Chapter 17
Tristan
The chicken coop renovations are almost done, and I got a request to come see it.
The last thing I expect to find is Lark standing there with Sadie.
Just the sight of her has my entire body thrumming with anticipation.
“Dad, come look!” Sadie calls to me, and I walk past Lark, brushing my arm against hers.
I hear the quick intake of air through her pouty lips.
“What are you doing here?” I ask her, looking around to make sure my sisters and father aren’t anywhere to be seen.
“Sadie saw me riding, said it was safe, so I’m here.”
Great, this is going to be a hundred times harder now.
Pun intended.
As Sadie shows us around, my finger grazes the exposed skin on Lark’s back when she’s bending over.
Lark plays the game back with me, moving around me, touching me subtly, resting her hand on my shoulder as she leans in close so I can smell her perfume.
Every fucking second is driving me insane.
I was hoping for another day without seeing her, but it seems I’m not lucky enough for that. Forty-eight fucking hours left of this torture.
After another five minutes, we’re done touring the coop.
“It outshines mine in every way,” Lark says to Sadie, who beams. “You’re going to have to help me renovate mine.”
“I’d love to!”
“I think you could start a business, Sadie’s Hen Houses.” Lark grins.
“Don’t give her any ideas,” I say.
“Oh, it’s happening. Thanks, Lark!” Then, before I can do anything, Sadie runs off, leaving us here.
We both watch each other as heartbeats pass like blips on the screen.
One.
Two.
Fifteen.
We should say something, or maybe it’s best we don’t.
“I should go,” Lark says, backing away.
I check and see that Sadie is halfway back toward the barn area a good one hundred yards away. “You probably should.” I step to her while she backs up farther. “But…”
“But what?”
I grin when the backs of her legs hit the coop, trapping her in place. I raise my arm, leaning against it and pressing close. “I don’t think you really want to go.”
She moves her hand to my chest, lifting up on her toes.
“Well, you see, here’s the thing.” Her lips are less than an inch away.
I could kiss her so damn easily. “I might not want to, but you can’t touch me for another two days.
” Her breasts rise and fall, so close, just grazing my chest. “So, we’ll see each other then—or maybe we won’t.
” Lark drops back down, twisting away. “Bye, Tristan. Sleep well.”
Then she leaves, and I know I’m not going to sleep a fucking wink.