chapter 1

I woke up to my alarm signalling that it was 6:30 am. I quickly shut it off before I broke the damn thing. I wiped my eyes and stretched. I slowly got up and threw my legs over the side of the bed and just sat there thinking. I ran my hands through my messy hair, and stood up, slowly making my way to my walk in closet.

I went to take a shower, brushing my hair and teeth. It's been a while since I went for a ride. I've always had a way with horses. I've always been called a "horse whisperer". After my parents died when I was 16, I took on horses to help destract me. It was hard at first. Owning two horses, school, job. I was forced to grow up fast.

Normally DCFS would have taken me but with how mature I was and how well I took care of myself, they let me go but they periodically checked on me at least once a week or once every other week to make sure I was doing ok.

I was snapped out of my thoughts when I heard one of the girls neigh, getting impatient because I was 5 minutes late for their feeding. Very bossy mares, but I wouldn't change them for the world. They saved me when nobody else could.

I went to the barn and grabbed my paint, Jazz, putting her in her stall, then going to get the chestnut, Ariel, doing the same. When I was content after brushing and getting their feed ready, I sat on a bucket between the two listening to them eat. It always brought peace to my mind.

After they finished, I grabbed Jazz to tack her up to go for a ride. After I was done tacking her up I grabbed Ariel because she always tags along. I love bringing her because I never have to worry about her running off. We went on our way going to the woods to the normal everyday trails.

Jazz was getting antsy and Ariel was trying to play signalling they want to be let loose, "ya'll ready for your run?" I asked with a giggle. Both seemed to nod giving me an answer and both nickered, "then let's go!" I yelled letting Jazz go to her full speed. I couldn't help the smile spreading on my face.

After about 10 minutes, I finally pulled Jazz up yelling "woah" and both immediately slowed down until they finally stopped. Ariel was really feeling herself as she started jumping in the air, rearing, and bucking. I couldn't help but laugh, admiring my girls, "let's get home girls."

We trotted back home, and I untacked Jazz and turned them both out into their paddock. They took off running after giving me one last look. I smiled watching them play. I went inside checking the time, 8am, I sighed walking to my room changing into my work clothes and headed to work.

The drive to work was quiet. I don't listen to music in the car. It's my quiet place where I can think. I heard a faint nicker, causing me to snap out of it and look around. No sign of a horse anywhere. I shook my head thinking I was just losing it.

I finally get to the café, where I work, and turn the car off and head inside. "Hey Willow!" My boss Tiffany yells. I smile brightly, "Hey Tiff! How's the day been? I ask trying to make small talk. "Oh, y'know the usual. Slow for the most part. But busier than usual. It's pretty steady honestly but no time to sit and think." She laughs, but it wasn't a real laugh. "what's wrong?" I ask concern laced my voice.

"We haven't been this busy in a very long time. I guess the last time, per history reports, it was this busy, was almost 100 years ago." She said with her brows curved in. "well let's take advantage of it because it will be good for business." I state matter of factly. She just shrugged and moved out of my way so I could check in.

"I'll be in the back making muffins and beagles if you need me. " She smiled to me and turned on her heal and walked away. I took on my surroundings and started planning my day. Wow she was right, it was much busier than usual. Almost the whole café was full. I sighed and rubbed my hands down my face.

I heard another nicker, and looked around again. Shaking my head, "wow I'm really losing it now. " I said to myself. I was refreshing the coffee when I heard the bell over the door chime signalling someone walked in. I tried moving but my body wouldn't let me. I was frozen. I heard someone clear their throat trying to get my attention.

It seemed to snap me out of my trance, so I walked to the counter, looking at my feet until I reached the computer typing in my numbers, "hello" I said with a bright smile still looking at my computer.

Then the most beautiful sound came to my ears, "mornin". Was all he said. I slowly looked up at the man taking in his appearance. He wore a white T-shirt that hugged his muscles, with red basketball shorts that hung low on his waist. I eventually looked up to his face and took in his sharp jawline, short brown curly hair, then looked in his eyes.

His eyes widened just a tad but enough I caught it, he grabbed my arm and growled, "mine!" It was loud enough to shake the windows in the café.

I yanked my arm away from him, feeling sparks, and quickly backed up into the counter behind me. "Stay away from me.." I shot back to him a little too loud, but at the same time I couldn't help the pull I felt towards him, and part of me felt bad.