Page 5 of Unexpected Second Chance For Love

“It’s a lot of work to start a new business,” she said as she chewed her lip. “Do you have any experience with this type of therapy?”

Austin nodded. “Yes. I do. I know I need to have the right professional in place before I open the program, but I’m well informed about what is needed.”

Her eyes darted around the old barn, cataloguing the peeling paint, broken stall doors, and leaky roof. “This is a lot of work. Not to mention hiring someone and finding the right horse.”

“It is. I have a horse in mind, already. One of the older ranch horses. Once I hire the equine therapist, I’ll explore whether Mabel is suited for the job. I need the money to hire someone, which is why I’m renting a room.” Dammit, he was trying to avoid that topic because no way was he renting to Payton. He valued his life and had no doubt Griffin would murder him without so much as blinking an eye.

Payton’s eyes sharpened at the reminder of why they were here. “The rental market is competitive, so I’m sure you have a lot of applicants. But I’m the best fit.”

Austin shook his head. “No, you are absolutely the worst fit. It’s not happening, Pay, so forget it.”

Her expression softened at the use of her nickname. He hadn’t meant it—the name had kind of slipped out from a long-forgotten habit.

She held up the magazine. “I know horses. And I know equine therapy. You don’t know it yet, but you need me.” She smacked the magazine into his chest and he reflexively grabbed it and set it down on the workbench.

The word need got stuck in his brain and he couldn’t move past the thoughts that tumbled around of all the ways he might need her—none of them related to horses. She was just so damn pretty and full of life. It had been so long since he’d allowed himself the pleasure of appreciating a woman’s company. Why now and why this woman was a question best left unanswered.

“I don’t need you.” It was more a reminder for him than a statement to her.

Payton was undeterred. “You do. You have a ton of work to do and you need help. I can help.”

Austin knew she worked with her older brothers at the outdoor adventure company which didn’t seem to qualify her to help him with an equine therapy business.

“I’m not sure your experience is what I’m looking for,” he hedged. This conversation had already gone on longer than he planned and he resolved to get her out of his barn—and his life—as quickly as possible. He didn’t like the way his skin felt tight around her and his heart threatened to beat out of his chest with her nearness.

Payton pulled herself up to her full height and advanced on him again. She was at least 5’7’’ he figured, which was much shorter than his 6’2’’ yet she showed no signs of intimidation by their height difference.

“You don’t know anything about my experience,” she said.

Suddenly he wasn’t thinking of equine experience at all, instead wondering about her experience with romance. Was she dating someone? Not that it mattered to him. He’d felt like an older brother to her for so long it was jarring to have these thoughts now. He most certainly did not have any brotherly feelings for Payton anymore.

Undeterred by his silence, she continued on. “I happen to have a degree in Equine Studies. I have credit work toward Equine therapy, as well. My experience is exactly what you’re looking for.”

A silent “you idiot” hung in the air, though she graciously didn’t say it out loud.

Austin hadn’t expected that information. He’d never heard about her college degree or her interest in making a career in horses. Although he’d been gone a decade and hadn’t kept up that closely with happenings. He was an idiot.

“That’s impressive and it would be good to pick your brain about my plans.”

Payton shook her head and her blond hair swung with the movement. “No. If we do this, it’s fair to both of us. I will trade my consultation at ten hours a week in exchange for a discount on rent for the room.”

Austin blew out a breath. “Payton…” He didn’t know how to finish the sentence. He just knew that her moving into his house was a terrible idea.

“Austin…” she returned. “You know I’m right—this is a good deal for both of us.”

“Why do you want to move out so badly? Your family is great.” Austin hoped turning the conversation to her would redirect her from her single-minded intention to win this battle.

Payton blew a wisp of hair out of her eyes. “They are great, but Griffin is constantly breathing down my neck with his oldest brother concern and both his wife and Owen’s girlfriend moved in, so it’s just too couple-y for my taste.”

“Couple-y? Is that even a word?” Austin teased. While he wouldn’t admit it to Payton, he understood exactly what she meant. There was something about seeing other people in love when you weren’t that just got to a person.

“It’s a word. And I’m so glad that my brothers found their partners and I love them, but I’m twenty-two—it’s time I step out on my own.”

Austin understood that, as well. Which is how Payton convinced him to agree to the worst idea ever conceived.

“Fine. I’ll agree to this crazy arrangement—on one condition.”

Payton gave him her rapt attention, her pretty pink lips parted in anticipation. “What is it?”

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