Chapter 25
Lacey
Carson didn’t say much when he arrived back to the barn, putting his saddle and bridle in the tack room with a bang, jumping in his truck, and leaving as fast as he came. I am shocked I couldn’t see literal steam coming out of his ears.
“Give him some space,” Briggs says, standing back out of the way.
“I know.” I sigh. “Did Beckett make it back? I never saw him come in.” My answer is given to me when I notice his horse is back in his stall.
“Yeah, saw him walking toward the cottage about ten minutes ago,” Briggs answers.
He must have come back when I was in the house getting a drink and snack.
I finish up my check of everyone’s stall, their water, and feed before dusting off my hands and heading toward the cottage.
I don’t know why I have the need to check on him, but I do. I know how grumpy my brother gets, and if Carson wanted them both out there together—alone—then it only means one thing.
He had something to say.
Beckett is sitting on one of the rocking chairs on the front porch of the cottage when I get close.
“I am surprised those chairs haven’t fallen through the porch yet,” I laugh. “This place needs work.”
“I have been thinking about fixing it up,” he states. “Give her some TLC.” He looks over at me. “Would you like to help?”
I’m shocked he asked. Honestly, I am shocked I am even here.
What on earth am I doing here?
“Um, I don’t know. I have a lot going on with the filly and the ranch. I will probably just get in your way.”
“Maybe I want you in my way.”
I blush; did he really just say that?
“I mean,” he looks almost embarrassed he said that out loud. He clears his throat. “I wouldn’t mind the help. You can do the stuff I don’t care for, like painting.”
“Oh no, if I help, we are doing it all together,” I sass.
He chuckles. “Yes, ma’am. That means you’ll help?”
I step up on the porch and lean up against the railing in front of him, twisting my lips acting like I am in deep thought. “Depends.”
He leans forward, a mischievous grin across his face. “On?’
Is Beckett King flirting with me?
Am I flirting with him?
“If I help you, you have to help me.”
He raises an eyebrow. “And what would I be doing?”
That smirk. Oh my god, that devilish smirk he is giving me is saying his mind is definitely in the gutter right now.
Retreat now, Lace. Retreat.
“You can help me with the filly.”
He sits back; his smirk still painted across his beautiful face.
Shit. I didn’t just think that.
“Okay,” he finally says. “But we have to keep this out of Carson’s sight.”
I tense. “Um, why?”
“Because he is your brother and set in his ways.” That’s all he says, but I know there is more to it. He forgets he grew up around here, I know him a little bit, and my brother a lot.
“Are you fucking kidding me? The idiot used the time out there putting Nugget down with just the two of you to lay down ground rules? What did he say?”
“Lacey, it is no big deal.”
“Yes, it is, what did he say?”
“He said for me to stay away from you,” he states.
“I swear, he can be such a complete jackass,” I exclaim.
He nods, agreeing.
I look out across the land, feeling like steam is coming out of my ears this time when a feeling of warmth crosses my fingertips and makes the hair on my arm stand to attention.
“Lace,” Beckett says. And I realize he has hold of my hand. “Don’t be upset. He is just being a protective big brother.”
“It’s not like you would even try something with me anyway. I am like a little sister to you.” I tell him. And I really hope he disagrees with me on that one. I hope he tells me the complete opposite.
I am disappointed when he drops my hand and says, “Yeah, a little sister, right.”
What? You were supposed to disagree, damn it.
Now I truly feel embarrassed. I am so stupid thinking Beckett King could even be interested in me. The same girl he saw with braces and acne. The girl who ran around the house in a tank top and didn’t even need a bra back then because her boobs hadn’t come in yet.
“Well, I am glad you are okay after dealing with him and seeing Nugget like that. I got to get back to my chores.” I hurry off the porch.
“Lace, wait.” Beckett calls out for me, but I just wave at him and keep walking.
I feel like an idiot. I swore I could feel the tension between us since his arrival.