That's How it Happens

20. The Ride Before the Rumble

Ainsley walked Winter back to the barn, her thighs screaming with every step. She moved like a cowboy in one of her dad's old westerns – bow-legged, grimacing, and deeply regretting the thin leggings she'd thought were "cute" this morning. She hadn't ridden in years, and her body was staging a full rebellion.

Henry took the reins with a knowing smirk, and she waited while he untacked Winter and prepped the cart to drive her back. There was no way she was walking to the guest house like this. Not unless she wanted to arrive looking like she'd lost a fight with a saddle.

The ride had done its job, though. April's advice – wage war – had been echoing in her head since their last call, and the open air had helped her sort through the chaos. She wasn't ready to go full scorched earth, but she wasn't backing down either. Leo had barged into her life, her family, and her mother's good graces, and now he was playing the gentleman like it was a role he'd rehearsed.

She appreciated him for it.

She hated him for it.

And that was new.

Why couldn't they have just broken up like normal people?

Sure, she'd have to come home alone and endured Victoria's lectures about being "unlovable" but at least she'd be honest. She didn't need a man to validate her existence. She was independent, headstrong, and – according to NYC Business – "a powerhouse in a pantsuit." That suit, the one Leo hated, was still tucked in the guest house closet. The neckline was intimidating. The attitude it projected? Even more so.

April's advice had given her something to think about, but she couldn't do it in a closed-off space. The ride did precisely what she had hoped and sparked an idea, but unfortunately, it did nothing to help with Leo's situation. She wasn't sure how that was going to pan out. April's idea of initiating war was a little frightening, considering who she was waging it against. She hated to admit it, but she was a little frightened at what he might do if she were to continue to fight him, yet she hated that he butted into her life – this life – unwelcomed. She appreciated him for it but hated him for it, which was a new feeling when it came to him. Annoyed at Leo, yes, but she had never hated him.

Why couldn't they have just "broke" things off?

Maybe April was right. Maybe it was time to up the ante.

If Leo wanted to play the perfect boyfriend, she'd remind everyone exactly why he wasn't marriage material. She'd wear the suit. The one he hated. The one that made him twitch. If he commented, she'd win. If he didn't, she'd still win. Either way, his "good boy" persona would crack.

Was she willing to go down this road, though?

She was pacing now, lost in thought, when a voice cut through the haze.

"Why are you walking like that?"

She stopped mid-step and turned. Leo stood a few feet away, eyebrows raised, mouth bracketed in amusement. She closed her eyes, inhaled deeply, and exhaled slowly. Proceed with caution, she reminded herself. It was never wise to go all-in with Leo – especially when he was trying to win something.

Even if she still wasn't sure what that something was.

"I went on a ride," she said flatly.

Leo waited for more, but she offered nothing.

"Did you need something?"

He didn't answer. He was too busy staring past her.

"You rode... that?" he asked, eyes locked on Winter like the horse had insulted his mother.