His Stallion Was Hers, But the Plains Had Other Choices Chapter 03
When I got home, Mom rushed over. “Tessa, did you really just tell me you’re not riding Storm this year? Or am I dreaming?”
“It’s true.”
I nodded. My eyes stung a little.
Every year before Valentine’s Day, Mom couldn’t sleep. Worried sick.
This time, she’d finally rest.
“Thank God. I knew Dylan Miller wasn’t the one. My daughter deserves better.”
Mom slapped her thigh, grinning. Then pulled a photo from her pocket.
“His name’s Caleb Hartwell.”
“Last year when I had that crash—he carried me on his back and hailed a cab to the hospital.”
“He took some time off to handle his dad’s estate. That’s why he’s just now getting back into dating.”
“Since you’re done with Dylan, go see him.”
I froze. “Dylan didn’t take you to the hospital?”
Mom waved a hand. “By the time he showed up, it would’ve been too late.”
“You were still recovering, so I didn’t tell you.”
No wonder Mom never liked Dylan and me.
Not just because I couldn’t break Storm.
But because she’d seen, in small ways, how little he cared.
I took the photo. “Okay. Him.”
Even if nothing came of it, I could at least say thank you.
Of all the malls in town, I had to run into Chloe.
“Great,” she muttered, rolling her eyes. “Tessa, don’t you have a life? You can’t even walk without following Dylan?”
“Not even half a day and you’re stuck to him like a bad sticker.”
I didn’t hold back. “Some people chase after taken guys every single day. Makes you wonder who the real stage-five clinger is.”
Chloe’s face went red. “Who are you calling shameless?”
“You’re just jealous Dylan likes me. You can’t stand seeing us together!”
I laughed. “If he liked you that much, why hasn’t he ever asked you to be his girlfriend? You’ve been following him around for years with nothing to show for it.”
“No wonder people call you the town homewrecker.”
“What the hell are you saying?”
I turned. Dylan was right behind me, furious.
“I’ve told you a hundred times. Chloe and I are just friends.”
He pulled a yellow sundress from a shopping bag and threw it at me.
“Chloe felt bad you were upset, so she bought you a gift. And this is how you thank her?”
“Tessa, I’m really disappointed.”
He forgot.
I hate yellow. And I can’t fit a size 2.
Chloe’s smug face. Dylan’s angry one.
All of it felt painfully familiar.
Chloe tripped me once. Dylan said I must’ve just not seen the floor.
Chloe put peanut butter in my oatmeal. I went into anaphylactic shock. Dylan said she didn’t know I was allergic—just trying to be nice.
No matter what Chloe did, no matter what she said, he always had an excuse ready.
I smiled. Actually felt peaceful.
“If she’s that great, then marry her.”
“Storm likes her anyway. So I guess the universe will bless your wedding.”
“Dylan… we’re done.”
