The Last Waltz

Chapter 17

Isaac and Siobhan made light chitchat as they walked to the stables, but Poppy didn't join in because she was lost in thought about the kiss that Isaac had just given her. How could he kiss her like that and not want more? He said he wanted more, but he wouldn't take more.

She might have to take what she wanted in the end, and the thought of making the first move made her smile. What would his reaction be? If she was really determined, would he still fight her on it, or would he lose control and give in to her? The thought of Isaac losing control made her shiver.

But then again, why should she be forcing the issue? She wanted a man who wanted her to the point of losing control without her forcing the issue. Her pride was now at war with her desire. These thoughts raced through her head as they arrived at the stables.

A young man was working there. He had to be about Poppy's age, maybe a bit younger. He was very handsome, with bright green eyes, black curling hair, and some well-groomed scruff. He smiled a charming smile as they arrived, and his eyes lingered on Poppy a little longer than they should have.

"Morgan, this is Poppy Stevens." Siobhan introduced. "Poppy, this is Morgan Brown."

"Poppy," Morgan greeted with a deep accent as his eyes scanned her once more.

"It's Poppy Harrison. Siobhan is not used to my marriage to Isaac yet." Poppy corrected.

"Sure, Poppy Harrison," he winked.

He actually winked at her. Poppy looked up at Isaac to see what his reaction might be, and she was pleased to see a frown on his face.

"I don't believe we have met?" Isaac said, letting his eyes scan the young man in a slightly hostile way.

"You haven't?" Siobhan frowned as she looked at Morgan like it was his fault. "I swore I talked with you about hiring him last month to help with the horses. He's my cousin on my mother's side."

Poppy raised on tiptoe, and Isaac leaned down to hear what she was about to say. Poppy may have pressed against him more than she needed to, but she wanted to make a point to Morgan, who wouldn't stop staring at her.

"She's gaslighting you," Poppy hissed.

Isaac didn't respond to her. "Are the horses ready?"

"Yes, Siobhan let me know to saddle three today. I have yours and Siobhan's ready to go," he nodded toward the door at the other end of the barn, "but I still have to finish saddling Poppy's." Morgan looked at her once more.

"Isaac, let's wait outside, shall we? There's something private I need to discuss with you." Siobhan moved to stand next to him and linked her arm through his free one.

It was like they were playing tug-of-war, and that wasn't Poppy's style, so she quickly released him.

"Come and meet your mount?" Morgan said as Poppy watched Siobhan lead Isaac out of the barn.

Poppy forced her eyes away from the couple and followed Morgan to a stall that held a massive chestnut Thoroughbred. The horse's eyes had a gleam of mischief to match the gleam in his coat. He was beautiful, and he knew it. Poppy had been right. Siobhan had given her the most difficult horse in the stable, which was probably why she had rushed Isaac out.

"What's his name?" Poppy asked as she approached him and met his liquid brown eyes.

"Slinger," Morgan said, his voice sounding amused.

"Let me guess, it's because he does his best to sling everyone from his saddle?" Poppy reached up and rubbed her hand on his nose. "You can leave us. I got it from here."