Hayden: Sounds to me like you already got one. How much notice do you need, exactly? 3-5 business days?
Smartass.
Yes, actually. Thanks.
My grin spreads as I wait for him to respond. Yes, I know this certainly isn’t keeping my distance, but if we can’t be friendly, there’s no way I’ll survive being around him. Not without practically wearing a sign that says “we had sex” in bold, flashing lights.
Hayden: I’ll see what I can do. Any particular reason? Do you make it a habit of going over there naked or something? If so, I will not be giving any notice in the future.
I’m surprised by the loud laugh that escapes me.Is Hayden openly flirting with me? I don’t think I’ve ever seen him flirt before, aside from the occasional double entendre… Which is crazy considering we’ve slept together.
Meh. You’ve seen that already.
I find myself grinning at my phone like a crazy person, even as the regret hits. I should not be flirting back. We agreed it was a one-time thing. And the fact that he’s coming over for dinner is exactly why it should stay that way. Once again, the dots appear and disappear several times before his response comes through.
Hayden: Trust me, I’m well aware.See you tonight.
“Hey, honey,” my mother greets when I enter the kitchen through the mudroom. “You look cute.”
The slight lilt of her voice hints at a deeper meaning, but I ignore it. “Did you expect me to still be wearing the PJs from this morning? It’s just leggings and a shirt.”
My mother simply smiles at me before returning her attention to the stove. My stomach growls as I take in the enticing scent of food. Her pot roast is nearlyas good as her chicken alfredo, and my mouth waters in anticipation. It almost makes me forget about the dinner guests. Almost.
“So, have you met Sierra yet?” she asks after removing the roast from the oven and placing it on the stove.
I sigh. “Yes, Mom. You know I have. She seems sweet. He brought her with him the other day, and she helped out in the stables.”
“Shame on you putting that girl to work.”
I gather plates so I can set the table. “No one put her to work. She wanted to come to the ranch, and she wantedto help. It was probably good for her to get out of the house and spend time with the animals.”
Mom makes a sound behind me, but I head over to set the table. The kitchen is open, with an island large enough to seat six, but I already know she’ll want to sit at the table at the far end by the windows since it isn’t just Hayden coming over. After setting the stack of plates on the table, I return for the napkins and the silverware and get started.
“Need any help?” I look back and find Sierra standing behind me.
I must have been lost in my head somewhere because I didn’t even hear them come in. I wasn’t expecting to hear the doorbell or anything, but I somehow missed the commotion of my parents greeting them.
“Hi, Sierra. I just finished setting the table, but I’m not sure where my mom is at with the food.”
“I offered to help her as soon as we got here, and she told me no. So, I figured I’d ask you. Everyone else is still in the other room.”
I give her a warm smile. “Well then, I guess we’re all set. Can I get you anything?”
She shakes her head, her curls swaying gently back and forth. She really is a sweet kid. Helpful. Respectful. Even after all she’s been through. I offer her a quick tour of the propertysince we have some time before dinner, and her face lights up like I offered her the greatest gift on the planet.
We start at the pasture where the horses currently are. Snickerdoodle walks right over to the fence to see us.
“How cute!” Sierra squeals. “Is she friendly?”
“She sure is. This is Snickerdoodle. Hayden and I picked her up a few weeks ago.” I point at the other chestnut mare. “Along with Ginger over there.”
Snickerdoodle presses her nose to Sierra’s hand, and I watch as her smile grows even wider. “I love her.”
“She’s a sweetheart. Do you ride?” I ask as we turn to head back to the house.
“A little. But we didn’t have horses of our own, so I didn’t get much of a chance.”
“I know Hayden has horses, but you’re welcome here any time. I’m sure my mom would love to give you some lessons if you want. If it’s alright with Hayden, of course. She used to offer classes before she retired.” I end with air quotes because the woman is not retired. I swear she does more now than ever before.
