Page 48 of Flirting with My Billionaire Enemy

“Right now? We’re not even done for the day.”

“Let’s end early. We’re ahead of schedule.” He folds his laptop shut.

“You’re serious about this,” I say.

“Do you know how to ride a horse?” he asks.

“I’ve never tried it.”

“What?” He grins. “This will be fun, then.”

“I don’t think I like the way you’re smiling right now,” I say.

He waves my concern away. “No, you’ll do great.”

“I think you’re forgetting the walk we took when I ended up hobbling around in the gravel like the earth’s biggest fool.”

“This time, we’ll make sure you’re dressed in the proper attire. Did you bring any jeans?”

“Yeah.” I even had a flannel shirt. I’d seen it in the little boutique in town, and I couldn’t resist it. Farah would be proud of me. But I figured Christmas time was coming up, and it would be fun to have something festive. This shirt was a red-and-black plaid and didn’t have to be worn just around Christmas. It could be worn anytime. Maybe I’d put my hair in braids and complete the cowgirl look. It’s not really my normal look, but it could be fun. Who am I anyway?

But ever since that bimbo showed up here, I’ve been putting more time in my outfits each day. It’s stupid and petty, but I can’t help myself. There’s a part of me that wants Kaison to want me like he wants her. It’s stupid of me because I’m not going to allow anything romantic to pass between us. But somehow, I still care.

So I’ve been doing small things, like I went and got my nails done with Kaison’s mom when she had her nail tech stop by the house. She insisted I take a turn too, and how could I say no? So my fingernails and toes are bright red now.

The longer I’ve been in Blue Mountain, the less pressured I feel to measure up and be perfect. For one thing, I’m not surrounded by a bunch of men constantly demeaning me or belittling me in various passive-aggressive ways. Kaison isn’t like that. He treats me with kindness and respect, like I’m his equal.

Although I haven’t dropped the wall surrounding my heart, I’ve dropped the walls I’ve put up to protect me against the sexist workplace I’ve gotten used to over the years.

Because I feel safe in the Keith home. Especially with Mama Keith watching over everything. She wouldn’t put up with anyone disrespecting me. And no one would dare cross her.

It’s been years since I’ve had a family situation. I have Farah, but her parents aren’t the warm, homey type. Her dad is the kind who expects everything to be done perfectly. He’s a little intense. Farah had to put up with a lot. I’ve never felt completely at home there.

But the Keiths treat me like I’m one of their own. I get the impression that Kaison’s mom still hopes that we’ll end up getting together. But how could we when he has random girls showing up at the house? Who’s next? A busty redhead? And no, I don’t mean Maybelline.

I wouldn’t be surprised if she had a little crush on Kaison, but she’s not really the type he’d go for.

That blonde that showed up didn’t look anything like me. How could he go from someone like her to someone like me? I’m a confident girl, don’t get me wrong. But I don’t exactly seem to be his type. The made-over girl in the club, maybe. But that’s not me. I’m the mousy girl with the boxy suits, sensible shoes, and oversized glasses with a conservative bun. I’m bookish and nerdy.

It’s rare that I have nail polish on, even though I do like it. I’ve caught myself admiring my nails multiple times throughout the day, and I even wore some open-toed shoes Callie told me she didn’t want anymore because I wanted to peek at my newly painted toenails too.

I meet Kaison just outside the mudroom door that leads to the trail to the stables.

“Well, don’t you look the part,” he says after taking in my cowgirl getup.

We head to the stables, and the cowgirl boots I found in the mudroom that Kaison’s mom told me I could borrow crunch over the gravel. “I’ve learned my lesson. I’m dressing properly this time. No more getting attacked by nature because of wardrobe malfunctions.”

Kaison laughs. “Don’t underestimate nature. It can still attack when you least suspect.”

“Well, those were ominous words,” I say, sticking out my tongue. “I prefer to look on the bright side of things, Negative Nicholas.”

“Isn’t it supposed to be Negative Nancy?”

“Yeah, but you’re a boy and stuff, so I decided to switch it up.”

We get to the stables, and Kaison leads me inside. Langston and a girl with dark features are in the stables together.

“Hey, what are you guys doing here?” Kaison asks.

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