Chapter 19
CATHIA
Well…the candy didn’t work. Not that I thought he’d fall into my arms over a bag of candy, but I thought it would at least be the opening I needed to talk to him. But, since it didn’t work, on to phase two.
I still haven’t told anyone other than Bishop about us, but that is something for the two of us to announce to the group. As a couple.
Cami and Vaughan are out this afternoon having their monthly check-up on my nephew that she’s got cookin’ inside of her, so other than Hayes, the ranch is empty today.
It’s the last day of school before the Christmas break, so I’ve got a few more hours before they descend on the McCallan Ranch for the annual ranch party.
So I know Hayes is busy setting things up.
I step out and my boots crunch along the gravel.
Jesus Lord give me the strength because walking is a task.
If anyone is ever in the market for some compression pants, I should give them the name of these jeans.
I tug my suede jacket closer to my body when a cool breeze picks up, and I speed up my steps to reach my destination.
Off in the distance I see Hayes stacking some hay bales from their flatbed that sit around a large hole that was dug for the fire pit later this evening.
The ranch has activities spread out all around the ranch.
Much like the ones we’ve been playing over the past few weekends, but these are geared specifically for the kids.
The archery targets are covered with reindeer paper and the goal is to put the nose on Rudolph.
There are tables set up with craft supplies allowing the kids to make their own ornaments, a movie screen that will play a Christmas movie once the sun goes down, the arena is set up with a calf dummy with fake antlers and a red nose to have the kids do some fun roping with tinsel (there’s no way any of them are roping anything, but it’s fun), food and cookie decorating that will take place under a tent, and a small train they’ve assembled using old barrels.
The night will end with s’mores making and by that time, we will all be thoroughly exhausted.
Oh, did I mention all the Mag Creek crew got roped into this? Cami and Vaughan were very sweet in telling us we would be helping. All the more reason to get this over with so I can run in and change and be back out here like nothing ever happened.
Hayes sees me and stops midway through stacking the last hay bale.
His eyes grow large as I approach and he drops the bale haphazardly.
I bite my bottom lip to contain the giddy smile on my face.
Butterflies swirl in my belly and my hands, despite how cold it is, begin to sweat.
I calm my quivering, take a deep breath and go for it.
“Howdy cowboy.” I try to make my voice low and seductive but my teeth are starting to chatter.
“Hey…Cat.” He eyes me up and down, face scrunched, and it doesn’t make me feel too confident.
“I was wondering if you could give a girl some riding lessons.” I twirl a piece of hair around my corner surprisingly, because my fingers are growing numb from the cold.
“Uh, what are you doing?”
“I’m looking for a cowboy to help me ride and I hear you’re the perfect man for the job.” I reach out and rub my hand up and down his arm. He flinches and takes a step back, and there goes a knife in my confidence balloon.
“I think you’re mistaken. I used to give private lessons but after my injury of the heart, I’ve given up.”
My smile fades and now it’s my heart that feels cold.
Stumbling back, my arms fly out to the side to steady, and Hayes reaches for me.
I dodge away from his grasp because I don’t think I could handle him touching me right now.
I’d want to find peace in shelter in his arms, but he can’t offer that to me.
“I-I’m sorry. I guess I’ve misunderstood. I’ll…sorry.” I turn around and let my feet take me as fast as they can to my car where I text Cami and let her know I’ve suddenly fallen ill and won’t be able to help this evening.
It’s not a lie because I am sick. I’m sick over the mess I’ve made, and sick of what may become of our relationship.
Will I be able to repair the damage I’ve done?