Page 58 of Rival
Stepping into the main part of the barn, I clench my jaw when another wave of desire for her hits me, but I shove it aside. “You ready to get going, girl?” I ask, hating the way she flinches under my coldness.
“Morning, Mason.” Her friendly greeting makes me feel like as ass for always being so abrupt, but I don’t know how to change the narrative, not after I’ve been a dick for this long.
Stepping in front of her, I wait until she looks up, holding Bonnie against her while Buck plays with her shoelaces.
“I’m gonna take out Austin for the day. Just take care of the calves like you have been. I won’t be around, so text me if you have any issues.”
I want to get her on Austin and in front of me again, but the last time I had her there, we had that stumble which scared the shit out of her.
She opens her mouth as if she wants to argue, then closes it before nodding her head. I hesitate, knowing I shouldn’t ask, but I do anyway.
“Did you want to come out with me again?”
The way her eyes light up is enough to make me somewhat happy I asked. “Really? I don’t want to get in your way, but if I can help you besides the barns, I’d really like to.” She fidgets with her shirt, then adds, “I gave Austin a toy this morning. Was that alright?”
Not wanting her to know I watched her, I tilt my head to the side and ask, “What toy?” And because I’m an ass, I add, “Where’d you get it?” I want to know who the fuck herfriendis.
“It’s a ball!” she exclaims, excited about her find. “I’ve been trying to learn how to ride a horse and a friend of mine has been teaching me. He had these toys for his horses and said they really like them and let me bring one for Austin.”
Frowning at her, I’m annoyed she didn’t entirely answer my question, so I bite out again, “Who’s your friend?”
She freezes under my stare, then swallows hard. “Do you, umm, do you know Jaxon Thorton? He’s a construction worker in town and is leading the job on the barn raising we’re doing for church.”
I stiffen, hardening my stance, then ask, “Seriously? Your friend isthatguy?”
Edith looks away from me and shifts nervously. “Yeah. He’s really kind, and we became friends recently.” Then she stands up straighter and I’ve got to give the girl credit when she focuses on me as she fortifies her feelings about him. “He’s agreatfriend, actually.”
I grit my jaw, wanting to tell her how his dad fucked us over, but I bite my tongue. “Guess we can’t all be perfect when it comes to who we choose for company. Anyway, I know you’d like to come out with me and Austin, but the calves really do need tending to. So why don’t you get that done and call it an early day?”
She deflates in front of me when I withdraw what seemed like an offer for her to ride out with me, and I feel a small pinch of guilt.
“I’ll get it done. Anything else you’d like me to do?”
I can hear her disappointment and it makes me feel like a pussy when I say, “I’ll swing back around in a few hours. If you’re done, I’ll take you out with me.” Then, because I’m annoyed I gave in so quickly without her asking, I add, “But only if it’s done properly. I won’t tolerate half-ass work.”
Even with my nasty attitude, she still lights up and I want to ask why she’s always so goddamn happy.
“I promise, I’ll have it done in no time!” Setting her kitten down, she hurries out of the barn to get started and I stay frozen in my spot as I watch her leave. Bonnie, the kitten, starts rubbing against my ankle and I pick her up to pet her for a minute.
As soon as Buck bites my ankle for attention, I set her down and push him away. Then, before I leave, I point at him. “She’ll be back before she leaves. Don’t get into any shit while we’re gone, you little asshole.”
I leave to his disgruntled meow and get my day started. While riding Austin, I notice he’s got a bit of pep in his step and I justknowit’s because of his little visitor this morning.
After a few hours, I guide him back to the barn and holler for Edith. It’s not even a minute before she’s running out, straw sticking out of her hair and a massive smile on her face.
“You done in there?” I ask with a clipped voice, but little heat behind it.
Nodding quickly, she wipes her hands over her clothes, and I tilt my head toward hers to let her know she’s got shit there, too. Quickly, she brushes her hair and picks out the straw, then stands up straight in front of me.
“I’m done. Did you want to check things over?”
“No, you said you did it, right?” I fold the reins over the pommel and lean over a bit to stare down at her.
“Yes, sir. All done.”
I swear to God, Austin understands what we’re talking about because without me guiding him, he steps closer to her and bumps her with his nose, then lifts his head to sniff her hair. Edith laughs, then strokes him in greeting.
“Hey there,” she whispers. “You’re a good boy, aren’t you?”
