14. ZANE
ZANE
A sigh of relief escapes my lips as I submerge myself fully into the tub, leaving only my head out, my back pain and sore muscles thanking me for the instant relief.
I had one this morning—I usually take one a day, but I’ve been a wound-up mess for three weeks, and it’s all because of a certain songbird who won’t quit invading my thoughts, so I’ve resorted to two a day.
At least she stopped sneaking into my bed.
That’s a good thing, right? It’s exactly what I wanted, but I’m not so sure anymore.
I haven’t talked or interacted with Ava since the day I lost Lilly.
What happened in my cabin after was unexpected, but by God if it didn’t ruin me.
We spent an incredible night together, doing every sinful act under the sun, but the next morning, I woke up alone, her side of the bed cold.
Since then, I’ve only caught glimpses of her around the ranch, but she’s made sure to steer clear of me.
She doesn’t even sleepwalk into my bed anymore—something I was averse to but I’m now craving.
What did you do to me, Miss Diva?!
My overthinking causes me to surpass my usual fifteen minutes. When I start losing feeling in my legs, I realize that it’s time to leave the tub before I get frostbite.
After a cold shower, I get dressed and wander into my kitchen to find something to eat. The fridge is always fully stocked for me, and all my meals are delivered here from the main house, but nothing seems appetizing tonight.
She can’t have such a severe effect on me that she’s taking my appetite away as well, can she?
I should be focused on my work, dammit. I have an order of two Mustangs that I need to concentrate on and a million other responsibilities, like the upcoming Pbr bull riding season that I’m thinking of signing up for.
Instead, she’s on my mind all the time when she shouldn’t be.
“Fuck,” I grunt as I slam the fridge door closed in frustration.
That’s it! I need to see her before I drive myself crazy.
My mind made up, I shrug on a hoodie and leave my cabin, headed for the main house. My timing is perfect as I walk in on the whole family, including Ava, having dinner.
The room falls silent at the sight of me, but I don’t care about them as my gaze lands on her. Her eyes are wide, shocked to see me as well, but she turns away too fast for my liking when she finds me looking at her.
Get a grip, Zane. You’re not here to ogle! I quickly think of an excuse as to why I’m here since everyone is staring at me questioningly.
“I ran out of beer,” I explain, heading for the fridge in the corner and grabbing a whole case.
Since I have what I want, the plausible next step would be to walk back out, but I can’t leave yet—I want to spend more time here and see Ava for a bit longer.
“Why don’t you join us for dinner before you head back?” my father invites, giving me the perfect excuse to stay.
“I shouldn’t,” I resist, just to ensure it doesn’t seem like I’m giving in too fast.
“Sit,” he asserts, giving me exactly what I want.
There are multiple empty seats, but I pick the one next to Ava even though she looks panicked at the sight of me. I hear her breath hitch when our shoulders rub against each other. Just to tease her a bit further, I lean in closer and watch as her hands tighten around her fork.
“Pass the pasta bowl, please,” I request, having to hold myself back from cackling at her reaction toward me.
She does so, and I take it, making sure my hand brushes against hers. She tries to act unaffected, but I don’t miss the slight pink tint on her cheeks and earlobes when we make contact.
I serve myself a generous helping, and conversation flows back around the table with them mostly ignoring me.
They know I won’t participate, so they don’t bother including me, which I don’t mind at all.
I’m here for one reason and one reason only, and she is seated right next to me, smelling incredible and looking even better.
I don’t blatantly stare, but I do keep an eye on her. I’m keen enough to notice that instead of eating, she is playing with her food. Is it me? Am I affecting her as much as she’s affecting me, or is it another thing I need to worry about?
She seems to have lost even more weight, which is alarming since she was already skin and bones when she landed. Why is she not eating? The food is amazing—even Jace, who is not a fan of pasta, is scarfing it down.
I nudge her shoulder with mine, and she jumps slightly before turning to me. I point to her plate. “Eat,” I demand softly.
She shakes her head, so I narrow my eyes and clench my jaw. She sighs and picks up her fork and takes a bite.
