Chapter 12
CHAPTER 12
MATTHEW
C olt is pulling out of the driveway when I stop in front of Tandy’s house. He hasn’t made any implications about all the time I’m spending with Tandy, and I appreciate it.
He makes himself scarce some evenings, and I do worry that he’s staying away to give me time alone with her. I don’t want to chase the kid off, but I do appreciate the time I get with Tandy.
Before I knock, Tandy steps out onto the porch in a yellow jogging suit. She looks a bit like a sunflower in full bloom. Minus the big round part in the middle.
“Morning, sunshine. You look ready for a walk.”
Her gaze slides down to my feet. “I’m a bit surprised you even own a pair of tennis shoes.”
“I’m always angling to surprise you, Tandy. My boots are in the truck because there is no way I’m working out at the ranch in these.”
She shouts back into the house. “Chip and Dale, you boys behave. I’ll be home in a bit.”
“Think they understand you?”
After a shrug, she laughs. “Doesn’t matter anyway because they don’t listen. They’re either asleep or misbehaving. This morning, I found Dale on top of my fridge, trying to open the canister of treats I keep up there. They’re a mess.”
“Thanks for walking with me.”
We stroll down the sidewalk.
“Next time, I’ll just meet you at the ranch and we can walk there. I was thinking about it this morning. You live halfway to the ranch. There is no point in you driving all the way over here, just to double back.”
“Either way is fine. I don’t mind coming to your house.” I walk close to the road, acting as a buffer between her and danger. “The foundation for Colt’s house is being poured today. It won’t take long to build his place. Then we’ll focus on your house.”
“What about the lovers’ cabins?”
“One thing at a time.” I’ve made a timeline, and with some luck, we might have the place ready to open by Thanksgiving. That’s months and months away, and it’ll take a lot of work, but that’s my goal.
Tandy zips the front of her jacket. “It’s chilly out. The weather has been so weird. Cold then hot. Mother Nature needs to make up her mind.”
“Shh. Don’t anger her. The heat will set in early and last all year.” I wink.
We circle the block, and Tandy waves at neighbors as we stroll along. When we’re away from eavesdroppers, she laughs. “Did you see the way people are looking at us? After this morning, we’ll be the talk of the town. People need to find hobbies if who I walk with is their only excitement.”
“Maybe we should give them something to talk about.” I keep my voice even and don’t glance at Tandy as I make the suggestion.
She’s quiet for a couple of heart beats. “What did you have in mind?”
I grin at the mischievous twinkle in her eye, then stop and step closer. Excited at the possibility she’ll actually kiss me, I lean in. “I was thinking a little mouth to mouth would entertain the neighbors.”
“You mean like you pretending to collapse, and I have to save you?”
“If that’s what it takes to get you to kiss me, then yes.” I hold her gaze and my breath.
I probably should’ve had coffee before coming here because my decision-making isn’t the best right now. Asking Tandy for a kiss is going to send her running. She’s been more than clear about only being friends.
She blinks, still quiet, which is unusual.
“I’m sorry. Forget I said anything. I just—it’s been…” I start walking but glance back when I realize she is glued to her spot. “Will you forgi?—”
The tip of my tennis shoe catches on a seam in the sidewalk, and I fall, grasping at air as I go down. I squeeze my eyes closed, anticipating the pain. But I at least have the presence of mind to tilt toward the grass, so my landing is a bit softer, and the risk of breaking a hip isn’t quite so bad.
I land face-first in the dirt.
“Matthew!” Tandy drops to her knees and leans over me.
I roll to my back and open one eye. “Honest to God, I did not mean to trip.”
Clenching her jaw, she wags her finger in my face but doesn’t say anything.
After a second, I push up on my elbows.
“Are you okay? You scared me. We are way too old for falls. It’s dangerous.”
“I didn’t mean to fall, Tandy.” I shift, hoping my muscles won’t complain too much when I stand.
She rests a hand on my shoulder. “Stay put a minute.” Then Tandy brushes at hairs on my forehead. “Are you really okay?”
“I won’t know for sure until I get up, but I think I’m fine. Might have a bruise. But I’m fine.”
She works herself back into an upright position, then holds out her hand to me. “Please be careful. I’ve gotten used to having you around. I’d like it to stay that way.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I clasp her hand and get to my feet. Still holding her hand, I take a few steps. “All good.”
She doesn’t let go of my hand as we head back to her place. “All good? Really? I think that limp says otherwise.”
“I’ll be okay in a bit. My body is working out the kinks.”
She squeezes my hand. “If anyone was watching, I think we gave them something to talk about.” Her fingers slide out of mine, and Tandy laughs as she walks to her front door. “You want coffee before we head to the ranch? Should I call Hank so that he can make sure you’re okay?”
“I don’t need to be checked out. But I desperately need coffee.” When I get to the front door, she cups my cheek.
I inhale, hoping maybe a kiss isn’t far into the future. “Tandy.”
She inches closer until her nose is nearly touching mine. “Do not ever scare me like that again.” In a flash, she pulls away and marches into the kitchen.
This is a much different reaction to when I landed underneath her weeks ago. Things between us have definitely changed for the better.
I rub my hip as I walk toward Colt.
He furrows his brow. “What happened to you?”
“I took a spill this morning. But I’ll be fine.” I reach down and pet Colt’s new friend. “Have you given him a name?”
“Bandit. Earlier, I was snacking on beef jerky. And I set the bag up high, out of his reach when the work crew pulled up. But the sneak shoved an empty crate closer and climbed up. Every last bit was gone when I got back.”
Bandit wags his tail, proud of his problem-solving skills.
“Smart dog.” I pat Bandit again. “Let’s go over and see the progress. They started bright and early.”
“Yeah.” Colt glances at my truck. “I kinda thought Miss Tandy would be with you. It seems like y’all are spending lots of time together, and if you need me to find another place to stay, that’s not a problem.”
“She’s on her way. Tandy and I are friends. And you don’t need to move out of her place. She likes having you there. And I meant what I said about being glad you were there to look out for her.”
“Good. Okay. You tell me if that changes.”
We walk over to the site where Colt’s house will be.
The foundation is framed, and the concrete truck has the vat spinning. The men are hovering near the end of the chute as gray sludge slides down.
This is only the first building of many, but it feels like progress. We’ve started construction.
An engine rumbles, and Colt laughs. “With that new truck, I can hear Tandy coming from a half mile away.”
Her smile is wide as she slides out of the truck. “It’s finally happening.” She reaches into the truck. “To celebrate, I brought breakfast tacos. Plenty for everyone.”
Colt and I grab some, and I let the crew know that tacos are waiting.
Tandy eases up beside me and rubs my arm. “You okay?”
“I’m good. And thanks for the tacos.”
She leans into me. “These guys are going to be laying down a lot of concrete out here, and I want them to like me.”
“Good plan.” I rub her back and let my hand rest there.
She doesn’t pull away, and I smile.
My honesty was impulsive, and my fall was completely unintentional. I’m not sure which of them is responsible for this shift, but I’m thankful.