After returning to Jersey City, Charlotte’s two best friends practically dragged her out every day for shopping, drinks, and late night fun
For the time being, her plan to apply to SAG Law Firm was on hold.
This attemoon, the girls were gathered at a dessert cafe, spooning through their sweets as they chatted
Mis looked half–alive, clearly suffering the consequences of last night’s bar crawl. She hadn’t gotten home until around am
um,” she groaned, slumping over the table. Then her “I swear, if I have to go on one more shopping spree or clubbing night, I’m gonna scream, eyes lit up as a new idea hit her. “The weather’s gorgeous today. How about we go riding at Lena’s family’s stables this attemoon?”
The largest riding club in Jersey City happened to be owned by Lena’s family. Years ago, the three of them had taken horseback riding lessons together.
Charlotte raised an eyebrow, teasing. “You sure you’re sober enough to ride? I don’t want you drink–driving a horse.”
“I’m fine now.”
“Mia said with a mischievous grin. “I puked all over poor tan last night. I think his whole face tumed green.”
Lena chuckled softly, her tone as gentle as always. “He didn’t get mad?”
Mia sighed. “Believe it or not, he’s actually acting like a real brother these days. He cleaned up, showered, and even made me a hangover
fan and Mia were technically step–siblings.
Ian’s mother had passed away when he was very young. When Mia was seven, her parents divorced. Later on, lan’s father remarried and his new wife was Mia’s mother. That was how the blended family came to be
The first time Mia met lan, she was nine. He was fourteen and going through a full–on rebellious phase. He hated his stepmom, and by extension, Mia,
The very first thing he ever said to her was, “Get out of my house,” “Then he yanked her pigtails,
Mia wasn’t one to back down. She bit his wrist so hard he still has a faint scar
Charlotte stirred her dessert, smirking as she looked at Mia. “You were literally sent by the universe to torment him.”
“He had it coming.”
“Mia sniffed. “He used to bully me all the time”
After some girl talk, Mia perked up again. “Anyway, are we going or not? It’s been ages since I rode. I’m itching to get back in the saddle,”
“I’m in,”
“Charlotte said. “I haven’t been riding since I left for Harbor City. I kinda miss racing you guys.
Lena smiled. “Count me in, too.”
Mia gave Charlotte a sly look, pulling out her phone. “I’m calling lan Gonna tell him to bring Sean.
At the stables, Charlotte had changed into her riding gear–a rallored, light–gray fitted jacket, white jodhpurs, and sleek black riding boots that perfectly hugged her curves.
With her hair neatly tied back, she looked powerful and effortlessly chic.
When she walked out, the group waiting for her all paused–visibly stunned.
“Damn, Charlotte,” Ian whistled. “You’ve gotten even hotter these past few years.”
Mia immediately elbowed him in the ribs. “Shut up. Let Sean be the one to compliment her, you clown.”
“Ow–okay, okay! Chill, demon women!” Tan winced dramatically.
Sean’s eyes landed on Charlotte, a small smile tugging at the comers of his lips. “You look incredible today.”
He was dressed in riding gear, too–also in gray. Whether it was coincidence or fate, they looked like they had stepped out of a couple’s Jashion shoot.
His broad shoulders, slim waist, and long legs made the perfectly cut outfit look even better. Just standing there, he was easily the most strik
