Shiloh couldn’t make it tonight. I guess some farmer in Gilman had a sheep get pregnant later than usual, and she’s having complications giving birth. Shy didn’t give me much information, but it sounds like she’s got a long evening ahead of her.
Cillian is doing his own networking, even though he’s one of the only farriers in the county. He keeps busy all year round, between that and helping out with his family’s ranch. I know he hates these events just as much as I do, so when I see him stuck in a conversation with old man Roy, I decide to throw him a rope and get him out.
I toss my dessert plate in the trash and make my way over to them, placing a hand on Cillian’s shoulder. “Sorry to interrupt, gentlemen, but I need to borrow Cillian for a minute. Problem with one of the horses’ shoes.” I give them my best customer service smile.
“Well, no need to apologize, Juniper. Duty calls.” Roy claps Cillian on the back and walks away.
“Thank you,” Cillian murmurs when he’s out of earshot.
“No problem. We should head to the barn to make our story believable, though.”
“Lead the way.”
Walking in silence, I lead him to the main barn and we close ourselves in. Both of us take a deep breath, relieved to be away from the crowd.
“I’m assuming there’s not actually a problem?”
“No.”
“Good. I didn’t bring any tools with me, and I didn’t want to go all the way back to the ranch.” How long do you think we should stay in here to make the story seem real?”
“I dunno. Fifteen minutes at least.”
“Sounds good to me. Maybe by that time, my dad will be ready to go.” Cillian slides down the stall door and plops himself on the floor. I slide down the stall on the opposite side so we’re facing each other.
The thing with Cillian is, he craves silence. He doesn't like small talk, so he’s content to sit here for fifteen minutes and not say a word. However, with the way my nerves are already shot from the party and stressing about Addison, the silence is only increasing my anxiety.
At least I know Cillian well enough to know he’s not mad at me.
Instead of chatting his ear off, I pick up a few stray strands of hair and start weaving them together. The motion helps to somewhat soothe my nerves, but again, all I’m craving is the familiarity and comfort of my own space.
Fifteen minutes feels like fifteen hours, but eventually we decide it’s been long enough. Cillian leaves first, and I take a minute to steel myself for more socializing. Before I can walk out the door, though, it swings open and Addison appears.
“What are you doing in here?” I ask.
“I overheard one of the guys say there was a problem with the horses and that you came in here. Didn’t know if you needed extra help.”
I don’t know why I was expecting her to say she was coming to check on me. Why would she?
“Oh, no. Everything is fine. Cillian needed an escape, is all.”
Addison nods, shoving her hands in the pockets of her jeans. She’s looking everywhere but at me, and the tension between us is thick and awkward instead of the usual hum of lust. So many words are on the tip of my tongue. So many questions buzzing through my brain, but I can’t find it in me to ask them.
I’m not sure I could handle the answers.
I feel like I’m reading too much into her actions. She left a mark on my boob and spent the night in my bed. I shouldn’t be wondering if she likes me. I can’t be wondering if she’s already tired of our situation. If she were, she would have told me.
Unless she thinks you’re a crybaby who can’t handle rejection.
Gah. I can’t do this right now.
“I think I’m going to call it a night, rest up before the crazy starts next week.” I give her a tense smile, heading to the door.
I could swear her face falls a little, but maybe that’s just hope from me. “Oh, yeah. Right. I’ll see you for dinner tomorrow?”
“Of course. Goodnight, Addison.”
“Goodnight, Juniper.”
