Page 24 of Eyes Like a Hurricane

I clear my throat, and they both stand up. I start to open my mouth to ask about inventory, but before I have a chance, Britt gently grabs both my wrists.

With a sly smile, she changes the subject, giving me mental whiplash. “So Aissslinn, you and Lachlan, huh? My friends were at Glaciers last night and said you two tore up the dance floor and pool table.”

I blush for what feels like the tenth time today. “Yeah, Lachlan is a great dance partner and a worthy billiards opponent.”

She continues her assault of questions. “Is he taking you out again soon? Do you like him?”

I clear my throat and turn on my business voice to respond. “Britt, if you wouldn’t mind showing me the storeroom, we can begin to see what supplies we need to order between now and July 1st,” I say. Her shoulders drop, and her eyes glance toward her shoes. I quickly add, “But, yes, I’m going to the ranch tonight for a horseback ride tour.”

Her eyes whip back to mine, and a giggle escapes her lips. Clapping, she says, “Oh, this is perfect. I will be able to get all the good details from Axel!”

Rolling my eyes to Oliver, who is trying his best not to smile, I say, “I can give you a few details tomorrow. But what happens between Lachlan and me stays between Lachlan and me.” I’m trying to say my words with force, almost an order, but they clearly fall short when the response I get is a pathetically formed salute. Finishing with a saucy wink, she spins on the ball of her foot and theatrically marches back to the storeroom.

She waves over her shoulder, and her voice carries with a lilt, “Oh, don’t worry, Axel will have the juicy info for me. Nothing stays a secret in this town. You will find out soon enough, Doc.”

I forgot just how small a small town can actually be.

Chapter 24

Lachlan

Iglance at my watch for the four hundredth time today, and the face reads 3:47 p.m. I even stared at it for a full minute to make sure it was actually working. Time felt like it was moving backward all day. Every single time I looked at the clock, what felt like three hours of work only registered ten to fifteen minutes. I have been pacing for the last five minutes. Finn started to pace with me, but after a couple minutes, he gave up and went to find a sunny spot to lie down.

My head whips up at the sound of tires on gravel. I move to the edge of the barn and watch as twin plumes of dust rise behind a moving vehicle on our long driveway. As the car gets closer to the barn, I can make out the distinct white color. The only person I know who should be arriving now is Aislinn.

I grab my hat off the haybale and make my way back toward my house. I make the decision to meet her at her car. As I round the side of my house to look into my driveway, a white truck passes me on the way to the car barn by the main office. I do a double-take. Noah waves at me from the driver's seat.

I change directions and follow him. He pulls the Ford F-250 to a stop right outside the barn doors and cuts the engine.

As he hops out, I say, “When did you start driving a white truck?”

He looks at me confused. “Huh? My Ford? I’ve had her for about two years. Remember, I got her to help bring in the haybales. My Toyota 4Runner is a great car, but it doesn’t haul stuff like my truck. I’ve found the truck is a better work vehicle.”

As if my brain finally comes back online, I rub the back of my neck and wipe my brow with my sleeve. “Oh yeah, I forgot about that.”

Geez, I’m losing my head. She isn’t even late, but I’m going out of my goddamn mind waiting for her to see my ranch.

Quizzically, Noah asks, “Are you alright, Boss?”

I force a smile on my face and take a deep breath to try to reduce some of the tension in my shoulders. “Yeah, I’m just impatient. Sorry. Aislinn said she would stop by to see the ranch around 4 p.m. I guess I’m just nervous. I really want her to like it here.”

Nodding with understanding, Noah says, “Yeah, you seem pretty into her. If she feels the same way, I have no doubt she’ll love it here. She’s coming, Boss. Don’t worry.”

I smile and turn back toward my house. I want to go and wait on the front porch steps. Maybe it will help settle my nerves a bit before 4 p.m. hits.

At 4 p.m. on the dot, another vehicle makes its way down our dirt road. After a minute, the clouds of dust part just enough to clearly see a white Jeep Wrangler coming toward me. I stand up and step down to the bottom step. Leaning against the railing, I adjust my hat.

When her car comes to a stop in front of me, I look through the windshield and see my girl in her trucker hat and purple aviators. She smiles at me, and I melt. Her smile makesmy pulse race. I hear the click of the door opening and take two calming breaths.

“Hi, Hurricane,” I say, raising my hand and giving her a small wave. “Did you find us okay?”

She walks up to me with Chloe at her heels. She approaches the stairs. I step down to meet her halfway, and she wraps her arms around my waist, holding me close. My brain catches up a moment later, and I wrap my arms around her, pulling her flush to my front. I lean down and kiss her on the top of the head. I take a deep breath of her now familiar scent.

We stay pressed together for a minute longer before she steps away, and I don’t like how cold I suddenly feel. Her warmth was comforting in a way I didn’t realize I was missing.

She reaches up to adjust her ponytail and says, “I’m ready to ride, but is it okay if Chloe stays wherever Finn is waiting?”

I reach out my hand and am pleasantly surprised at how quickly she intertwines her fingers with mine. I guide her toward the back of the house, and we head toward the horse barn.

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