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Chapter Twenty-one
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It’s been nearly aweek since my trip to L.A. and while I’ve grown extremely anxious waiting to hear from my agent, I have had quite the distraction to keep me busy.
I’ve tried not to obsess over it too much. I knew it was going to be a few days before I heard anything and up to this point I know they have yet to announce anything so I’m still in the running. I think. Not obsessing over one thing has led me to obsess over another and as such I’ve seen more of Thad this past week than I have the entire time I’ve been home.
We steal kisses in the barn, touch hands when no one’s looking, and play footsie like teenagers under the dinner table. I’ve spent every night in his arms, managing to force myself out of his bed before dawn so no one’s the wiser.
This thing happening between us has blossomed since that day at the lake, bringing us close in a way I never saw us being.
I can’t say for certain but if I’m going on Thad’s actions alone I’d say he’s just as taken with me as I am with him. Though deep down I can’t help but wonder if maybe that’s wishful thinking on my part.
I’m about to head to the barn to tend to the horses, which is code for go see Thad, when Chris comes strolling into the kitchen, his gray shirt soaked in sweat and dirt smeared across the side of his cheek.
“You need a shower,” I tell him, waving my hand in front of my face even though I can’t actually smell him from where I’m standing on the other side of the kitchen.
“You’re one to talk.” He points to my pale yellow shirt that’s smeared with soil from the garden.
“At least it doesn’t look like I’ve dipped myself in a vat of sweat.”
“It’s called hard work, little sis. Maybe you should try it sometime.”
“I think I’ll pass.” I turn my nose up playfully. “If everything works out I’ll be out of here in a few days anyway.”
Again, wishful thinking. I’ve been doing a lot of that recently. And even as I say it a weird knot forms in my stomach at the thought.
“Heard from your agent yet?” He pulls open the fridge and grabs the pitcher of ice tea out, setting it on the counter as he retrieves a cup from the cabinet above.
“Any day now. I hope,” I mutter the last part to myself.
“Where you off to now?” He eyes me from the side, his focus shifting between me and the tea he’s filling his glass with.
“Gonna go check on the horses.”
“Pretty sure Thad tends to the horses, doesn’t he?” Chris sets the pitcher down and turns, propping his hip on the counter as he raises the glass to his lips.
“And?” I question like I have no idea what he’s implying. “Does that mean I can’t go peek in on them and maybe take Cocoa out for a ride?”
“Maybe if that was what you’re actually doing.” He meets my gaze over the rim of his glass before lowering it to the counter.
“If you’ve got something to say, Chris, by all means, say it,” I snip a little harsher than I intend to.
“You may think you’re being slick here, sis, but I gotta tell ya, you suck at hiding shit.” He shakes his head.
“I really have no idea what you’re talking about.” I continue to play stupid.
“So that’s how you’re going to play it?” He scratches his chin, a smile playing on his lips.
“That’s how who’s going to play what?” My mom comes bounding through the kitchen, a laundry basket balanced on her hip.
“Nothing. Your daughter here forgets what hard work looks like. Thinks she’s funny.” He gives me a look that says this isn’t over before turning and shoving the tea back into the fridge.
“Speaking of work. Laken honey, do you think you could hang these clothes on the line for me?”
“Sure, Mom.” I give my brother a look that readsscrew youbefore shuffling over to my mom and taking the basket from her hands. “When I’m done I’m going to take Cocoa out for a while.”
“Just stay on the main property. You know how your father feels about you riding alone.”
