Chapter 27
Chapter Twenty-Seven
SIENNA
August’s side of the bed was empty when I woke up, but a hot coffee was on the bedside closest to me, still gently steaming.
I sat up slowly, surprised Muffin hadn’t come and nudged me for her breakfast yet, and reached for my coffee. It was perfect, just the right balance of milk and sugar, and I bit my lip to stop the goofy grin that wanted to break out across my face.
I hadn’t woken up feeling this relaxed, this happy, in a long time. But, true to our word, we hadn’t talked about what this all meant. Were we dating now? Friends with benefits? Was it a one time thing?
The smooth surface of the coffee rippled as I gently blew on it before taking a sip to test the temperature and found it right below scalding — just how I liked it.
Once the cup was empty, I climbed out of bed and cleaned myself up in the bathroom before nipping across the hall to get dressed in my own room.
I’d ripped off one bandaid, partially anyway, and now I needed to do it again, to put my heart on the line and hope he treated it well.
My jeans and sweater were casual, comforting, and I nodded to myself as I glanced in the mirror before making my way down the stairs.
Paws thumped against the wood as Muffin heard me coming and came to see me and I paused for a second, surprised by the sight of her half-filled bowl in the hall.
Making me coffee was one thing, but feeding my cat?
It brought unexpected moisture to my eyes and I sighed under my breath, feeling ridiculous.
“Hey.”
I glanced into the kitchen and waved at August before wanting to slap myself. “Hey. Thanks for the coffee, and feeding Muffin.” I pointed to the ball of fluff who’d gone back to sniffing at her bowl and then dropped my hand. What was wrong with me? Where did all the gesturing come from?
August looked amused, eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. “You’re welcome.”
A beat of silence echoed between us as we looked at each other and I opened my mouth but nothing came out. August took a step forward, like he had something to say too, but a knock at the door drew both our eyes.
“You expecting someone?”
“I don’t think so?” I frowned, trying to think back and coming up empty. It wasn’t likely to be a door-to-door salesperson, so that left the people on the ranch and Grams. “I’ll get it.”
I’d almost reached the door when the knock came again, firmer and more impatiently this time.
Rude much?
I opened the door and my face broke out in a grin. Louise’s hand was still raised in the air but she let it fall to her side when I opened my arms for a hug. “Oh my god you’re here, I missed you!”
Louise held me tight, jumping up and down ever so slightly as we spun around in a circle.
Behind her were three other familiar faces: Cade, River, and baby Tyler.
Louise finally relinquished me and I brushed a stray tear off my face. It was silly, I’d seen her a couple weeks ago, but it felt like longer when I wasn’t seeing her every day like I had in the city.
“Okay, okay,” River said, rolling his eyes as he pushed between us carrying a car seat that held Tyler. “Where have you stashed my brother?”
“Riv?” August appeared in the kitchen doorway, a mixture of surprise and happiness on his face as his eyes dropped to his nephew.
I hugged Cade, ushering everyone inside and closing the door while August cooed over the baby and his brother watched with a bemused smile.
“Hello to you too,” he said, when August finally stood and clasped his brother in a fast hug.
“I didn’t know you were coming.” He raised an eyebrow at me and I shrugged. “Well, I’m glad you’re here, anyway.”
River unstrapped Tyler and August led us all into the lounge. My heart squeezed seeing the house so full, and how easily August and River fit into the small family I’d carved out for myself.
Louise perched next to me, resting her head on my shoulder, August bounced baby Tyler on his knee while he chatted to River, and Cade had found Muffin and her loud purrs made me smile.
“So things are good,” Louise said quietly, a calm look on her face as she watched me watching everyone else.
“I’m happy for you. There’s no real updates on my end, the press has started to die down.
Another month and I think you could come home.
” My stomach dropped and Louise chuckled at whatever expression I wore.
“Yep, that’s what I thought. You’re not coming back, are you. ”
The words were a question but there was only resigned certainty on her face as she looked at me.
“I don’t think it’s where I need to be right now,” I said carefully. “But it’s not like I’ll never go back, I just don’t know if it’s where I want to spend all my time.”
“It’s okay, I get it. And seeing you here… You look happy, babe, and that’s all I want for you.” Louise nudged me as she frowned mockingly. “I’m going to miss the shit out of you though.”
I laughed with her and it was like no time at all had elapsed between us. “Well, you can always join us, convert to country living.”
She looked at me from the corner of her eye and we giggled at each other as she rasped out, “I’m not sure these boots do mud.”
“You never know,” August said, surprising me as he turned to join our conversation. “You might love it out here. I know I do.” His eyes met mine and I swallowed, unsure what to make of the words.
