Chapter Twenty-Six
Grayson
“Can you pass me the hammer, please?”
Knox hands over the tool as I hold the nail in place against the wooden cladding of the farmhouse.
“This place is coming along nicely, Holden,” Knox says encouragingly, giving the house a quick glance over.
There are windows in it now, and the roof tiles have been placed, making it closer to being lived in.
A similar style to Reid and Macie’s place, but this one is smaller and a little more country than their modern farmhouse design.
Holden mutters out a small thank you, and Reid and I snicker. He’s never been big on being the centre of attention and it shows.
“And thank you for helping us out,” Reid adds, taking another plank from Holden and moving to nail it to the side of the house.
We’re almost done, thankfully, because cladding is one of the most tedious parts of building a house.
Weatherboards are definitely the nicest look, but they’re a pain in the ass to construct.
“Yeah,” I add, giving the board a small shake to ensure that it’s secure before flashing Knox a grin. “You’re helping more than Cole.”
Holden snorts, and I know he silently agrees with me.
“Cole is a menace most of the time, but he sometimes comes in handy,” mutters Reid, pulling a nail from his mouth.
Knox laughs, dropping back to the ground, and I follow suit. “Believe me, I’ve heard all about how much of a monster Cole is. It’s all I hear from Paisley’s mouth. Well, that, and the fact that this town drinks more than what’s probably healthy.”
“Oh yeah?” I ask, brow raised.
Reid perks up, wanting to hear more about what’s going on between Knox’s sister and our brother. As do I.
“Yeah. With how much she hates him, I’m surprised they can even be in the same room as each other. She really doesn’t like him.”
My eyes narrow, and Reid questions coyly, “Doesn’t like him? Or maybe hates that she likes him?”
Knox’s brows furrow, and I remember again that this kid is only fifteen. The only things he’s thinking about are dirt bikes, video games, and food. Girls probably aren’t his priority right now.
Smart kid.
“I’m not sure, but I do know that every time Cole beats her in their online competitions, Paisley goes all quiet and moody.”
“So, she remains her normal self,” Reid snickers.
I clip him on the back of the head, knocking off his brown suede hat. “Stop picking on Paisley. She’s not that bad.” I say, defensively.
Knox waves his hand. “See. She’s nice.”
“Are we both talking about the Paisley who bartends at Ashwood Afterhours?” Reid teases with a cocked brow.
Knox nods. “Yeah, that one.”
“The girl who barely speaks,” Holden adds.
The corner of my mouth twitches. “You’re one to talk…” I drawl.
Reid laughs. Holden rolls his eyes lazily. Knox shrugs. “She talks with me.”
“Hmm,” Reid hums, crossing his arms over his chest. “Maybe there is another side to her that we are yet to see.”
Knox shakes his head.
Holden puts his hammer down. “She’s friends with Macie and Laynie.”
My throat dries a little at the sound of Laynie’s name, and I turn away, dropping everything in my hands.
My cheek still tingles from the kiss she gave me the other night.
It made my brain short circuit a little.
After seeing her in the bath and washing her hair, I was surprised all I could manage was to peck her temple, which I have done before, but this time it tingled with vitality.
“Speaking of, they should be here shortly,” Reid interjects, making me peer at him.
“Macie and Laynie?”
He nods. “Yeah, it’s almost four, and Laynie is spending the night here.”
I look at my phone. It’s ten to four already. Today has flown by.
“Cole will be coming home tonight, also. He doesn’t have a race this weekend,” I add, recalling his schedule.
Knox whistles and checks his phone. “I hope Paisley comes before Cole does. Otherwise we’ll be in for a—”
“Treat?” Reid finishes with a smirk.
Knox tries smothering his grin.
I snort. “She said she’d be here at four, right?”
Knox nods as Reid and Holden start tidying up our tools.
“Thanks for sticking around and helping out.”
“I was happy to. Besides, I like hanging out here. Don’t get me wrong, my siblings are cool, but half of them are girls.” He pulls a face that makes me laugh. “It’s not the same when all they want to do is their nails and talk about their stupid rom-com movies.”
“Well, we’re always here for you.” I sling my arm around Knox’s shoulders.
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it, especially since Daniel is too busy with studying and his friends, and Wyatt isn’t even in town anymore. He’s studying robotic engineering.”
“Oh, wow,” I let out, a little surprised. “That’s awesome.”
“Yeah, it is. He got a scholarship to study, which is why he moved to Newcastle,” Knox explains. “But it means I don’t really get to see him anymore.”
“Well, you can come here anytime. There’s always at least two of us floating around. Just text me if you want me to pick you up.”
