“I honestly don’t think you have it in you to do that, but sure, I’ll take it.”
Her eyes narrowed and I wish I could have smacked the words back in my mouth because, again, that wasn’t me giving her a chance.
“You have some vision in your head of me already, don’t you? And I will never be able to break it in your eyes.”
I stood up, grinning as I stood right before her. She had to tilt her head back slightly and the thought of bending down to kiss her entered my head and confused me, because that really was the last thing I wanted to do. Really, I just wanted to get a rise out of her, feeling like that would be a lot better. In fact, it would be.
I could take this confusion out on her, even if I was in the wrong about it.
“I do, Katie. And when I can sum up a person, no matter how pretty they are, I’m never wrong. Your bad news, and there is nothing you can say to change that.”
I tipped my hat, then walked away, the urge to kiss her once stronger than I thought.
Chapter 5
Katie
Iwasn’t sure what I thought over the last few days, but no matter what I forced my mind to think about, Zeb wasn’t too far away. And let me tell you, that was downright annoying.
Especially when he and I seemed to be at odds.
So, yeah, I thought I’d apologize, but that didn’t go over so well.
And now I’m stuck here, standing outside the barn, watching him with the horses and the kids, three days later, and he looks right at home.
Comfortable.
Sweet.
Playful.
All traits I hadn’t gotten to see but I knew were there, had to be there, given his job. But I guess he didn’t show it around too many adults. Or maybe it was just me.
It was also nice to see Tiffany take so well into this life. As a mother, I was proud of her. But as a woman, I was jealous because though I loved the area and the people, I hadn’t quite found my footing. And in part, that had to do with this man.
He had thrown me off my game and I couldn’t find my way back.
Mind you, I didn’t like it one bit.
“Mom,” Tiffany said, making me smile.
“Hey baby, having fun?”
“I am, the horses are so sweet and playful. One stole an apple right out of my hand before I had time to even give it to her. But she fluttered her eyes and I couldn’t stay mad.”
“I’m happy to hear that.”
It was upsetting that her dad didn’t get to see her like this.
“Do you want to stay and pet some?”
“No, honey, you have fun. I’m just here to take some pictures of the land then I got to work. Maybe we can go grab a shake tonight.”
“Sounds cool, Mom.” She waved as she walked back to her horse and I looked around, seeing the kids having fun and then catching Zeb, who was watching the whole exchange. His head was tilted slightly, as if he seemed confused over something, but I couldn’t phantom what.
I gave him a small wave before walking to the barn door, stopping as my phone rang. I snatched it out of my pocket and groaned at the caller id. I didn’t want to take this call, but I knew if I didn’t, he wouldn’t leave me alone.
“What?” I muttered, not even giving him a greeting. He didn’t deserve one in my book.
