The morning sun was gentle as it filtered through the stable's roof, casting a golden glow on Mercury's sleek neck.
His coat gleamed as i guided him slowly around the small paddock, my long fingers brushing over his mane.
The smell of hay mixed with warm animal breath, it was a scent I'd never tire of, especially on quiet mornings like this.
I'd been practicing simple walks and transitions, focusing on steady posture and consistent rein contact.
I'd barely cleared my mind of other worries when i noticed someone approaching from behind.
"Hey there," came a familiar voice, low and soft.
My heart skipped.
I kept my posture, didn't quiet, just nodded and continued guiding Mercury in a large circle.
"Good morning," Lorenzo said again, waving.
His eyes caught the sun's rays, making them softer than usual.
I felt a smile spread across my face even though my work didn't stop.
I waved back before continuing.
When i finished the circle, I leaned forward, patted Mercury's neck, and said, "Good morning."
Then i guided Mercury back to the grooming area, keeping my eyes on Lorenzo who watched, leaning against the side of the barn.
Five more laps, then i dismounted.
My thighs stung, but i felt strong.
I wiped sweat from my forehead with the back of my glove, the morning quiet except for horses and birds.
I stepped down and walked over to Lorenzo, who'd taken off his cap, running fingers through his hair, smiling.
I paused beside him, heart racing in that familiar way, like first grade all over again.
I stepped forward and pressed my lips to his, quick and soft, but full of more meaning than i could voice yet.
"Hey," he whispered.
I pulled away, forehead resting against his. "What are you doing here?"
He shifted, wrapping an arm around me. "Thought i'd surprise you."
"I'm not mad," I said, feeling a flush on my cheeks. "Just… I could've been halfway through saddle work."
He grinned, nodding. "Worth it."
He stayed that morning, took a step back and watched as i bathed Jupiter next.
He fetched water, helped me sponge Jersey's flank, scooping warm suds in gloved hand, brushing gentle circles.
Jupiter groaned and leaned into me.
Lorenzo laughed, wide, unexpected.
It felt like sunshine.
I let him help brush off suds, pulling out taming spray and a towel, working together in easy silence.
He rinsed hooves, wiped damp mane, his fingers tracing along an arch of muscle.
For once, no labels needed.
Just two hearts beating softer now.
-
Later, we went back to my house to change—since the ranch was next to our place, my parents were traveling again, meetings abroad.
I slipped into my room, opened my dresser drawers and spotted clothes Sebi had left when he came to visit.
I grabbed a soft, grey sweatshirt and short. I took them to Lorenzo, handed him the clothes.
"Here," I said. "It's yours while you're here."
He looked at them, then at me, smile soft. "Thanks."
We headed to the bathroom, fought over shower water heat, he preferred scorching, I liked warm.
In the bathtub—which i hadn't used since moving home, steam curled, soft candles at the sink.
We sat together, knees brushing, lips grazing water droplets as he washed my back.
Hands felt electric, skin soft under his fingertips.
He leaned close, whispered, "Missed you."
I closed the gap, pressed my lips to his.
We tumbled into quiet passion, warm water around us, letting emotions pour without filters.
My head rested on his shoulder while the water stilled.
My fingers traced the ridge of his collarbone, and i whispered something i hadn't allowed myself to before.
"I love you."
I felt him tense, but only for a second.
He turned to face me fully, lifting my chin with wet fingers. "I know," he said, voice low. "Me too."
I blinked, unsure if i heard it right.
His thumb brushed under my eye. "I do, Atasha. I didn't want to ruin this by saying it too soon, but i love you"
My chest swelled with something too tender to describe.
The world faded away in that steam-filled bathroom.
It didn't matter that we weren't official.
We knew.
That was enough.
"I don't care about labels," I whispered.
"Me neither," he said, pressing his forehead to mine. "You're mine. That's all i care about."
-
Later that night, I curled up in bed, hair damp, skin still smelling like vanilla bath salts.
Lorenzo wore the grey sweatshirt, sleeves pulled over his hands, watching me with half a grin.
The night was quiet.
Only the hum of the aircon filled the space.
He was lying beside me now, our arms tangled beneath the covers, my head tucked under his chin.
His heart was steady.
Solid.
Like an anchor.
"You really love me?" I asked again, more to make it real. Just kidding! I just want to hear it over and over again.
He nodded. "I don't say things i don't mean."
I pressed a kiss against his chest, felt his arms tighten around me.
"I love you too," I whispered. "Even if this ends, I just wanted you to know."
"Then don't let it end," he murmured. "Stay. Like this."
We didn't need fireworks.
Just this room, this bed, this quiet.
And each other.
Sleep came slowly.
But when it did, I fell asleep feeling safe.
-
The morning sun slipped through the sheer curtains.
I rolled over, expecting warmth beside me.
But it was empty.
The sheets were cold.
I sat up, eyes adjusting.
My heart dropped—until i saw my phone on the nightstand.
A message blinked on the lock screen.
Lorenzo
"Sorry, emergency meeting at home. Forgot to tell you. Texting when i'm free."
I stared at it for a few seconds.
It didn't sting.
Not like it would have months ago.
I trusted him.
He didn't vanish.
He explained.
He texted.
It was enough.
I laid back on the pillows, pulling the duvet higher, still feeling his warmth in the fabric.
-
Hours later, I sat cross-legged on my bed, hair up in a messy bun, flipping through Facebook.
And then i saw it.