Page 47 of Lassoed Love

“You do realise a chicken and a hen are the same thing?” I give her a side-eye, sensing a mysterious vibe in the air. “You’re acting strangetoday. What’s the deal?” I probe, my suspicion growing.

“Strange? Me?” Katy feigns innocence with an exaggerated gasp. “Nonsense, just relaying therivetingchicken drama I heard over the phone.”

“What’s the owner’s name? Any details, so I’m not caught off guard by a surprise chicken visit?” I ask, detecting a whiff of mischief.

“Nothing, no name, just somethin’ ‘bout a chicken is all I picked up,” Katy quips, her cryptic demeanour adding to the peculiar charm of the day.

Before I can delve further into questioning her, the familiar chime above the door jingles, and I swivel around to find Xavier Mitchell—in all his glory—standing there, that damn cowboy hat perched atop his head, and two plastic bags in hand.

“Afternoon, ladies! I picked up some lunch and thought I’d bring some past. Anyone hungry?” he declares, his easy going demeanour filling the room. My eyes narrow at Katy, who feigns innocence with a smile.

“What? Don’t look at me, darling. I had no idea…” she says with a sly grin. I shoot her a deadpan expression, leaving me to wonder just how much she's orchestrated this unexpected lunch visit.Sure you didn’t, you sly, sly woman.But why? And how? My mind races with questions as the pieces of the puzzle slowly fall into place.

The pieces don't quite fit together in my mind. Why would Katy conspire with Xavier to surprise me with lunch? And more importantly, how did she manage it without me catching on?

As if to add to the surreal moment, Xavier presents two bags filledwith the tempting aroma of chicken and chips from the local shop.What? How did he—This is one big coincidence, surely? I’m taken aback, and Katy, here, seems to be thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.

“Wow, Xavier, you really went all out,” Katy remarks, a twinkle in her eye. “Isla here was just about to grab lunch for us, too. What a surprise!”

Xavier grins, and as I stare at his smile, a smile that could melt panties—I stand there stunned. He looks at me intently, seemingly oblivious to any potential conspiracy theories brewing in my mind. “Great minds think alike, I guess. Didn’t know what you ladies like, so I got all the favourites—extra crispy chicken, seasoned chips, and some dipping sauces to top it off,” he says with a casual air.Righto.

Katy then asks if Xavier will be joining us, but he politely declines, saying, “I’ve got to get back to work—the farm ain’t gonna run itself. Besides, I need to finish everything in time before my date tonight.” Damn him and his stupid mouth, I think as a warm flutter pools in my belly. He smirks ever so slightly, adding to the turmoil of conflicting emotions.

Xavier continues, “Been waiting for this girl I know to get back to me for a date. But… she’s leaving me hanging,” he teases, shaking his head. The nerve of this guy. I shoot him a playful glare as he turns to look at me, winking. The nerve of this guy.So much for the ball being in my court.

Katy replies, “Oh gosh, how exciting. Well, hopefully, she doesn’t keep you waitin’ too long.” A glint of mischief in her eyes.Ugh, great.

Xavier dismisses the two of us politely with a head nod. “I hopeso too, Katy,” he replies, then turns to me.

“Laters, Doc,” his gaze lingering on mine for a moment too long. Why does his stare have to be so intense? My body shudders involuntarily as he leaves the clinic.

Katy then bursts out abruptly, “Well... are you gonna message him or not?” I stand there, completely dumbfounded.

I frown, “How did you—”

She interrupts, “Darling, I may be old, and partially blind, but I ain’tthatblind.”

I release a frustrated sigh, muttering, “I just can’t catch a break, can I?” Maybe asking the universe… or no one in particular.

Seated in my chair, office lights casting a warm glow, I let out a satisfied sigh as my stomach revels in the aftermath of lunch. The air conditioning works its magic, creating a comfortable coolness that envelops the room.

Sleep Token’s ‘Take Me Back To Eden’ fills the clinic with its soft, soothing chords. Katy indulges my music choice occasionally, as long as I promise to keep it tame. She deems my preferred rock music as the ‘Devil’s tunes’, and I scoff silently.

My mind is a chaotic whirlwind, racing through a million thoughts, buzzing with anticipation and a futile attempt at irritation directed at Xavier. I find myself grappling with these conflictingemotions. But let's face it, resisting that pull is a lost cause.

The idea of messaging Xavier lingers in my thoughts. The pressure is on now; he left the initiation of this date up to me, yet he couldn't resist pulling that bloody stunt today.

A part of me considers going, while another part insists I shouldn't entertain the idea. The internal struggle continues as the gentle melody weaves through the air—but let’s face it, resisting that pull is a lost cause.

Imogen’s advice reverberates in my mind, ‘Don’t let hatred or fear mess up a shot at potential happiness’. The mental wrestling match intensifies, and I find myself teetering on the edge, contemplating whether I should take the plunge.

“Ugh. Fine,” I mutter, tossing caution aside as I hunt for Xavier’s name in my phone. My fingers glide across the screen, crafting a message. I stare at it for a moment, doubts creeping in. I groan, caught in the conflict of uncertainty about how to navigate this.

Backspacing, I start afresh with another message. As I read it in my head, I assess the words. Screw it. Without second-guessing, I hit send.

The message sails into the digital abyss, leaving me to wonder what the hell I just got myself into. As the agonising moments pass, anxiety seeps in, and just when I convince myself he won’trespond, those three little bubbles dance on my screen, and his reply pops into view. His response teasing as ever.

I scoff at his audacity.Typical. Just as I’m about to put my phone down, it pings again with another message—his playful tone taunting me through the screen.

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