Page 106 of Time To Learn

I nod and take a sip, careful not to overindulge.

“I do. But not just any kind of school. I want to offer riding classes to people—both children and adults—who are dealing with some kind of trauma, whether that be physically or mentally.”

He pushes his plate to the side and leans forward in his seat, resting his arms on the table. I mirror his stance when he crooks a finger atme.

“Doesn’t that take a lot of time and money?” he asks. “Not to mention training.”

“Mmm, it does. But I think I can do it. I have a degree in psychology,” I admit.

He blinks.

“Wow.”

“Yeah. Now I just need to get Mum on board withit.”

He purses his lips atme.

“And the right horses for it, I’d think.”

I nod and place my chin on myhand.

“That, too. Finding the balance between what we do now—rehabilitating horses—and setting up the school is the most challenging part, though. I’m still trying to sort out all the details, but I do hope that I’ll make it work within the next five years.”

“What made you come up with thisidea?”

I squint my eyes athim.

“Are you sure you want to know all this?” I ask suspiciously.

The slow smile he gives me makes my belly flutter.

“I want to know everything about you, Laura.”

The way his voice dips a notch lower makes my skin break out in tingles.

“Well, okay, I’ll tell you all about it on our next date, then.”

His smile falls.

“Are you kicking meout?”

I grin athim.

“Not atall.”

“Sooo…?” He tilts his head at me. “Now what do you want to talk about?”

I bring up my other hand and stare at him while I think about the right way to word my thoughts.

“You’re very good with Ailith,” I start quietly. His eyes shoot up to his hairline. I’ve surprisedhim.

“Thanks, I guess?” he laughs nervously.

“I was wondering if you’ve had any experience with children her age before?”

A shadow passes over his eyes as he sighs deeply and looks away from me. I wait, watching a myriad of emotions run across his face, but I can’t back down. I want to know all there is to know about him, too, especially because of my daughter.

Heck, who am I kidding? It’s as much for my sake as it is forhers.