I release a deep breath. “I don’t want my old lady standing in harm’s way. Let’s get this shit done as soon as possible.”
Grunts of agreement fill the air and I hope to fuck this ends soon because I have a bad feeling burning a hole in my gut.
CHAPTER SIX
– FENNA –
“You’re sure it’s not my ex?” I question once more and glance out the kitchen window where the horses are happily grazing in their pastures.
Redding places his mug on the counter and fills it back up with coffee. It’s early morning and we’ve been up for the last twenty minutes. We arrived back at my house late last night and with the events of the day, including the road trip, the both of us crashed once our head hit the pillow.
“We’re sure. He hasn’t left town which automatically means he didn’t hurt you that night at the bar and wasn’t near your house when the fire started. Besides, we have visuals of a car leaving seconds after the fire and we linked it with Kayla’s brother, August. And Kayla was there that night at the bar. With her history? It makes sense she’s the one who slammed you into the wall and told her brother the insane idea me and her have something going on.” He runs his hand over his short beard. “Fucking hell, I might have encouraged her over the weeks with the same playful routine I uphold as a bartender by throwing out winks, cheesy compliments and shit to make chicks feel special so they keep coming back to the bar. Not to mention, I asked you to act as my girlfriend, putting a damn bull’s-eye on your back because of it.”
I know what he’s talking about when he mentions his playful ways. The old ladies and I were also discussing it last night. Bartenders always have a certain charm, more so than waitresses. It just helps with tips and the whole vibe of service and making the client feel welcome and good.
“Hey,” I softly say and place my hand on his forearm. “You were clear to her and made her no promises or led her on for that matter. From what you mentioned yesterday, she’s a confused soul who needs help for her to see the reality of things.”
“And we’re basically prisoners until the FBI sends over a team,” Redding grumbles.
I give him a little squeeze and drop my hand. “Maybe we can work with the horses in the meantime. Houdini needs his hooves trimmed and with you being very capable to do so, I’m thinking you have your job cut out for you. I’ll be in the next pasture working with the new mare, Pink.”
“Taking advantage of my skills?” he taunts, and I’m glad to see the teasing twinkle in his gaze instead of the worry lines around his eyes.
I snort and put my own mug in the sink. “You’re my old man, you’re obligated to help me and you happen to have mad veterinary skills. With me breeding and training miniature horses it works out perfectly. Or are you going to refuse?”
He wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me close, his voice turning husky. “Old man, huh?”
“Hmm hmm.” I release a happy sigh to feel him this close.
“You’ve been talking with Tristine, Harlene, and Cassidy,” he accuses, and he’s right.
Last night when he was in church talking with his brothers, the old ladies all spilled a load of details. Not just about themselves but also details about Redding. It might sound like gossip but it was more about making sure I settled in with them perfectly.
I must say, everything I’ve heard and seen up to now shows this bunch is like a tight-knit family. The way they all help around the ranch, even jump in to help with Houdini’s fence, and stand up to make a plan to solve the things going on right now is a warm welcome.
Harlene mentioned how Redding has always been interested in the well-being of animals. Reading veterinary books, tagging along when she goes out to clients, asking a thousand questions, and watching procedures with hawk eyes.
Tristine told me Redding learned the farrier trade from her and is a fast learner. How could he not when he has a photographic memory? I’ve seen him interacting with the horses and other animals, he really has great patience and talent.
The change of bartending only shows he’s a hardworking man with a brain that craves to be triggered. I do have to say he hasn’t been back to the bar since the night we met. Maybe it’s because of what happened to me or with the obsessive woman.
My mouth runs away from me when I blurt out the question, “Are you still going to work at the bar or help me out with the horses?”
His eyes go thoughtful and are locked on my face. I nervously nibble on my bottom lip, not sure if I should have asked him such a personal question. On the other hand, I might not like him working in the spotlight with all the women fawning over him.
Ugh. Jealousy is a green monster I shouldn’t be afraid of because Redding didn’t give me any reason to doubt him. Not to mention, it was him who pursued me and warned me from the start he wanted me instead of making a deal for a fake relationship. There’s nothing fake about anything between us, that’s for sure.
“Never mind,” I mutter and give him a smile. “Okay, I’m heading out to start Pink’s training.”
“Well, since you asked.” The corner of his mouth twitches. “You breed and train miniature horses and visit retirement homes and sick kids and so on.”
I nod, not understanding where he’s going with this.
“The large pasture behind the house is where I can put my own horse if I move in, right?”
I narrow my eyes and wonder how we went from discussing career choices to moving in together.
“If so, I’m also going to bring one of the older Quarter horses we’ve bred. I could easily train one to become a therapy horse. You know, for disabled kids and give riding lessons or whatever if we manage to train two or three. But all of that is future stuff. I’m just letting you know what we have is for the long run. We have many options and possibilities together and I like to focus on one thing at a time. You’ve noticed I haven’t returned to my shifts tending the bar, and I won’t. I’ve let my Prez know I’d like to change things up. There are plenty of brothers and a load of different tasks in our MC. Your house being close to our ranch also works out perfectly if I take a shift herding cattle or whatever is needed.”
My heart flutters and this relationship speed train we’re on might be overwhelming but the rush of bliss it creates isn’t anything to complain about.
Instead of answering with words, I open the drawer and pull out a key to hold it up for him to take. “I guess you’re moving in but I don’t want to find dirty socks all over the place.”
His fingers wrap around the key and a bark of laughter flows through the air. “No laundry all over the place, got it, sweets. I’ll text one of my brothers to bring my horse over along with one of the Quarter horses I had my eye on.”
He leans in for a kiss but there’s a knock on the door right before our lips merge. Ewald strolls into the house. “A car is coming, expecting anyone?”
I stroll to the window and peer outside. Groaning I mutter, “Dammit.” Glancing back at Redding I release a sigh and tell him, “Get ready to meet my parents.”
“All righty then. I’ll be outside.” Ewald laughs and smacks Redding’s back. “Good luck, brother.”