Contents
Chapter 19
Overview
Driving home after drinks, West and Skylar discuss friends and relationships, exposing West’s loneliness and Skylar’s longing for genuine companionship. During night check, Skylar reveals Erika’s death, prompting West to resolve to check on Tabby. Their mutual attraction spikes in the barn, but Skylar teases and leaves, keeping the tension unresolved.
Summary
On the late-night drive back to the farm, West and a tipsy Skylar banter about Rosie and Ford’s relationship. Skylar wistfully notes how genuine their companionship is, which sharpens West’s awareness of his own loneliness when he doesn’t have his kids. He insists Skylar stay awake after tequila and helps her out of the truck, revealing his protective instinct.
They head to the barn for night check. While West works, Skylar chatters and casually reveals that Tabby’s sister, Erika, died about a month ago. The news jolts West, who reflects on his children and the terror of loss. He resolves to visit Tabby’s family to check on her, despite having few details from Rhys.
West tries to lighten the mood, noticing Skylar’s bare feet on the barn floor. Their talk turns suggestive as they circle the memory of their earlier kiss. Skylar admits that going to bed feels good, and West teases her about wishful thinking, acknowledging their mutual desire without crossing boundaries.
Before leaving, Skylar leans in, whispering that he has been dreaming of kissing her back and brushes his hand with her pinky. The charged moment heightens their chemistry, but she walks out into the night, leaving West alone with a renewed commitment to support Tabby and a simmering, unresolved attraction to Skylar.
Who Appears
- WestPOV trainer and single dad; learns of Erika’s death, vows to check on Tabby, and wrestles with loneliness and desire for Skylar.
- Skylar StoneTipsy, open, and flirty; shares Erika’s death news, tests boundaries with West, and leaves their mutual attraction unresolved.
- TabbyFriend whose sister Erika has died; West plans to check on her and family.
- ErikaTabby’s sister; recently deceased, her death reshapes West’s priorities and concern for Tabby.
- RosieReferenced as playful and competitive; her relationship with Ford prompts Skylar’s reflections on companionship.
- FordReferenced partner to Rosie; symbolizes genuine companionship that Skylar envies.
- RhysMentioned; presence tied to recent events, but secretive about details surrounding Erika and Tabby.