Page 81 of Lassoed Love

Leaning down into her ear with a sly grin, I decide to have a bit of fun. “Secret lovers,” I tease, winking at her. Isla’s eyes widen in mock shock.

“No, really?” she questions, genuinely surprised. I chuckle softly in her ear. “Nah, I’m kidding. I know just as much as you do.” She just nods.

As the lively chatter continues, Amelia turns her attention to me, breaking the flow of the conversation. “So, Xavier… how’s that farm of yours going? Still running?” she inquires with a warm smile.

I smirk in response, a familiar pride in my voice, “Yep, ‘til the day I die probably. What about you? Still interested in educating young little minds?” I ask, genuinely curious—remembering her saying, a few years back her, she’d wanted to become a teacher.

Amelia’s face lights up with enthusiasm. “Yes! I work at the local primary school, down at Koala Creek, teaching kindergarten. It’s so fun!”

This revelation piques Isla’s interest, and she jumps into the conversation, “No way, that’s awesome. I love little kids.” The warmth in her voice mirrors the image of her being surrounded by playful children, and I can’t help but feel a surge of affection. She’d make a good mum someday—warm and nurturing.

Amelia, turning her attention to Isla, continues the conversation. “Yeah, they sure keep you on your toes! What about you? I hear you’re a vet. That must be fascinating work!” she remarks, genuinely interested.

Isla, with a warm smile, responds, “Oh, it’s definitely challenging, but it’s an incredibly rewarding job. I get to help animals every day, and there’s always something new to learn.”

Unable to resist chiming in, I add with a proud grin, “Yeah, Isla’s the best in the business. There’s no one else I’d trust more with our animals.”

Amelia nods in agreement, “That’s amazing! It takes a special kindof person to do what you do, Isla.” She blushes at the compliments, and looks up at me, appreciation in her eyes.

“Thank you, Amelia. It’s my passion, and I love every moment of it.”

As Isla and Amelia delve into their shared love for animals, their conversation takes an unexpected turn towards their common interests. They discover a mutual fondness for the TV show ‘New Girl—absolutely no clue what they’re on about—as well as a shared passion for coffee.

Amelia excitedly remarks, “Youlove‘New Girl’ too? That show ishilarious! Schmidt is my favourite character.”

Isla grins in agreement. “Oh, absolutely! His quirky personality is just too good. And don’t get me started on Nick and Jess.”

Amelia laughs, “Right? Their dynamic is everything.”

Isla nods, “Oh, I agree!”

Observing the animated exchange, I mutter, “New what now?” Clearly lost in their discussion about a show I’m unfamiliar with, I watch with a bemused expression.

Isla, appalled that I have no idea about the show, exclaims, “You’ve never watched New Girl? Oh, we’ll have to fix that. It’s hilarious! Full of quirky characters and ridiculous situations. You’d love it.” She shoots a playful grin in my direction.

I shoot a smirk her way and respond, “Mhm.”

Amelia watches the two of us with a curious glint in her eyes before blurting out, “You two are really cute. How long have you been dating?”

Isla freezes beside me, clearly caught off guard by Amelia's assumption. Stammering, she begins, “O-Oh, we’re just... we’re not—”

I cut her off, answering for both of us, “We’re friends,” I say.

Isla blushes beside me, and I can’t help but notice the way her cheeks turn a rosy hue. In the back of my mind, a voice whispers, friends who secretly fuck and fool around. The words taste bitter in my mouth.I don’t want to be just friends with Isla.

Amelia’s assumption falls flat, and she awkwardly apologises, “Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to assume.”

Isla, still a bit flustered, manages to say, “All good.”

Imogen then jumps in, “So, have you tried the nachos here? They’re amazing!” she exclaims, steering the conversation away from the momentarily awkward topic. The group joins in on the discussion about the menu, successfully shifting the mood to a lighter, more comfortable one.

Bradley had returned shortly after with the drinks, and I handed them out to the group. Isla wasted no time grabbing hers and taking a few big sips.

Olivia whooped loudly, “Oh righto, let’s get this party started,” as she grabbed hold of Amelia by the hand, coercing Imogen and Isla to join in the dance. The girls hit the dance floor, moving to the rhythm,while the guys and I remained seated at the bar.

I’m now watching Isla’s every move, sipping on my second beer for the night. The atmosphere in the bar is lively, the music pulsating through the air—Luke Combs’ voice echoes in the distance, his music blaring through the speakers as the girls lose themselves in the dance. I can’t help but be drawn to Isla’s energy as she loses herself in the music.

As I watch them dance, my eyes scan the crowd surrounding us. A couple of old couples sway nearby, another group of young girls and random men scattered around. Unease settles within me. I can’t shake the feeling that she’s out there, surrounded by other men.I don’t like it.

---