I slowly make my way down his back and over his hip. Thoughts of Hadleigh take over, and it’s like my mind summons her because moments later, she walks in.

“You’re here late,” she says once she’s close.

“You too,” I say, focusing on Sailor.

“Yeah, I watched a movie with Kane.”

“Why are you here then?”

“What do you mean?”

I meet her eyes. “If you were watchin’ a movie with Kane, why are you out of his bed already?”

She winces before straightening her stance. “I tired him out, and he fell asleep, so I decided to go for a drive.”

I grunt, and she smirks.

Little fucking liar.

“You act like a dick, I’m gonna respond like one,” she retorts.

“I’m not a dick,” I mutter, rounding behind Sailor.

“So what are you doin’ here? This isn’t part of your chores, and it’s late.” She steps closer, grabbing another brush and working his mane. We’re standing next to each other, and I fight the urge to pull her close.

“Just clearing my head,” I admit.

“Oh…” Her arm freezes, then she turns and looks up at me. “I didn’t mean to interrupt. Do you want me to leave?”

I shoot her a look. “As if you ever listen to a thing I say anyway.”

She chuckles, and the sweet sound makes me smile.

We stand in silence for a minute, and I clear my throat as I continue brushing Sailor. “I wanna be more involved with the horses, but Kaitlyn’s the golden child who gets to train instead of doing bitch work, so I get stuck with it.”

“Have you told that to your dad?” she asks. “Or your mom?”

“No. They never take me seriously, so why would they start now?” I shrug.

“What’s the harm in telling them? I’m sure they could use more trainers.”

“That’s not exactly what I wanna do…”

She glances at me, then grins. “Okay, so tell me.”

“You heard of stud horses, right?”

“Yes, of course,” she confirms.

“I want to be a stud master,” I say with a smirk, and she lifts a brow. “I’d like to have a fleet of stallions to rent out to owners trying to breed their mares. Of course I’d need to have a selection with pedigrees for people to choose from, and contracts would be involved, but I know it could be successful. I wouldn’t need a ton of extra room, just a corral and a boarding barn. The breeding fees could bring in extra money for the ranch. Plus, it would be mine to manage and focus on.”

“Knox, I love that idea!” She beams. “Why haven’t you said anything? Your family would fully support you.”