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Blake
Blake checked over both shoulders as he gathered up the grooming supplies. Kiwi was the last horse on his list, but she wouldn’t be for long if Jess caught him before he could get out of the stables. Two stable hands mucked stalls, and another led a chestnut horse to the outdoor arena. No sign of Jess.
Shoving the supplies into the locker, Blake whistled an upbeat country tune. He was in the home stretch, and he'd get to see Everly soon. He shut the locker and turned quickly, almost running into Jess.
"Leaving so soon?" Jess asked.
This was a trick question. Yes, he thought he was leaving, but Jess was scary despite being a petite blonde. She likely had other plans for him, and while she wasn't his boss, he liked staying on her good side.
"Um, yes?"
Jess smiled. "In a hurry to see Everly?"
"Yes." He didn't have to think about that answer, and he didn't mind being honest with Jess. Telling Everly the truth about how he felt was much more complicated for some reason.
"How's that going for you?" Jess crossed her arms, playing the protective friend role well.
“I'm not really sure yet. I don't think she's had enough time to get past the David fiasco."
"Is that your only excuse?" Jess asked.
Blake stepped around her and headed for the sink to wash up. "I'm pretty sure she still thinks of me as a friend." He thought about the way she'd wrapped her arms around him outside her bedroom a few nights ago. Maybe he and Everly were headed in the right direction, but it was too soon to tell.
"The friend zone is tough," Jess said.
"Yeah, and I have no idea what I'm doing. There are about a million ways I can mess this up for good."
Jess leaned against the wall beside the sink. "Don't rush it. There aren't any cheat codes for getting out of the friend zone. You're going to have to tough it out."
Blake narrowed his eyes at Jess. "Thanks for the pep talk."
"I mean it'll be worth the wait," she added.
"I know that. I can be patient." Well, he’d been idling for years now, and Everly’s new single status did make him want to speed things up for some reason.
Jess slapped a hand on his back. "She couldn't ask for a better man."
Blake reached for a paper towel and dried his hands. "I knew you liked me."
"Don't read too much into it. You're better for her than David."
Blake scoffed. "That doesn't take much."
Jess leveled him with a serious expression. "Don't tell anyone I said this, but she hasn't mentioned David in days."
"Okay,” he drawled. “Why is that a secret?"
"Because she's been talking about you. Whatever you're doing, keep it up."
Blake didn't contain his smile as heat filled his chest. "Thanks."
"Go get her. A little birdie told me there's something she'll want to talk to you about tonight."
Blake jogged toward the exit and shouted over his shoulder. "You're the best!" The sun was beginning to set as he jerked open the door of his truck. He almost sat on the note in his seat.
I'm making tacos with mashed potatoes tonight.
-Everly
