Chapter 10
Ten
Macklin
It’s been two weeks since Baylor stayed over at my place.
Two weeks since holding her after she fell asleep.
Two very long weeks of sleepless nights without her next to me.
I’ve been trying to keep my word not to pressure her, yet I’m also always around.
I’ve been spending more time than necessary at the stables on the estate just for a chance to see her.
However, today, I’m asking her over for dinner again. It’s Friday, and the thought of another night without her is not a pleasant one. Besides, next Monday is Christmas, and I have to give her the gift I bought.
I’ve just finished watering the horses when I hear the door to the stables creak open, and I can’t hide my smile, because every day, even knowing that she’s more than likely going to run into me, she comes to visit the stables.
She could come later in the day, try to miss me, but she comes when she knows I’m here.
At least that’s the story I tell myself.
Slowly, I turn to face her. “Hey, beautiful.” I walk toward her and pull her into a hug.
Something else that I’ve been doing a lot of.
I don’t care who knows how I feel about her, and if I’m going to make her fall in love with me, I need to pull out all the stops.
If she’d let me, I’d show her, and anyone watching, every day of forever.
“Hi,” she says, drawing back and rewarding me with one of her blinding smiles.
One of the good ones that reaches her eyes and tells me more than her words ever could that she’s happy to see me.
“How are they today?” she asks, moving toward Buckwheat’s stall and slipping her hand over the railing to pet his neck. “Hey, boy,” she murmurs.
“They’re all good. I just finished giving them fresh water.”
She nods. “Is Macklin taking good care of you?” she asks Buckwheat, which earns her a nod, and she laughs. The sound carries and fills the stables. I love the sound of her laugh.
“You know I am,” I tell her, stepping up behind her. One hand instinctively goes to her hip, the other reaches over the railing to give the old boy some love.
“I know,” she answers softly.
I want to hold her close, but my hand on her hip is pushing it far enough. I promised her she could take the time that she needs, and I meant it, no matter how hard I have to battle temptation.
“What are your plans for the night?”
She glances over her shoulder at me. “No plans. Sophia invited me to her family's Christmas party. It’s one of many they do with all her mom’s family in Nashville, but I want to stay nearby in case Ellie goes into labor.”
“She’s close, right?”
“Yeah, next month, but she’s far enough along now, it could be anytime, and the baby would be okay. That’s what the doctor told them this week at their appointment.”
“Are you excited about being an aunt?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.
“Yes!” she exclaims. “I can’t wait, and I’m so happy that they found their way back to each other.”
“Agreed.”
“They say—whoever they are—” She laughs. “—that everything happens for a reason. They’re together, happily married, and about to be parents. They were always meant to be, and the universe knew that.”
“You’re going to be the best aunt,” I reply. I want to tell her that she’s also going to be the best mom, hopefully to our kids, but that’s pushing, and I promised I wouldn’t. She’d surely freak the hell out if she were able to read my mind where she’s concerned.
“Thanks, Mac,” she says sweetly. “I can’t wait to spoil her.”
“So, about tonight. I was thinking we could have dinner. I can cook for you, or we can order in, or go out. Whatever you’re feeling, I’ll make it happen.”
“Just like that? What about what you want? What you’re feeling?” she asks, removing her hand from the stall and turning to face me. I do the same, missing the heat of her body pressed to mine.
“I get time with you, Bay. That’s all I want.”
She’s quiet for a few minutes. Her eyes bounce around the stables before coming to land on me. “I want dinner at your place. We can order in. Pizza with ham and pineapple, and sweet tea is a must.”
“Yeah?” I ask, excitement roaring through my veins. I was certain she was going to turn me down. “Anything else?”
“You still have the stuff for those sundaes you made us?”
“I’ll make sure that I do. Can I pick you up?”
She tilts her head to the side. “Is that what you want?”
I nod. “I want to knock on your door, walk you to my truck, and all the other things that go with a date.”
“Pulling out all the stops, huh?” she teases, no doubt to break the moment, but I hold steady.
I step closer, sliding one arm around her waist and tugging her close. “For you, absolutely,” I say, kissing her temple. I asked for a chance, and this feels like she’s giving me one.
“Fine, you can pick me up. Seven?”
I nod. “I’ll be there to get you at seven. If you think of anything else you need, text me, and I’ll get it done.”
“I don’t need anything, Macklin. A nice dinner… with you. That’s plenty.”
