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“They like it,” I say with a small chuckle and nudge his arm. “They like to roam and here is as safe as any. We’ve tried to keep them contained, but Polly and Billy love to escape. We gave up a long time ago.”
“Yeah, alright.”
I nudge him again, and he stares down at where I touched him before turning his face forward. I try to remember not to touch him so much, but it sure is hard. My body is drawn to him as we make our way down a small hill and to the creek. Whenwe reach the edge, the animals all take a water break as Braxton stands, looking at the flowing water.
“This it?”
I nod happily as I step up next to him. “Yup. Pretty cool right?”
I love it down here. Not only are there thick trees surrounding us but there are also cool rocks scattered on the riverbed. Blues and reds and browns, each with unique shapes and swirls. And the water looks real pretty cutting a path through the earth like it does. Just barges right through, asking no one’s permission.
I find one of the large, smooth rocks on the side of the creek before plopping my ass down on it. As soon as I sit, Abra-ham climbs up onto my lap. He snorts happily when I scratch at his ears and lets out a squeal when Braxton makes his way to us, taking a spot next to me.
“So, this is what you do? Just sit out here and watch nothing?”
I chuckle at that, “Not nothing. The trees are pretty after a rain like last night. All bright green, and look over there.” I point and his eyes follow my finger to a spot with an array of blooming flowers. “They bloomed overnight it seems. The colors are so damn pretty.”
He blinks at me, his head cocked to the side in confusion. “You’re not like anyone else, you know that?”
“I suppose not. But listen, nature is real beautiful if you give it a chance. You can find beauty in anything, Braxton.”
He continues to just stare at me, his eyes flitting around my face. They bounce from my eyes to my lips and then back again. Is he thinking about kissing me again?
Would I let him?
Hell yes. It’s not even a question.
But does he want to?
Before mouths can touch, the goat topples over onto his side dramatically, and the donkey lets out a loud bray.
Braxton jumps at the sudden intrusion of sound, and I let out a small chuckle.
“Don’t worry about them. Just having a bit of a tiff.”
“Jesus,” he murmurs as he presses a hand against his heart. As he does, Abra-ham moves over to Braxton’s lap and settles onto it, laying out theatrically and letting out a happy snort. Braxton stares at him and then back up at me.
“Why’s the pig on my lap?”
“Cuz he likes you.”
“No one likes me,” he murmurs, even as he tentatively pets the pig’s back.
“I like you just fine,” I say and nudge him softly.
He lets out a shaky breath and then nods, biting down on his lip and staring out at the wildflowers that are gently blowing in the wind.
“I hate it here,” he says. “It’s not what I’m used to.”
It’s a raw admission, so I don’t say anything, just let out a knowing hum.
“Everyone looks at me funny.”
“That’s cuz you’re unique,” I say. “And you frown a lot. People are probably wondering how to make you smile.”
He snorts in amusement and peers up at me. The tilt of his lips leaves my mouth dry and my heart thumping painfully in my chest.
He’s so pretty when he lets a little light in.
