LOGINChapter 2The ride to Betty’s apartment felt like a blur of streetlights and tears. By the time the taxi dropped me off, my eyes were swollen and my throat raw from crying. I stood outside her door for a long moment, suitcase in hand, trying to gather the strength to knock.Finally, I raised my fist and tapped weakly.“Hold on! I’m coming!” Betty’s cheerful voice called from inside. A few seconds later, the door swung open.The smile on her face instantly melted into shock. “Oh my goodness, Sophia! What happened?!”I tried to speak, but the words caught in my throat. Fresh tears spilled down my cheeks instead. I just stood there, shaking, unable to form a single coherent sentence.Betty didn’t wait for an explanation. She pulled me into a tight hug, then gently took the suitcase from my trembling hands. “Come on, let’s get you inside.”She led me into the living room, rolling the luggage toward the guest bedroom. I followed like a ghost, my mind still replaying the scene at Richard’s
Chapter 1The afternoon sun filtered through the half drawn blinds of our apartment as I pushed the door open, my heels clicking against the wooden floor. I had left work early thankfully, my boss was in a generous mood after the successful client pitch and all I wanted was to surprise Richard with his favorite takeout and maybe steal a lazy afternoon together.But the moment I stepped inside, something felt off.Richard was sitting on the couch, remote in hand, staring at the TV. The movie playing was one we’d watched a dozen times before, but he looked like he’d seen a ghost. His eyes widened when he saw me, and for a split second, pure panic flashed across his face.“Baby? You’re home early,” he said, forcing a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.I set the bags down on the kitchen counter and walked over, tilting my head. “Yeah, I wanted to surprise you. Are you okay? You look… tense.”“I’m fine. Don’t I look fine?” His voice was a little too quick, a little too sharp. He patted the
Chapter 4 Surrender The weekend came at the perfect time. After the gallery and that alley kiss, things felt too big for the city. Jordan suggested the cabin his friend’s place upstate, quiet woods, no signal. I said yes before I could overthink it. We drove up Friday afternoon. I gripped the wheel while Jordan played music and talked nonstop. “Admit it, suit. You’ve never done a weekend like this,” Jordan said, feet up on the dash. “No emails. No suits. Just trees, food, and me. Scared yet?” I glanced over, smiling despite the nerves. “A little. What if I snore? Or you get bored without your paints?” Jordan laughed. “I brought sketchbooks. And you? You don’t snore. I bet you sleep like a lawyer perfectly controlled. We’ll fix that.” The cabin was small and cozy, wood everywhere, a big stone fireplace. We unpacked, then hiked a short trail as the sun set. Back at the cabin, we cooked pasta together, bumping hips in the tiny kitchen. “Stir slower,” Jordan teased, standing behi
Chapter 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 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 3: Settling In and Sparks IgniteThe days started blurring together in the best kind of way. By the third morning, my muscles ached from yesterday’s ride, but I refused to complain. After breakfast eggs, bacon, and strong black coffee that Colt made like it was his personal mission to wake
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