He nods appreciatively. “Maybe the others would want to come for a bike ride with us one day?”
“Maybe. They prefer horse riding, though.”
“And you don’t?”
My eyes flicker away, and I feel the spark in my chest as I watch Laynie and Macie approach us, smiling and laughing. Laynie’s hair is in a high ponytail, her overalls over a pink jumper, and black boots that are dusty and muddy. She looks perfect.
That’s when I feel a flick on my head and cringe. “Ow.”
“You were staring a little too much,” Knox mumbles, glancing to see who has grabbed my attention. He smirks. “If you keep this up, I’ll start thinking that you might like her.”
My deadpanned expression is enough of an answer, and Knox’s smirk drops to an O shape as the gears click in his head. “You do, don’t you?” he breathes out.
I clear my throat, looking around to make sure that my brothers aren’t here. “You can’t say anything, though.”
“I won’t,” he promises with a wide grin. “You can trust me.”
“I do trust you, Knox.” I press a hand to his shoulder, squeezing it a little.
Laynie’s boots crunch against the gravel, tearing away my attention. “Hey, boys,” she says softly with a grin.
I feel the collywobbles tangle in my stomach as Knox gives a small wave. “Hey, Laynie. How’s Golden Hour? Paisley said it’s booming at the moment.”
She blows out a small breath, tucking flyaways behind her ears. I’m a little sad that I wasn’t able to do it. My fingers are itching to touch her hair again after the other night.
“It’s been busy, even with a second baker. I shouldn’t complain, though. We’ve had a lot of new people coming past to try our winter menu. It just means we are having to bake more than normal, but it’s nothing Marigold and I can’t handle.”
“Oh, that’s awesome. I’m glad it’s going well.”
Laynie’s smile brightens. “Thank you, Knox.”
“You’re welcome.” His phone chimes loudly. “Paisley is here. I should go so I’m not late for helping with dinner. It’s my turn tonight."
“Go.” I pat his back. “I’ll see you next Saturday for another ride.”
“Oh yes! I’m so excited fo—”
Macie elbows Knox in the side, and I frown. Knox stutters out nervously, “I-I mean, I’m excited for another bike ride. Yeah. Gotta run.”
Before I can question that terrible cover up, Knox takes off towards the small four-wheel drive parked out the front with its engine running. Macie follows after him, leaving us two alone.
I arch a brow at Laynie, expecting an explanation, but she doesn’t offer one. All she says is, “So you and Knox are getting closer. It’s nice.”
I eye her suspiciously, wondering what all of that was about, but something inside of me tells me it’s better not to hassle her for the information.
But it has me wondering what is happening next weekend.
“We are. He’s a good kid. I like hanging out with him, and he’s enjoying the rides.”
“Why doesn’t he ride with Daniel?” she asks curiously.
I sigh softly, wondering what I should share with her about Knox’s story. He told me all that in private, and it seems rude to share that with Laynie behind his back.
So, I settle on, “His brothers are busy, and I had the space and time. And I think he needed someone older to look up to, or at least that was the impression I got from Paisley when she asked me.”
Laynie’s gaze stills on mine, the dim glow of the sun blinding her a little, she shades her face with her hand.
She looks like she has something on her mind.
I see the gears turning in her head, grinding away as she considers everything.
“I think it’s good that he’s spending time with you. You’re a good man, Grayson.”
My mouth pulls upwards into a grin, and I pinch her lightly, making her squeal. “Sounds like you might be impressed with me.” I shoot her a wink.
Her cheeks bloom with colour like a spring field, and for a beat, I consider that she might actually be impressed. Is me spending time with Knox proving to her that I’m becoming more mature?
Turning on her heel, Laynie walks beside me towards the main house. She grabs a hold of my arm, and I feel my skin heat at the contact. I have to push away the urge to hold her and kiss right here in the middle of the ranch.
“I spoke with Sadie about the house,” she starts.
“And?” I ask, curiously.
Her gaze drops to the ground as we slow our steps. “She’s going to find her own place, but I don’t want her to rush. There’s still time before the baby comes, and she’s been through so much… But I feel better now that we’ve spoken about it.”
I smile. “I’m glad it helped.”
“It did.” She grins before adding, “Also, before I forget to tell you, Betsie is making some weird rattling noise. Do you think you’ll have time to look at her?”
My frown reappears. “Does it sound like it’s coming from the engine?” I ask, my tone shifting.
She shrugs lightly. “I think so. It’s hard to tell at this point. She’s getting geriatric.”
I snort and slip my arm over her dainty shoulders, loving the feel of her body pressed against mine. I could get very used to this. “I’m sure Holden and I could take a look for you after dinner,” I offer as we keep walking.