Page 35 of The Rescue

She clicks play on the song, and picks up her camera. I wish I could read what’s going through her mind, but she’s waiting for me to resume my work so she can take pictures.

I tried working on the last batch of scones as normal, but all I could think about was how close we were and how badly I wanted to kiss her. Trying to pretend she isn’t in the room with me is impossible, Crystal is one of those people who turns heads wherever she goes, and she’s been the focal point of my life since she got here.

After what felt like a hundred photos, she finally stops pointing the camera at me.

“I think I got what I need. I think I’ll work upstairs today,” she gives me a weird half smile.

Her sudden change in demeanour has alarm bells ringing in my head. I definitely crossed the line by chasing her around the kitchen, and creeped her out. I want to talk about it and apologise but Nellie and David turn up and ruin my chance.

“Okay, make sure you come down for lunch a little later.” I try to give her a smile, when deep down I’m freaking out.

“I will,” she turns and heads up the stairs to the flat.

Fuck, now I’ve freaked her out by being inappropriate. I got caught up in the playful banter, I’m such an idiot. I need to apologise to her as soon as I get the chance, but as soon as Nellie opens the front door to the cafe, I’m busy for the whole morning.

13

Crystal

After the close encounterwith Rabbie in the kitchen,my heart was pounding so hard, I’m surprised he didn’t see how nervous I was. My hand was shaking so much reaching into his pocket, I didn’t notice I was holding my breath until I stepped back. I never get anxious around men, I’m usually confident and self-assured. I hardly recognise myself when I’m stuttering and shaking around him.

Then, when I tried to stop him from getting sticky dough all over me, he went back to being ‘professional’ Rabbie. After that sudden shift, I had to escape to the flat upstairs, away from being distracted by him even though he’s downstairs.

I’m not sure how I got here, I’ve never had a crush on a guy like this. And it’s starting to freak me out. I haven’t even kissed the guy, for fuck’s sake. The attraction has increased tenfold since getting a glimpse into his sensitive side. Last night after we left his nan’s house was the first time I’ve seen him like that. Healways wears the mask of the goofy friend, but I could tell it was good for him to talk about it when he was ready.

I keep telling myself that I’m just attracted to him, and not that there’s a possibility that I could actually like-like him. Feelings are messy, and I don’t do messy.

I try to work on touching up the photos I took of him, but seeing his face on my computer screen isn’t helping me take my mind off this overwhelming crush I have on him. The photos I took of him are amazing, he looks so natural working the dough. He’s so comfortable in the kitchen, seeing him work is amazing. I’ve never seen someone who is so passionate and mastered at their craft. I barely have to touch up the photos, he’s so handsome. In the photos, the morning sun bounces off his blonde hair and makes him look gentle and tender. His muscular forearms kneading the dough makes his veins pop out, contorting all the way up his forearms. I try not to picture his strong arms wrapped around me.

I finish touching up the photos around lunchtime, I said to Rabbie I would go downstairs for lunch, but I’m not hungry. I push on with some more work on the website, but I’m constantly being interrupted by the damn hairball rubbing up against my legs. I keep nudging her away with my feet, but she’s a persistent thing.

After ignoring her for what felt forever, the thing eventually jumps on the table to face me, and I retreat back in disgust.

“Get the picture, hairball. I don’t like you,” I wave my hand at her.

The mangy thing swats at my hand as I try to shoo her off the table, and she narrowly misses my hand. The cat sits in front of me, staring me down, its large yellow eyes burning into me, its tail gently swishing side to side. God, this cat is going to scratch me to death in my sleep, I know it. The hairball slowly stands and swishes its big bushy tail in my face as it jumps off the tableand disappears down the hallway. I brush the cat hair off my face, and rub my itchy eyes as a FaceTime call comes in on my open laptop. I straighten up and answer the call, with a smile.

“Hi,” I smile into the camera on my laptop.

Cain, fills up the screen with his bulky build. He’s all muscle and height, pushing over 6’5. He looks scary with his rugged beard and strong features, but really he’s the biggest softie I know. All my big brothers have dark hair from my dad, and I got my red hair from my mom, even thought she bleaches her hair blonde like her idol; Dolly Parton.

“Hey there, little sis,” my older brother Cain beams a charming smile at me.

My eldest brother Cain is seven years older than me, and he’s pretty much in charge of the ranch we all grew up on. Dusty Mills Ranch has been in the Clark family for generations, it used to be an old copper mine. But now it’s just a horse ranch, he’s the boss now that my dad is too old to be running around with the younger ranch hands. My brothers breed and sell the best pedigree stallions and mares, mostly to all the southern states. Most people from the south know about Dusty Mills Ranch and their famous horses.

“Move over you brute, I wanna speak to my little sis,” Creed, my middle brother, pushes Cain over so he can get in front of the camera.

I hide my smirk because Cain rolls his eyes, and shuffles over so Creed can sit down next to him. Usually, my brothers bicker and fist fight like there’s no tomorrow, but Cain knows that Creed will just continue to be annoying until he gives up, so sometimes it’s easier for him to bite his tongue.

Creed is the out-going one, he’s even more confident than I am, and likes to fancy himself as the good-looking Clark brother. He’s too cocky for his own good, sometimes.

“Hey,” I smile at Creed.

I have to give it to him, he is very handsome. He takes a lot more time and effort in his appearance than Cain. Creed’s dark hair is styled to look effortlessly messy, and his stubble is neatly shaved back, not like my unkempt eldest brother who looks like he’s taken on the role of rugged mountain man. Creed is the same height as Cain but doesn’t have the same Goliath size as him, he’s more trim and slender but still as strong as an ox. Creed definitely gives off middle child energy, he always has to be the centre of attention.

“Where’s Cruzer?” I ask.

“I’m here, but these two fatsos are taking up all the space.”

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