After returning to Jersey City, Charlotte’s two <b>best </b>friends practically dragged her out every day for shopping, drinks, andte night fun
For the time being, her n 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 ofst 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, <b>eyes </b>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?”
Thergest riding <b>club </b>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 tanst night. I think his whole face tumed green.”
Lena chuckled <b>softly</b>, her tone as gentle as always. <b>“</b>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
<b>fan </b><b>and </b>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,n’s father remarried and his new wife <b>was </b>Mia’s mother. <b>That </b>was how the blended family came to be
The first time Mia met <bn</b>, 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 <b>scar </b>
Charlotte stirred her dessert, smirking as she looked at Mia. “You were literally sent by the universe to torment him.”
“He <b>had </b><b>it </bing.”
“Mia sniffed. “He used to bully me all the time”
After some girl talk, Mia perked up again. “<b>Anyway</b>, are we going or not? It’s been ages since I rode. I’m itching to get <b>back </b>in the saddle,”
“I’m in,”
“Charlotte said. “I <b>haven’t </b>been riding since I left for Harbor City. I kinda miss racing you guys.
Lena smiled. <b>“</b><b>Count </b>me in, too.”
Mia gave Charlotte a sly look, pulling out her phone. “I’m callingn 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 ck riding boots that perfectly hugged her curves.
With her <b>hair </b>neatly tied back, she looked powerful and effortlessly chic.
When she walked out, the group waiting for her <b>all </b>paused–<b>visibly </b>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 topliment her, you clown.”
“Ow–okay, okay! Chill, demon women!” Tan winced dramatically.
Sean’s eyesnded on Charlotte<b>, </b><b>a </b>small smile tugging at theers of his lips. <b>“</b>You look incredible today.”
He was dressed in riding gear, too–also in gray. Whether it was coincidence or fate, they <b>looked </b>like they had stepped out of a <b>couple’s </b>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