Page 51 of Beat around the Bush
“She’s got a mind of her own,” he mumbled.
I chuckled, giving in and taking a swig of my beer. “Tell me about it. I grew up in the same house as her.”
“I technically did, too, and let me tell you, the woman hasn’t changed, but I love her all the more for it,” he said through a smile.
“You talking shit?” Lettie asked as she approached, with Brandy by her side, carrying two thermoses in each hand full of what I assumed was naughty hot chocolates.
Bailey grinned at her, his eyes softening with each step she took toward us. The man was head over heels for her. “Never.”
She stopped at Bailey’s side. She was wearing black snow pants and a puffy brown jacket. “Good. Anyone want one? I made an extra.” She held up one of the mugs.
Bailey and I both lifted our beers, showing we already had a drink.
“Where’s Oakley?” Brandy asked, looking around at the group prepping the track that the horses would be galloping on soon.
As if the universe heard us, Oakley’s rental car came cruising up the driveway, coming to a stop in front of the main house where the snow was plowed out of the way.
The corners of my lips lifted at the sight of her getting out of the car wearing a full-on snow outfit. She looked like a puffy little marshmallow, her pants and coat all white, paired with white snow boots that had fur sticking out the top. She was wearing an ivory beanie that she promptly adjusted lower on her forehead, her red hair billowing over her shoulders, contrasting the light colors of her coat.
I approached her, wearing my jeans and typical carhartt brown jacket. Not to fool anyone into thinking I was too cool for snow gear, though. I had thermals on underneath. I just didn’t need all the waterproof clothing given I wasn’t skiing today.
“All dressed for the occasion, huh?” I teased as she met me halfway across the driveway.
Oakley rolled her eyes. “Lettie dropped it all off last night. I didn’t want to disappoint her by not wearing it. I tried to reject the clothes, but she doesn’t really take no for an answer.”
I chuckled. “You think you want to try skiing today?” I asked, not sure what her plan was.
Those green eyes stood out amongst everything else as she looked up at me. “I can try, but I promise I’ll fall.”
I smiled. “Falling’s part of the fun. I’ll teach you.”
Her fair cheeks turned rosy, even the tip of her nose getting some of the color. I wasn’t sure if it was from the cold or my offer to teach her how to ski, but either way, I needed to stop looking into it.
She looked behind me at the group of people near the track. Neighbors from all around came by for this every year, but I didn’t want her to be nervous that everyone would see her fall.
“We can practice over by the barn,” I offered.
Her eyes met mine again. “Whatever works. I’m not picky.”
We walked side by side back to Bailey, Lettie, and Brandy as Travis and Reed saddled up the horses by the barn.
Lettie held out one of the mugs for her. “Here you go.”
“Naughty hot chocolate?” Oakley asked, remembering from last night.
“They’re so good. Let me know if you need more vodka.” She pulled a little flask out of her pocket for emphasis.
Oakley took a sip of the warm liquid, the steam billowing around her face as she drank. “It’s perfect. Thanks, Lettie.”
“You can always count on me to bring the alcohol,” Lettie said with a wink.
“You ready to practice or do you want to finish your drink first?” I asked Oakley.
She licked the chocolate liquid off her top lip before saying, “I can drink and ski at the same time.”
“Is that considered drinking and driving?” Brandy asked.
Lettie narrowed her eyes in thought. “Hmm, I’m not sure. I mean, they can pull you over on a horse, so I’d assume the same goes for skiing.”
