LOGINChapter 3 The BreakThe next evening came faster than I expected. Jordan had texted me during the day: “Gallery opening for a group show. My stuff’s in it. Come by? 8pm. Don’t wear the boring tie.”I showed up in a button down and dark jeans, heart thumping like I was walking into court. The gallery was packed, bright lights, people in artsy clothes holding wine glasses, laughter everywhere. I spotted Jordan right away near a big canvas. He looked incredible in a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up, showing off his tattoos.“Alex! You came,” Jordan said, lighting up when he saw me. He pulled me into a quick hug that lingered a second too long. “No tie. Progress. What do you think of the show?”“It’s loud,” I said, looking around. “Your piece over there? The one with the city lights breaking apart? It’s powerful. Like the mural you’re doing for me.”Jordan grinned, handing me a glass of red wine. “Glad you like it. That one’s about breaking free. Kind of like what I keep telling yo
Chapter 2 Late NightsThe next evening, I kept my word. I left the office a little early, picked up Thai food, and headed back to the loft. My mind kept replaying Jordan’s wink and that “It’s a date” line. He was just messing with me. Had to be.I opened the door and found him already deep into the work. The scaffold was up, music played low from his phone some indie rock with a heavy beat. Jordan had his shirt off again, back muscles flexing as he reached high with the brush. Paint streaks marked his arms.“Hey, you actually showed up with dinner,” Jordan called out without turning around. “Smells amazing. I’m starving. Rough day crushing souls in court?”I set the bags on the kitchen counter and loosened my tie. “Something like that. Client wanted changes at the last minute. What about you? How’s the mural coming?”Jordan climbed down, wiping sweat from his forehead. He grabbed two plates like he already knew where everything was. “It’s getting there. Come see. I added more red tod
Chapter 1 The Commission I stood in my empty loft, staring at the big blank wall. The place felt too clean, too quiet after the breakup. Work kept me busy, but coming home to nothing sucked. That’s why I called the artist. Jordan arrived right on time. He knocked once and walked in like he owned the space. Tall, with messy dark hair and tattoos running down his arms. Paint stains on his jeans. He looked nothing like the buttoned-up guys at my firm. “Hey, you must be Alex,” he said with a easy grin. “Nice place. That wall is perfect for something big.” “Yeah, that’s the one,” I replied, shaking his hand. His grip was firm and warm. “I saw your work online. The colors… they’re alive. I need something like that here. Something that doesn’t feel so corporate.” Jordan laughed. “Corporate? This loft screams money, man. But I get it. You want it to feel like you. Tell me more. What are you thinking? Abstract? Nature? Something personal?” I rubbed the back of my neck. “I don’t know. Ma
Chapter 4 The next morning, sunlight slipped through the half drawn blinds and painted soft golden stripes across the room. I woke up slowly, my body still heavy with the kind of restless sleep that comes after a night of overthinking. I stretched under the thin sheet, then glanced across the room. Olivia’s bed was empty and neatly made. She hadn’t come home last night. Part of me wondered where she’d gone, but another part felt relieved. Her cold stares and quiet hostility made the room feel smaller whenever she was around.My eyes drifted to Kate’s bed. She was still lying there, facing the wall, her curly hair splayed across the pillow like a dark halo. My heart did a little flip at the sight of her. Yesterday’s kiss impulsive, electric, and way too short had been playing on repeat in my head all night. I couldn’t stop thinking about the way her lips felt, the little sound she made when I pulled away.I sat up, heart hammering. “Morning, Kate,” I said softly, offering her a small
Chapter 3I dragged myself back to the dorm after my afternoon lecture, feet aching and my brain completely fried. The professor had gone on and on about introductory psychology, and I’d barely slept the night before too excited and nervous to rest properly. I’d stayed up late reading the orientation packet and some of the first week materials. All I wanted now was a quick nap before my roommates got back.The room was blissfully quiet when I stepped inside. I kicked off my shoes and barely managed to peel off my jeans and blouse, leaving me in just my bra and panties. The moment my head hit the pillow, I was out cold, sinking into a deep, dreamless sleep.Some time later, I stirred awake, eyelids fluttering open just a little. The room was bathed in the soft, warm light of the late afternoon sun. That’s when I saw her.Kate.She had just come in and was quietly undressing by her bed, clearly thinking I was still asleep. She pulled her top over her head, revealing smooth, glowing skin
Chapter 2The next three days passed in a whirlwind of nervous energy and last minute packing. I barely slept the night before, my mind buzzing with a thousand questions about what campus life would actually be like. But when I finally opened my eyes that morning, sunlight was pouring through the window like a golden promise. I stretched under the covers and smiled so wide my cheeks hurt.Today’s the day. I’m finally leaving for school.“ Mia! Come down and eat your breakfast before it gets cold!” Mom’s voice floated up the stairs, warm and familiar.I jumped out of bed, heart racing with excitement. “Coming, Mom!”Downstairs, the kitchen smelled like home fresh coffee, scrambled eggs, and toast. I gave her a quick hug from behind before sliding into my usual chair. We ate together, talking about small things: how I should call her as soon as I settled in, reminders about locking my doors at night, and not forgetting to eat properly. Her voice was steady, but I could see the quiet sad
Chapter 2: First Riding LessonThe morning sun was already blazing by the time Colt led me out to the corral after breakfast. My jeans felt too tight, my boots borrowed and stiff, and my heart hammered like I was about to step onto a stage instead of a dusty paddock.Daisy stood waiting, a sweet c
Chapter 5: The First TouchThe next few nights blurred into a haze of secret anticipation. Every evening after dinner, Colt would catch my eye across the table with that knowing look and murmur, “Night ride tonight, little filly. Wear something easy to move in.” My body had started craving it befo
Chapter 4: Private Night RidesThe house had gone quiet after dinner, but sleep felt impossible. My body still hummed from the day’s chores and another riding lesson where Colt’s hands had lingered just a second too long on my hips. I was standing by my window again, staring at the moonlit pasture
Chapter 1: Arrival at Graves RanchThe old pickup truck rattled to a stop in front of the sprawling wooden house, kicking up a cloud of red dust that clung to my skin like regret. I stepped out with my beat up suitcase in one hand, the Texas heat slamming into me like a living thing. Nineteen year







