Contents
Chapter 13
Overview
West hears Skylar scream and races to the bunkhouse, only to discover Rosie’s secret mouse, Scotty. He offers Skylar a mouse-free room, but she stubbornly refuses. Their banter and Cherry’s crude outburst expose mutual attraction. Skylar later comes to the barn for night checks, signaling growing trust and softening boundaries.
Summary
West calls his friend Ford to secretly get Skylar’s email, intending a surprise, then hears Skylar scream from the bunkhouse. Panicked about having thrown her phone in the lake and leaving her without help, he sprints over, fearing real danger.
Inside, West finds Skylar perched on the counter, shaken. After a tense back-and-forth, he spots the culprit: a mouse. Skylar admits it’s Rosie’s pet, Scotty, and makes West promise not to set traps. Their banter turns flirtatious when West references their kiss, which Skylar denies.
Concerned for her safety, West offers Skylar his spare room with a queen bed and no mice. She refuses, asserting new independence and pushing back against being told what to do. West eases off, inviting her to meet him during night checks at the barn, mentioning his kids aren’t home this week.
As West leaves, Cherry blurts “Fuck Coach Thick Thighs,” revealing Skylar has been talking about him. Amused, West departs smiling. Later, when Skylar walks into the barn for night checks, West’s bigger smile marks a mutual thaw and deepening connection.
Who Appears
- WestTrainer and single dad; rushes to Skylar’s screams, discovers Scotty, offers her a room, and invites night checks.
- SkylarSongwriter staying in the bunkhouse; startled by Scotty, refuses West’s spare room, later joins him for night checks.
- ScottyRosie’s secret pet mouse in the bunkhouse; startles Skylar and sparks West’s protective response.
- CherrySkylar’s foul-mouthed bird; blurts a crude line that exposes Skylar’s interest in West.
- FordWest’s friend; on a call as West seeks Skylar’s email for a surprise.