Page 7 of The Inn

Come to think of it, he and CC probably have a lot in common. He’s probably got some kind of cottage-core wardrobe hidden in the back of his closet. The thought of the two of them together makes me sick to my stomach because it’s obvious that they make sense.

Archie ignores the warning look I shoot him. He pulls out the chair directly across from CC and sits like he hasn’t got a care in the world. Then he starts in on her right away, lavishing one compliment after the next.

For her part, CC smiles and entertains him. But to her credit, I don’t see her flush once. Maybe she saves that for me. Maybe I’m wishful thinking. But either way I’m grateful that she’s at least pretending to resist his charms.

While we eat and Dakota gives CC a bed-by-bed description of our gardens. Mom talks incessantly about the animals giving names, birthdays, and a whole lot of other shit that made it hard to stay focused on the conversation.

As the night goes on, I steal glances at CC. I catch glimpses of her eyes darting my way and pulling back again. Archie stays focused, he’s a man on a mission. When his subtle flirtations don’t work, he takes it up a notch like the arrogant asshole he is.

Archie leans in, flashing CC his trademark grin. Then he delivers a well-rehearsed line. "So, have you ever met a man who can rope a calf in under three seconds?"

“Dammit, Archie give it a rest.” I put my fist on the table in not too gentle of a gesture.

CC’s expression makes a subtle shift from amusement to slight annoyance as she waves me off, turning to Archie. "Only on TikTok, but that’s enough for me. I think I'll stick to admiring them from a distance."

“Burn.” Dakota lets out a laugh as Archie shakes his head in mock defeat.

A sense of triumph surges within me. I take an internal victory lap as she gracefully rebuffs his advances. I can’t help but smirk at the way she shuts him down.That’s my girl.

The rest of dinner goes by without any sort of hitches. In fact, CC fits seamlessly into our world. The conversation stays in safe territory and CC scribbles as fast as she can in her notebook. I admit to myself that there’s something nice about having her here.

When we finish eating, Mom and Dakota are back in the kitchen. I drop off plates in the sink only to be shooed out by the two of them insisting that they don’t need any help. Meanwhile, around the table, the drinks are flowing. My brother’s homemade lemonade is more than poor CC bargained for, I’m sure. So I stay sober. I’ve got to keep an eye on the situation.

Twenty more minutes pass before my brother's flirtatious advances take a desperate turn. He lays on the charm thicker than ever and CC is considerably less resistant to engage with him.

"You know, I'm the face of this ranch. I could teach you a thing or two about riding horses,” Archie slurs. “What do you think, do you like to ride?”

I sit forward.

CC’s nose is red, but it isn’t the same flush that I draw out of her. “I met a horse today that I quite liked and his caretaker. Yes, I could imagine riding him.” She lets out a loud giggle.

What the hell did that mean? Am I the caretaker? Did she want to ride the horse? Is she drunk? Is this some kind of weird joke that I missed between her and Archie?I look from CC to Archie and back again.

“Really?” Archie’s eyes sparkle with what looks like infatuation and I’ve had about enough.

She continues, “I didn’t mean…” She giggles into her palms and then leans into me. “That came out weird. I don’t know how much alcohol is in this lemonade but I think I need a little water. Archie, I have a whole page in here just for you, I can’t wait to hear all your secrets. Tell me more about what you do on the farm.”

“I’d tell you anything,” he smiles at her and I’ve had enough.

I don’t know what’s happening here. Maybe it's the lemonade or the fact that she’s been here too long. Or maybe it’s the fact that I don't want her learning all of anyone’s secrets, least of all Archie’s.

What I do know is that if Archie’s going to wear her down with his advances, I’m not going to be here to watch it play out. Archie and I have been down this road too many times before, fighting for the same woman, the same jobs, I’m done. I’m too old for this shit.

CC is safe. She’ll drink a glass of water and Archie will spend his night drooling over the attention she gives him. I on the other hand will be long gone. I scoot my chair back from the table and abruptly get to my feet.

“Where are you going?” Archie asks.

“The sun is going down fat. That means temperatures are dropping. I’ve got to get more wood if I’m going to keep y’all from freezing. I’ll be back. I’m going to start the fire in the inn for her and bring up wood for Mom, but then I’m going to bed. Some of us will be up with the sun doing the actual work that makes this place run.” I pop my head into the kitchen. “Mom, Dakota, thanks for the meal.” I turn, all but stomping toward the front door. “CC, good luck in Europe. Archie, you can go to hell.”

“I’ll see you there big bro.” Archie laughs then he gets to his feet. “Calm down, let me help you get that fire started.” He turns to follow me and I wish he wouldn’t.

CHAPTER5

SUMMER

I watchArchie and Jameson Mood-Swing Findlay waltz out of the cottage, letting the front door close behind them with a bang.What in the world was all that about?I can’t decide whether to fall in love with the two of them or run for the hills.

Not that it matters, I’ll be out of here after just a few short hours of sleep. My embarrassing slip of the tongue about wanting to ride Jameson has me sobered up instantly. I never should have said that, but not because it isn’t true.

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