Chapter Nine #2
“I wanted to get a quote for lumber that I need for my paddock.” She told him the measurements, and after he worked up some numbers, she put in an order and arranged for the delivery date.
In the meantime, she bought some wood to repair a part of her barn.
The salesman said he’d have the smaller purchase ready and waiting in the front of the store.
“So you’re really doing it,” Jesse said as they walked toward the plumbing area. “You’re going to turn your dream into a reality?”
“I’m going to try,” Carly responded. She didn’t know when she’d officially open the school, whether it would be anytime soon or years down the road, but she could at least get things fixed on her property in preparation.
She watched Jesse sort through the different pipes until he found what he was looking for. She didn’t know why she was waiting with him. She hadn’t needed his help, and he didn’t need hers. But Carly was reluctant to leave. Not until she had answers.
“Can I ask you something?” she asked.
“Sure,” he said.
“I thought we had a good time the other night.”
Jesse stopped looking at another pipe, his gaze shooting to hers. “We did. Didn’t we?”
Carly folded her arms over her chest. “You tell me. You said you had a nice time and that you wanted to date me more, and then…nothing. I haven’t heard from you since.”
Jesse closed his eyes briefly. “I’m sorry.
I told you I was out of practice.” He looked toward the area where they sold baby chickens and spotted Oscar.
“Oscar had a bit of a tough week at school. He came home upset because of some stuff with the football team. Finn and I worked things out with him, but it’s taken up more of my time than I anticipated.
Not that it’s any excuse. I should have at least texted you. I’m sorry.”
Carly’s demeanor melted a little despite wanting to stay mad. “I get that your son needs to be your priority. I wouldn’t want to go out with you if you didn’t put him first. But an occasional text would be nice.”
“I’ll do better, I promise.” Jesse used the hand not carrying the pipes and traced an X over his chest.
Carly smiled despite herself. “Fine. You’re forgiven.”
“I believe we did discuss another date last time I saw you.”
Carly tapped her finger against her chin. “Is that right?”
“Even though this is very last minute and you have every right to say no, are you free tonight? I’d love to take you to a place that my future sister-in-law told me about.”
She had absolutely zero plans that night other than to sit on her couch and watch reruns. Spending more time with Jesse seemed a much better option.
“I think I can do that.”
“Good,” Jesse replied. Oscar noticed them and reluctantly rejoined his father. They made their way up to the cash register. Carly stopped when she saw the large slab of wood she ordered. There was no way she was going to be able to fit that in her car.
“What’s wrong?” Jesse asked.
“I think I bit off more than I can chew,” she replied, waving at the board. “Big board. Small car.” She shrugged.
“We can take it for you,” he offered. “We can throw it in the back of my truck.”
“Oh, I don’t want to impose.”
“You live right near us,” Jesse said. “It wouldn’t be a problem.”
Which was how Carly found herself pulling into her driveway a short time later with Jesse and Oscar following in their truck after a quick stop to the bakery. They pulled up to the barn, and Carly got out of her car.
“Where do you want this?” Jesse said as he nodded toward the wooden board sticking out of the cab of his truck.
“Against the barn is fine,” she told him. She walked over to help them, but Jesse shooed her away.
“We’ve got this,” he told her.
“My macho man,” she joked. She was more than capable of helping with the heavy lumber, even if there was a tiny part of her that liked seeing Jesse’s arms strain inside his shirt as he and Oscar lifted the board and brought it to where she stood. They placed it where she requested.
Oscar was still upset with his dad, given the way he was coldly looking at him.
He turned to her and said, “Can I see your horse?”
“Oscar…” Jesse said.
“I can’t even look at a horse now?” Oscar retorted.
“You can look at him,” Carly replied. “Just be careful. Nieve can be a bit temperamental when he’s in a mood.”
Oscar brushed by his father without another word. Jesse watched him go before rubbing his forehead. “Is he okay with your horse if Nieve doesn’t do well around people?”
“I didn’t say that Nieve wasn’t good with people. He’s used to being around large crowds and little kids running up to him. That said, he’s one of the biggest divas in the world, which is why I said he’s temperamental.”
“Sorry,” Jesse muttered. He looked lost for a moment. “Like I told you the other day, my wife was always better at dealing with Oscar than me. I seem to tick him off all the time.”
Carly bit her lip before saying, “Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to give him some space.”
Jesse stiffened at that. “He needs someone to look out for him.”
“And you can do that, but…he’s a teenager. He’s clearly trying to figure out his own way. It’s hard to do that when someone is constantly looking out for you and not letting you make your own choices.”
A muscle in Jesse’s jaw ticked. “I don’t want him to get hurt.”