Page 84 of Small Town Firsts
“I’ll find one for you soon.” He pressed his forehead to the broad line of the horse’s head. Kain always had a way with animals, but I wasn’t sure I would have gone right for such a close hello.
“Storm doesn’t usually take to people that easily,” Beckett muttered.
“Kain has a way.”
“So I see.” He crossed his arms and seemed mildly put out.
Kain gave the horse another pat then came back to us. The three of us looked out on the vista of pregnant trees and endless greenery. “It was dark when we came in last night. This is a whole different experience.” He glanced over his shoulder at the organic maze of landscaping and seating nooks that made up the property. “And you’ll be lighting this up?”
“You’ll have to check with Kira on the details, but that’s what she told me.” Beckett twisted his hat back around against the blinding sun. “Down that path is our concert stage.”
“It’s impressive,” Kain murmured, but I could tell his thoughts were elsewhere. I’d hear all about this, I was sure.
I swiped my arm over my forehead, the need for water outweighing food at that moment. My back was already wet and I’d only just put on the new shirt. It was going to be another hot one. It made me long for the ocean on a day like today. Not that it would be in my future any time soon. There was still so much to do before I could think about getting out even to the nearby lake for a free day.
Kira had been damn busy and was outpacing me. It seemed like every day, I came out and found something new. Today, it was planters and railings to finish off the stairs. The steps were wide and deep, allowing for people to hang out in the back with a few different levels for conversation before it widened to the flagstone walkways. More seating areas were set up with fire pits and comfortable seating.
As usual the massive back doors were open, as well as the garage style doors along the side of the building. Between the dark stains, the wrought iron touches, and the overall industrial feel—and now the organic touches she’d added—the buzz under my skin had intensified. This place was coming together now.
And there she was—the other reason for the endless hum inside me. She was wearing one of those distractible dresses, daffodil yellow with a wide white belt that showed off every damn curve. Wicked heels in some sort of purple print gave those Amazonian legs all my attention. Especially since her dress had tiny buttons down the front that showed a flash of her thighs when she walked. She was speaking with Matt and Annette, her heels clicking as she walked fast, pointing out something in the dining room.
This was what she was born to do. I tried to picture her out in the fields, but all I saw was determined Kira with her clipboard ordering people around in the taproom. From what I could tell, the people she’d hired were just as invested as she was in gettingeverything perfect. And she’d done it while I wasn’t paying attention.
I had it easy. Sure, I had formulas and manual labor to deal with. Once I’d figured out the workshop and just what kind of cider I wanted as a base, it had been smooth sailing on that end—it was the flavors that were giving me hell. Well, except for dealing with the damn heat, but nothing like what she did day after day.
I shoved my fingers through my hair. I’d let her down today and I needed to make it up to her. I headed up the stairs. I could tell she noticed us because she went from no-nonsense orders to that silent killer persona she was so good at.
“Sunshine—”
“Don’t Sunshine me.” She gave Matt and Annette a tight smile. “You guys can head over to the restaurant supply place. I didn’t have a big enough order for delivery.”
“We got it.” Annette glanced over at me. “Hey Ronan.” Her blue eyes full of sly interest. “Who’s your friend?”
“Kain.”
“I didn’t know they came bigger than you. Should we expect a wrestler next? Someone on WWE?”
I laughed. “No. Well, my brothers are pretty big, but not like him. You might see them at the opening. Depending if my family can come out or not.”
Annette fanned her face, her halo of dark curls dancing. “I’m here for it.”
Matt rolled his eyes and turned her away. “Drool later.”
She gave a dramatic sigh. “Fine.”
Kira’s eyes warmed slightly. “I didn’t know your family was coming out.”
“They miss me.” I lifted a shoulder. “They’re also curious and want to see what I’ve been up to. They want to see for themselveswhy I’m so obsessed with this place and make sure I’m doing okay.”
She looked down at the floor. “Nice that they care.”
I moved closer and she held her hand up. “Look, we don’t have much time before the interviews start. I don’t need you here for them if you need to be elsewhere.”
My shoulders tensed. “I don’t. I’m here to?—”
Kain and Beckett were laughing at something as they came up the stairs.
“We’re going to raid the kitchen, Key.” Beckett slapped Kain’s arm. “Evidently this big dude is going to astound us with his cooking prowess.”