Lou glanced between us, her eyebrows climbing high, and I knew we’d be discussing whatever she could sense between me and August.
“Well, how about I make us some early lunch and then we can get you all settled?” The smug look on Louise’s face didn’t fade and I rolled my eyes as I walked to the kitchen and busied myself by putting bread into the oven to warm through.
I closed the oven door and jumped when I stood and found August standing right behind me, eyes like warm melted chocolate looking at me with far too much knowing in their depths.
“You invited my brother here,” he said and I tried for nonchalance as I shrugged.
“Thought you might want to see him.”
“Oh?” He took a step closer and I inhaled his cologne greedily, luxuriating in the warmth from his body. “Here I thought you were trying to get rid of me again.”
“I—”
August stepped closer. “I thought I’d made it clear, but let me spell it out for you.” He leaned in close, murmuring his words straight into my ear. “I’m not going anywhere, Sienna.”
“Well this is cozy,” Louise called as she strolled into the kitchen and took a seat at the island, smiling toothily at the two of us.
I flipped her off and she laughed as August smirked, giving me space as he backed away and took a seat next to Louise. It would be a miracle if I survived their visit with any integrity intact.
“Uh, Sienna?” River called from the other room and I shared a look with August as I went to see what was wrong. “I’m sorry, I hope you’re not too attached to the carpet in here… because Tyler just puked on it.”
I relaxed, laughing as I caught the baby wipes August threw to me from River’s bag.
“It’s okay. It’s only flooring.” I helped wipe Tyler’s face, and then River’s hand where he’d been caught in the splash zone, and then gently poked one of Tyler’s chubby cheeks.
“Besides, I could never be mad at you Ty — you’re too cute! ”
He cooed at me, smiling wide as more milk-puke flowed out of his mouth and onto his chest.
“I think this might be more than a wipe can handle.” I winced, catching what I could with the wipes. “August can show you to a room upstairs if you want to change him… and yourself,” I added, spotting the large wet stain on his shirt.
“Thanks,” River said quietly and the chaos eased a little as the three of them headed upstairs.
“You’ve got some explaining to do, missy.” Louise waggled her eyebrows at me as I binned the used wipes and headed for the sink to wash my hands. “Why didn’t you tell me you and August were a thing?”
Cade perked up, sensing gossip as he stroked a purring Muffin who lolled in his arms.
“It’s new.” Very new, I mentally amended and shrugged at my best friend. “Plus, you’re here now. So no update needed.”
“Oh no.” She laughed. “You think you’re getting off that easily?
I need details. I’m living vicariously through you.
” I tried to protest but she shook her head.
Any dry spell she was in was self-inflicted, but clearly that wasn’t what Louise wanted to hear right then. “You know what we need? Girls night.”
“I’m not sure—“
“Girls. Night.”
I raised my hands up, palms out. “Okay, fine. We’ll go out tonight.”
“Can I come?” Cade looked like he was holding back a smile and chuckled when Louise looked him up and down.
“Fine. You can be an honorary girl for the night.”
He waved her off. “Nah I’m just playing with you. Me and Miss Muffin have some catching up to do.”
“Great,” River said as he walked down the stairs in a new shirt and sans-baby. “You can keep August and Tyler company tonight.”
Louise folded her arms across her chest and River’s gaze dipped for half a second. It looked like I wasn’t the only one who had been holding back when it came to my romantic-life.
“Oh? And where are you going?”
River mimicked her pose, folding his arms tightly and making his biceps bulge. “I’ve got some business to take care of in the city.”
I blinked. “You’re going into Calgary?”
He sighed. “Yes. Why? Is that forbidden to you country folk?”
Cade snickered when Louise and I leveled River with twin glares. “Just seemed strange that you would come all this way to see your brother but then disappear off into the city at the last minute for some client.”
“I wouldn’t call my brother some client,” River mused. “And don’t worry, I’ll be back in a day. You’ll only have Tyler for the night—wouldn’t want to get in the way of whatever messy foreplay you two are engaged in.”
“River.” August’s voice was sharp as he paused at the bottom of the stairs with Tyler in his arms and his brother winced.
“Well, in my defence, you weren’t supposed to hear that,” he muttered and Louise joined in this time when Cade laughed.
Me? I was too caught up on what he’d let slip to care about him making fun of my sex life.
What business did August have in Calgary?
And why hadn’t he told me about it? Did this mean—
No, I told myself sternly. Do not get ahead of yourself. Business in Calgary doesn’t mean he’s staying with you.
I took in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Whatever August was planning, I would just have to wait and trust that he would tell me when he was ready. Baby steps.
Something warm and delicious tickled my nose and I forced a smile as I walked away. “Smells like the bread’s done. Wash up and grab a plate.”