“Figures she would do something like that,” he mutters.
I hesitate, then add, “Do they look good on me? Or do I look like the ultimate cowgirl poser?”
His eyebrows lift, and he looks away like he’s considering his answer a little too carefully.
My stomach tightens.
Then he says, “They look fine on you.”
Relief floods me so fast I almost laugh. Fine? I’ll take fine from him. I grin, big and give him a little twirl right there in thedirt, feeling ridiculous and pleased all at once. Why does it mean so much more coming from him?
He rolls his eyes. “You done showin’ off?”
“Never,” I tease.
“What’s up, city girl?” he asks. “What do you want? I’ve got things to do today.”
I should hate that nickname, but I don’t.
“Well,” I say, shifting my weight, suddenly aware of how close he is, “that’s the thing. I wanna learn some stuff. About ranch life. Important stuff.”
He watches me closely now.
“If you teach me,” I continue, “I can be your helper. I’m here for six months, it’d be nice to actually know what I’m doing. Plus, you’ve got that big spring thing coming up next week for the ranch. I’d really love to help.”
His jaw tightens, a muscle jumping there like he’s arguing with himself. He’s deciding whether I’m worth the trouble, He stares out into the field behind me for a long moment before looking back down at me.
“You wanna learn how to groom and saddle the horses?” he asks.
My face lights up. “Yes, please.”
He nods once. “Come on, then.”
I can’t help it, I bounce on my toes, excitement spilling over, then climb up and over the fence. Halfway down, hereaches out his hand. This feels bigger than it should, like crossing something more than just a fence.
I take it. Of course I take it.
His grip is firm and steady, warm around my fingers, and when my boots hit the ground, I’m suddenly very aware of how close he is.
“Thanks,” I mumble.
He doesn’t say anything, just releases my hand and turns toward the barn.
The sun is beating down on us as we make our way toward the horses.. It’s hot in that good, lazy way, warm air clinging to skin, cicadas humming somewhere in the distance. I start humming without realizing it.
Cole glances over at me.
“Does sound come outta you twenty-four seven?”
Actually yes, humming actually calms my nerves but he doesn’t need to know that. And why does he notice everything? Even the parts of me I forget I’m doing sometimes.
I smile and feel my cheeks warm. “Sorry. I just… really love it here. And I’m nervous everything is new, ” I shrug. “It kinda makes me not miss Seattle at all. And if things keep going the way they are I’m starting to think six months in Tennessee isn’t enough.”
He doesn’t respond, so I keep going, nerves making me chatty.
“I’m just happy you’re going to teach me some things. What’s that saying? Rope me in? Show me the ropes? Ehh, I can’t remember but I was kinda hoping I’d eventually make it on your good side.”
“Yep,” he says.
