Page 67 of Thaw My Heart

My stomach clenches. “I’m so sorry, Blake.” It would be much easier to like Blake, easy like breathing. To give in to this kind, rugged, and handsome man in front of me, but my foolish eyes can’t stop glancing at the barn.

Like a damn moth to the flame, my heart wants someone else.

“Don’t be," he brushes my arm in reassurance. “We can’t help who we’re attracted to. I’m old enough to understand that. Besides, we’ve had four dates, Sadie. It’s no damage done, honest.” He pauses, glancing at the barn. “You should talk to him.”

What, now? I might as well slap Blake in the face.

“There’s really no reason to,” I say too fast.

“Get a move on… Tequila,” his eyes light up in amusement, mocking me with a cheeky grin. The sick feeling in my stomach starts to ease with his light-hearted humor. “How long has he had that nickname for you?”

“A while.” Because of a night that ended with me trying to take off his pants like the impulsive woman I am. “Anyway, this is all beside the point. He doesn’t want to talk to me.” He seems content pretending I don’t exist, and perhaps that’s for the best.

“I think if you went in there and told him how you felt, it would make his whole damn day,” he encourages with a warm smile.

I laugh sarcastically. “Yeah, right.”

“I’m serious,” Blake pushes. “What are you afraid of?”

“Well, for one, he could try to fire me again,” I admit.

And this time, he has the power, too.

Blake’s eyes widen. “He tried to fire you?” I hum and nod, not wanting to say why. “Damn,” he shakes his head, chuckling under his breath. An amused smile forms on his face. Surprised that Kit would do such a thing.

“You still think this is a good idea?” I arch a brow.

Blake gives me a gentle push towards the barn. “Go on. I’m sure he won’t bite,” he teases.

But Kit probably would if given the chance. Though I’d like it too much if he did. “I think I’ll pass.” It’s safer this way. Easier and way less complicated.

“I dare you,” Blake challenges.

Damn him. He knows me too well. “Fine,” I roll my eyes, feeling the compulsion of his challenge. “But this is a terrible idea.”

“We’ll see,” Blake smirks.

With a deep sigh, I take off towards the barn. Making it a few steps before turning back, full of anxiety and guilt. “I don’t… I don’t want to lose what we have, B. I can’t. I like it too much.” As selfish as that sounds, Blake has become important to me. He’s my closest friend on the ranch, and I don’t want to ruin what’s left of us. Though I feel like I’ve already done that. “I’m sorry. That probably sounds selfish.”

He softly smiles, shaking his head. “You’re not going to lose me that easily, Sadie,” he assures. “But I still expect to kick your ass in a few pool games here and there. Now, stop stalling and go give him hell. You know the rules of a dare,” he wiggles a finger at me.

With a smirk on my face and purpose in each step, my boots carry me towards the main barn. It’s time to end this frustrating silence between us. Dream job or not, I’ve waited too long to confront him.

Impulsive. Reckless.

My mind whispers to me, but I ignore it.

Evening light filters through the snow-covered pines, shining warm light on the main barn, like it’s pushing me towards it. Lights hang near each stall door, and there are a lot of stalls, probably close to thirty, with timber and black steel doors. Pastel orange and pink colors from the setting sun drift in from the skylights, running the length of the massive barn.

I find him standing in front of a well-organized tack room, holding a clipboard with Wes at his side. My boots click on the polished cement, snagging his attention.

Kit glances at me with an annoyed look, then turns back to his clipboard. “What do you want, Sadie?” He asks like I’m the last person he wants to talk to.

Wes turns to him with a look that says, what the hell?

I take a breath, harnessing my confidence, ignoring the way his gruff demeanor gets under my skin. “I want to talk.”

He makes a noise of disapproval. “I’m busy.” He glances at Blake, standing outside the barn. “I’m sure Blake can help you,” he frowns, looking back to his papers.