After returning to Jersey City, Charlotte’s two bbest /bfriends 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, beyes /blit 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 bclub /bin 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 bsoftly/b, her tone as gentle as always. b“/bHe 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

bfan /bband /bMia 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 bwas /bMia’s mother. bThat /bwas 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 bscar /b

Charlotte stirred her dessert, smirking as she looked at Mia. “You were literally sent by the universe to torment him.”

“He bhad /bbit /bing.”

“Mia sniffed. “He used to bully me all the time”

After some girl talk, Mia perked up again. “bAnyway/b, are we going or not? It’s been ages since I rode. I’m itching to get bback /bin the saddle,”

“I’m in,”

“Charlotte said. “I bhaven’t /bbeen riding since I left for Harbor City. I kinda miss racing you guys.

Lena smiled. b“/bbCount /bme 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 bhair /bneatly tied back, she looked powerful and effortlessly chic.

When she walked out, the group waiting for her ball /bpaused–bvisibly /bstunned.

“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 Charlotteb, /bba /bsmall smile tugging at theers of his lips. b“/bYou look incredible today.”

He was dressed in riding gear, too–also in gray. Whether it was coincidence or fate, they blooked /blike they had stepped out of a bcouple’s /bJashion 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