Good girl.
I keep eating my own food but keep an eye on her, making sure she doesn’t stop.
“Daisy, you’ve been pouty all evening. What is going on with you?” Ella asks loud enough for the whole table to hear.
I turn my attention away from Ava to Daisy, who does look sadder than usual. She sighs and bows her head, refusing to say anything.
“Her music teacher is going on maternity leave, and they can’t find a replacement, so the classes have been suspended for now,” Jace explains on her behalf.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart. I know how much you look forward to those classes,” Ella sympathizes.
Daisy has been taking music lessons at the rec center every Saturday since she was five. She loves music class, so if her teacher is leaving for a while, it explains why she looks so forlorn.
She pouts even further, looking like she’s about to start crying.
We all want to help her, but if the rec center couldn’t find a substitute teacher, then there isn’t much we can do.
Or is there?
I turn to Ava, wondering if she is an option, when Ella voices my exact thoughts.
“If only we knew someone who is exceptionally gifted in music.”
“If only indeed,” Jace hums in agreement, catching on.
Feeling eyes on her, Ava looks up from her plate. “Why are you all looking at me?”
“Because we are talking about you,” Ella replies.
She drops her fork, waving her hands defensively. “I can’t teach music. I attend vocal lessons, not the other way around.”
“But you know enough to teach—you’re a famous pop star, for God’s sake,” Ella argues.
“Performing is not the same as teaching.”
“It’s only three hours every Saturday, and the classes are really fun,” Jace adds.
Daisy unleashes her puppy eyes on her as well. “Please, Ava.”
“I’m sorry, darling. I’m not confident enough,” she apologizes.
I can understand why she’s hesitant, but we all know how good she is; we just need to make her see it as well.
I usually sit out of all conversations, but something compels me to participate in this one. “You used to teach the children’s choir. It’s the same thing.”
“Yes, a decade ago, when I was sixteen, bored, and in need of a job,” she argues.
“Well, you’re twenty-six now...”
“Twenty-five,” she corrects.
I know her twenty-sixth birthday is this month, but it looks like someone is not so eager to let go of twenty-five just yet.
I kiss my teeth, holding in a smirk. “My apologies—twenty-five it is. You might not be broke, but you are bored. Or can’t Miss Diva spare a few hours out of her precious day to teach a few chords to kids?”
“You’re insufferable. You know that’s not what I meant,” she scolds.
“What did you mean then?”
“Why are you doing this to me?” she groans.
“Doing what? I’ve only asked you a question.”
“C’mon, Ava, it’ll be fun, I promise,” Ella insists.
She ignores me and turns to her best friend. “Even if I were to agree, you know how Wrangler Creek parents are—they might not agree to some stranger teaching their kids.”
“You’re not a stranger. You grew up here, but that can be handled easily. Daddy?” Ella asks, turning to our father.
He doesn’t hesitate, retrieving his phone to make a few calls. “On it.”
“You guys?!” Ava groans.
“What’s your other excuse?” Ella teases, knowing we’ve won.
Ava slumps back in her seat. “You’re not leaving me much of a choice.”
Ella’s eyes widen in happiness. “Is that a yes?”
“Yes.”
“You hear that, Daisy? She’s said yes!” Ella cheers.
Daisy gets off her seat and walks toward Ava to give her a hug. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Ava responds.
Daisy sits back down with a smile, back to fully enjoying her food now that her dilemma has been solved.
“You should have caved faster, saved us all the groveling,” I say to Ava.
She turns to me with a glare. “That’s not what I wanted.”
“Didn’t seem like it.”
“I hate you.”
I tilt my head to the side, staring her down. “Right back at you, Miss Diva.”
She grumbles something under her breath and looks away. She’s so cute.
“Do they actually hate each other?” I hear Daisy whisper to Jace.
“No, sweetheart, it’s all an act to cover their real feelings,” Jace answers.
I don’t care if he’s right or wrong—all I know is that I’m glad I decided to come here tonight. I should make this a constant thing.