When I let him out into his paddock next to the barn, I turn to see Kacey looking at my ass. Her eyes snap up and cheeks flush red, again.
Yep, you’re busted, sweetheart.
I don’t mind. She can look all she wants.
Rein comes running into the barn, straight for me, making Kacey scrunch her nose. “I raised you, feed you, and give you a warm place to sleep at night, and you don’t even glance at me. You just run straight to him. What a little traitor.”
I chuckle at the dog while it pays no attention to her owner’s rant. Me and ol’ Rein have been sneaking in some pets when Kacey isn’t looking.
“She knows I haven’t paid my pet tax today.”
When I first heard Kacey call it a pet tax, I cracked up. It’s so true though, just like the government, you have to pay up, or Rein will come and take them by force.
I decide now is a good time to give dinner another shot.
“I’m starving; I’m going to head into town to eat. Do you want to come with me? And before you say no, this would not be a date. Just two people getting dinner together. I haven’t been anywhere in town, so I don’t know what’s good or bad. You’d be doing me a favor by going with me.”
I didn’t say “not a date” to trick her. This isn’t a date—I don’t date—but I wouldn’t mind getting to know her better. She wrings her fingers in her hands and glances away from me. She’s going to say no.
“Uh, yeah, sure. I know a good café in town—”
I knew it. “That’s okay, I totally underst—”Wait, what did she just say? A café? She said yes?“I mean, great, let’s go to the café. I’ll drive.” Shit, now my face is turning red.
She looks down at her jeans and t-shirt. “Do you mind if I change quick? A calf got me pretty good earlier today.” She points to the shit splattered all over her jeans.
I’ve shod horses and worked with Buck today, so I hardly smell like roses, but at least I don’t have calf crap all over me. I’m pretty sure I have some cologne in my truck.
“No problem. I’ll grab my truck and meet you at your place.”
She nods and takes off toward her house, practically running.
Chapter 12
Kacey
Kacey
SOS
Kacey
This is all your fault and I hate you.
Ifly into my house and scramble for some clean jeans and a long-sleeve shirt. I don’t have time to think about what I’m wearing; I just need clean clothes. I can’t believe I just agreed to go out with Knox. He said it’s not a date, but that isn’t stopping me from having a panic attack. I feel like I’m in a crowded Costco—chest tight, palms sweaty, breathing in short panting breaths.
I’m pathetic.
Kacey
HELLO? Did you not see the SOS??!
I run into the bathroom to brush my teeth and throw on some mascara. Finally, my phone vibrates.
Jessie
Good lord woman, what has your panties in a wad?
Jessie
