Page 8 of Unexpected Second Chance For Love

Friday morning, Payton drove under the sign that announced the Rolling R ranch. Her small SUV was loaded with boxes that comprised her entire life. It was humbling that packing up her belongings was such a simple task. Twenty-two years on the planet and all she had to show for it was boxes of books, clothing, and a few knick knacks that had belonged to her mother.

She parked in the designated space near the house next to an extended cab black truck that belonged to Austin. He was home. Payton was hoping that Austin would be occupied in the barn or on an errand. For some reason, it unsettled her to have him at the house when she was moving in. She exited her SUV and collected the box on the passenger seat, which contained her equine therapy books.

She hefted the box and carried it around the side of the house, where her separate entrance was located. She balanced the box on her hip as she dug into her pocket for the keys. She opened the door and set the box down to the side.

Moving to the center of the space, Payton catalogued her new home. Light wood floors shone in the sunlight spilling in from the open door and large windows in the living space. A small, yet efficient kitchenette was along the back wall with enough space for a small table and chairs. A door straight ahead led to the main house. It had a lock from the inside, so she didn’t have to worry about unexpected visitors. The living space featured a comfortable sectional, coffee table, and television. There was a tall bookcase to the right that divided the bedroom area from the living space. Behind the bookcase, there was a queen size bed, nightstand, and a chair that looked perfect for curling up with a book.

Joy bubbled up in Payton’s chest. This was her space. Home. She could decide what to do, when, and how to decorate. Finally, at twenty-two, she was on her own. She spread her arms out and spun in the center of the room.

Moving to her new bedroom, she flopped on the bed, arms wide. She couldn’t help but laugh with pure happiness. Today was the first day of a whole set of new adventures. It felt like turning a page from girlhood into womanhood. After all, that was her goal—to have the freedom to discover herself and meet someone. Payton wanted to have fun—without her watchful brother’s interference.

This was the perfect setup. She had her own entrance and space, but was surrounded by people. Austin lived in the house and his siblings in the nearby cabins. She didn’t have to worry about feeling alone because all she had to do was step outside her door and the working ranch was just beyond.

Payton made several more trips from her car to the house, finally depositing the last of the boxes in the middle of the living room. She left the front door open to appreciate the fall weather and sank down on the couch , breath quick from exertion and a fine bead of sweat on her brow. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes, reveling in the silence.

She wondered if Austin was in the house as it had seemed quiet on the other side of the door. Not that she’d stood at the door joining the spaces and listened. That would be silly. And Payton was anything but that. Curious maybe as to what her landlord was up to on this gorgeous day.

“Knock knock,” a deep voice pulled her out of her thoughts. Austin.

She ignored the thrill that raced through her. Living here would be a challenge if she reacted strongly every time the man opened his mouth.

Payton opened her eyes to see him silhouetted in the doorway, the early afternoon sun highlighting his sandy blond hair with gold. His green eyes were focused on her like lasers and she warmed under his gaze.

He was dressed in worn jeans that hugged every curve and an old band tee shirt. She wasn’t familiar with their music, but recognized the band as one Griffin listened to growing up. In his left hand, he held a six pack of beer, which he held up in front of him.

“Housewarming gift,” he said.

And was that a blush? Seeing Austin’s cheeks flushed pink sent butterflies dancing in her stomach.

“Thank you,” Payton said as she rose to take the beer from him. Their fingertips brushed briefly and an electric shock ran up her arm at the contact. “Would you like to come in?”

Austin stepped carefully over the threshold. “I don’t want to bother you and we agreed to only interact for work. I came by to make sure you have what you need.”

“And to bring me a housewarming gift,” Payton teased. She hadn’t expected to see him at all, let alone for him to come by for a seemingly social visit. She pulled a beer out of the cardboard container and offered one to Austin.

He hesitated for a moment and she thought he’d refuse, but he accepted the drink and took another step into her living space. Payton took one for herself then set the rest in the fridge for another time. She then realized she didn’t have a bottle opener..

“Umm,” she began as she glanced around the kitchen hoping one would magically appear.

“I left some utensils in this drawer,” Austin said, as he stepped around her and pulled open a drawer next to the fridge.

He expertly opened both their bottles then returned the tool to the drawer.

“Thank you,” Payton said. She sipped her beer, grateful for the distraction. Now that Austin was standing so close to her in the small space of her kitchen, her nerve endings were abuzz. She stepped back to put some distance between them.

For a few moments, they sipped their beer in silence. Then they both started talking at once. They laughed and Austin gestured for Payton to go first.

“How is the business planning going?”

“It’s good. I had a good session with Mabel today and think she could be a good fit. I could use your opinion.”

Horses were a subject Payton was passionate about. She was looking forward to this project almost as much as moving out on her own for the first time.

“I’m leading a few excursions this weekend with the family business, but I have time Monday.”

Austin nodded. “Sounds good. Shall we meet in the barn at ten a.m.?”

“It’s a plan,” Payton agreed.

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