In exchange for skipping out on spending the afternoon with Landry’s family, he helped out wherever he was needed in the stables. The work was sweaty and tiring, but he took pride in the finished product—a stable that positively sparkled. “We’ve got an opening if you want it.” Noah’s grin was infectious when he handed over a cold bottle of water. “You’re a natural in here.” “It was time well spent. I can feel my muscles.” “There’s something to that, isn’t there?” Noah took a seat opposite him in the small stable office, his skin as covered in dirt as Derek’s. Noah’s gaze traveled the office walls. “It’s something my mother’s struggled with.” When Derek said nothing, Noah added, “My interest in working here. Taking care of the horses and the grounds. She has some idea that it’s beneath me.” “Parents don’t understand everything.”
