Page 43 of Stay With Me
I ignore him and continue working. He grabs fresh straw and spreads it out in each one as I finish. He fills up their food buckets and I refill their water. We work like a well-oiled machine for an hour until we have each one done.
“Be good, Franklin.” I pet him goodbye before we jump into my truck.
Landen’s glued to his phone with a smirk on his face, which means he’s talking to a chick.
“So now that Quinn’s out of your contacts, who’s makin’ you giggle like a middle schooler?” I ask as we drive to the stables.
He snorts. “Magnolia.”
My gut turns at the mention of them texting. I know they’rejust friends,but I hate that he’s closer to her than I am. Though according to Landen, I have no one to blame for that but myself.
And I hate even more that he’s right.
When we get to the barn, Landen hops out and gets on a call. Then he mumbles something, walking away.
Weird, but not out of the norm when it comes to him.
Noah’s talking to one of the ranch hands, Ruby, and I notice a large pink box on the table behind them. Gourmet donuts.
Hell yeah.
I slide in between them, grab one with Oreo crumbs dipped in frosting, and shove it into my mouth.
“Oh. My. God.”
Noah and Ruby go silent as they stare at me.
“Can you keep the moanin’ to yourself?” Noah scowls, her brows pinching together in disgust.
“That was hot. Do it again.” Ruby smirks.
Noah nudges her and wrinkles her nose. “Gross.”
“Did someone say donuts?” Landen shouts, yanking one with Cap’n Crunch pieces on it.
“The good kind too,” I confirm.
“What’re we celebratin’?” he asks around a mouthful.
“My birthday, thank you very much.” Ruby smiles.
Landen obnoxiously sings her happy birthday as we each grab a second donut.
“Boys…watch the sugar.” Noah smacks our stomachs with the back of her hand. “Y’all need to fit in your tuxes in a couple of weeks.”
“Rock-hard abs, baby! Rock. Hard. Abs.” Landen lifts his shirt and dances around like he’s on a horse.
“This is why I show up to work every day…” Ruby playfully fans herself, staring at Landen.
“Should I tell Nash about your little crush?” I tease her about her long-time boyfriend.
She waves her left hand. “Until there’s a ring on this finger, I’m leavin’ my options open.”
“You couldn’t handle me, Ruby.” Landen drapes his arm around her. “I’m still sowin’ my wild oats.”
“I don’t think you can say that at your age anymore,” Ruby argues.
“Can’t tame me,baby!” Landen lassos his arm over his head and skips down the center aisle.
