says to Sadie, who beams. “You’re going to have to help me renovate mine.”

“I’d love to!”

“I think you could start a business, Sadie’s Hen Houses.” Lark grins.

“Don’t give her any ideas,” I say.

“Oh, it’s happening. Thanks, Lark!” Then, before I can do anything, Sadie runs off, leaving us here.

We both watch each other as heartbeats pass like blips on the screen.

One.

Two.

Fifteen.

We should say something, or maybe it’s best we don’t.

“I should go,” Lark says, backing away.

I check and see that Sadie is halfway back toward the barn area a good one hundred yards away. “You probably should.” I step to her while she backs up farther. “But…”

“But what?”

I grin when the backs of her legs hit the coop, trapping her in place. I raise my arm, leaning against it and pressing close. “I don’t think you really want to go.”

She moves her hand to my chest, lifting up on her toes. “Well, you see, here’s the thing.” Her lips are less than an inch away. I could kiss her so damn easily. “I might not want to, but you can’t touch me for another two days.” Her breasts rise and fall, so close, just grazing my chest. “So, we’ll see each other then—or maybe we won’t.” Lark drops back down, twisting away. “Bye, Tristan. Sleep well.”

Then she leaves, and I know I’m not going to sleep a fucking wink.









Chapter 18





Lark




Fuck this shit. Twenty-four hours of absolute hell is what today is. I might die of desire. Put that on my tombstone: She died from not getting any.









Chapter 19





Tristan




Getting through the day has been torment. All day I kept waiting for a text or something to tell me whether she was going to meet me at the ridge, but nothing came through.

Somehow I managed to choke down dinner, get Sadie settled, and tell my family I was going out for a ride and not to wait up.

No one batted an eye. Which made me feel guilty, because if they knew what I was going to do, there’s no way they would be so accommodating about it.

I saddle my horse, tie a blanket on the back (I’m not a complete savage), put a bottle of wine in the saddlebag (that was fun sneaking out of the house), and I have some snacks as well.

I have no idea whether she’ll be there, but we made this bed, and I’m hoping to all that’s holy we’re going to sleep in it.

Or not sleep.

The ride out to the ridge takes about twenty minutes in the daylight. At night it’s a little more difficult, as I have to navigate through a few spots that are rocky, and the horse can easily lose its footing.

Carefully, I get out there about fifteen minutes before we’re due to meet.

When I get to the clearing, I grin.

Lark is there.

Her horse is tied to one of the stakes, and her hair blows in the wind as she stares out at the ridge.

It’s dark, the only light coming from the almost-full moon. Stars speckle the sky, blinking like fireflies.

I dismount and tie my horse to another stake. Then I grab the blanket, lay it out, and put the wine and snacks off to the side. Still, Lark stares out at the darkness.

Not wanting to scare her and push this encounter in a very horrific direction, I clear my throat.

She turns, her long hair fanning around her as she sees me.