Seeing Harper

Harper has floated through life with few-to-no problems. It’s always been assumed she’ll take over her family’s tree farm, so her future was never a question — to anyone but herself. While she understands the family business must continue, it’s not her desire to be at the helm. She’d rather spend her life with the noble creatures she fell in love with as a child. Horses. That’s where her gifts lie. She’s practically a horse whisperer, and the only time she’s truly happy is when she’s working with them. The equine center near her home is her happy place. The horses fill her life, and she fills theirs. Special bonds were formed years ago with not only the horses, but the family who owns the equine center. Unfortunately, it’s an issue of contention in her family. Her father is resentful of the time she spends there, considering her ungrateful because she doesn’t want to step into his shoes when he retires. She doesn’t even bother to speak to him about it anymore. In fact, she doesn’t speak to anybody about her dreams — no one listens. No one really sees her. They never have. Which is why she’s surprised when Clay asks to accompany her to the equine center. She’s even more stunned when he takes the time to ask questions, help her with the horses, and seems to really enjoy himself. Maybe he’s the first to really see her, understand what gives her joy. Which is surprising since she never really gave him much notice before. But now, when she’s tending the horses, she finds herself thinking of Clay. And where is that coming from?

Clay has always been the calm one of his generation. It’s difficult to upset him, and he never waivers from what’s expected of him. He’s attending college only because it was the next logical thing to do. He’s never been happy there, and longs for something that makes him feel alive. He’s only ever had one fascination in his life — Harper. Not that they were ever particularly close, but they’ve grown up together, members of the same Pride. Still, he appreciated her from a distance. Then, home from college long enough to attend a family celebration, he watches as she talks with her friends and does her best at being present while obviously wishing she was somewhere else. He also watches her father react with disdain when she announces she has to leave early for work at the facility she’s volunteered her time to since she was a child. Clay sees the hurt she feels at her parents’ reaction. He sees the frustration she faces daily. And he makes a rash decision to support her when no one else seems to. He asks to tag along. Surprised, Harper allows it. They spend the day working together, taking care of the horses, cleaning the stables, falling into easy conversation and a real bond. He finds that he laughs easily, delights in seeing the joy she can’t possibly hide, and starts to wonder if this could become an everyday thing.

They don’t know it, but fate has just moved them into place on its gameboard. Clay sees her — her heart, her soul, her dreams and her hurts. He’s always seen her. Now it’s time to make that known. But there are problems… family expectations and a father too proud for his own good. Do they even stand a chance at a future?

Warning: This book is intended for mature readers. This book contains sensitive situations, sexual and otherwise, both real and implied that may be disturbing for some readers. If you are offended by these subjects, please do not buy this book.

This book is a work of fiction. All characters, plots, circumstances, and situations are products of the author’s imagination. The author fully acknowledges the copyrights and trademarked status of any actual locations and subject entities mentioned in this otherwise fictional story. All else is human-dreamed, human-imagined, and human-created.