I want to kiss her so fucking badly, but I refrain. “Done.” I bring her in closer and, this time, wrap both arms around her, hugging her tightly.
“I should get back. I have a few more things to go over with Ellie to prepare for her maternity leave.”
“Let me know if I can help.”
She smiles. “Thanks, Macklin. I’ll see you later?” she asks, taking a step back, out of my hold and out of my arms, but that’s okay, because tonight she’s going to be at my place. And if I’m lucky, she’ll let me hold her again. I’m a desperate man, willing to take anything she tosses my way.
I’ve spent the entire afternoon and early evening preparing for my date with Baylor tonight.
I have her wrapped present under my little ceramic tree.
Because, come on, I’m a single guy, living alone.
I’m not going through the trouble of putting up a big-ass tree just for me.
Then again, she probably would have loved it.
Next season, hopefully, she’ll be living here with me, or we’ll be in a new place, and we can get a big tree and decorate it together.
Anyway, the present is wrapped, the sundae supplies are stocked and ready, and a few surprises are prepared. Now, all that’s left is to call in the order for our pizza, pick up my girl, then the food, and our night together can begin.
When I reach their house, I leave the truck running, hop out, and rush to the front door, keeping my head tucked. The winter wind is harsh. Once at the door, I knock three times, shove my hands into my pockets, and wait. A few seconds later, the door opens to Copeland, wearing a shit-eating grin.
“Whatcha doing, Mac?” he asks, and I know damn well he can’t live in this house with my girl and her sisters and not know why I’m here, but that’s fine. I’ll play along, because I have nothing to hide.
“Here to pick up my date,” I tell him as he steps back and motions for me to step inside out of the cold.
Copeland spreads his legs apart and crosses his arms over his chest. “What are your intentions with my sister?” He tries to glare at me but ends up smirking.
Copeland and I have been friends since we were kids in elementary school. The four of us guys have been close for years, and we both know that if I’m here, I’m here because I’m all in.
“Copeland!” Baylor scolds as she steps into the room. “I heard that. Back away from Macklin slowly,” she teases. She doesn’t stop until she’s standing next to me.
“Hey, you,” I say softly, leaning in to press a kiss to her cheek. My hand finds its way to the small of her back, and she leans into me just slightly. Then again, maybe it’s all in my head, and I just wish she were leaning into my touch.
“We’re leaving. Don’t wait up,” Baylor tells Copeland.
“Is this really happening?” he asks, chuckling. “Are you two going on a date?”
“I told you we were having dinner,” Baylor tells him as I help her into her coat. “Come on, Cope. Don’t pretend you don’t already know,” Baylor tells him. “I know that Ellie tells you everything.”
Copeland answers with a cheesy grin. “I wasn’t supposed to know. I was playing the part.”
“What part of you not knowing was you asking Macklin’s intentions?” she asks, hands on her hips. Puffy coat and all, she still looks sexy as hell.
“Fine, fine, I concede defeat. You two crazy kids have fun. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
“Oh, so don’t sleep together, fight, and end up pregnant and married? Got it,” Baylor sasses.
Copeland’s grin never wavers. “Actually, I highly recommend it. Best thing to ever happen to me.” He winks. “Now, off you go.” He waves us away.
“Ready?” I ask Baylor, chuckling at my best friend, but also a little envious that he’s living the dream life with the woman he loves. I can only hope I’m on that same path.
“Yeah,” she says softly. “I’m ready.”
Deciding to press my luck, I reach down and lace her fingers with mine. She doesn’t pull away, which has me slowing my gait for the walk to my truck. When I reach forward and pull the door open for her, she glances over at me and smiles.
“You don’t have to open doors for me, Macklin.”
“That’s all a part of the package,” I tell her.
“What package?”
“The Macklin McBride package, tailored to you and only you.”
“Smooth, cowboy, real smooth,” she teases, before gripping the assist handle, or the oh-shit handle as I like to call it, and heaves herself up into my truck.
I wait for her to get settled before closing the door and heading to the driver’s side. Next stop, pick up the pizza, and then home for a night of hanging out with my girl.
“What’s all of this?” Baylor asks as I lead her into the house.
“This is where we’re going to eat pizza, watch whatever you decide you want to watch, and where you’ll consume the largest chocolate sundae, with extra whipped cream, that you’ll ever see.”
“Macklin, this is a pillow fort, or pillow oasis.” She turns to look at me, and her eyes are sparkling with happiness, which makes my afternoon rush to get this all together more than worth it.