“Why doesn’t she do it?”
“She’s busy with the studio and the kids. She refuses to take any more time away from them.”
“Can’t say that I blame her. I like to think I will be the same way when I have kids.”
“So if you want to inquire about it, let me know. I have some connections and would be happy to set you up with the right people to help get your foot in the door.”
She keeps flipping through pictures on her screen, but I know she heard me. Her cheeks are flushed.
“I don’t know, I think I’d rather just tag along here and there, when there’s time, and do it for you. I don’t really want to deal with the politics of it all. You know?”
“Yeah, I get it.” I also get that she only wants to do it for me and my farm, my horses.
Mine.
“So is that it? Do Joe and Midnight get to come back out?”
“Yeah, but it will be a while. Want to head back to the stables? She needs to be brushed down before the next round.”
“I’m with you,” she says, standing and placing her camera back into the case.
I wait until she’s done before taking it from her and throwing it over my shoulder. Reaching for her hand, I lace my fingers through hers and lead us back to the stables.
“Thank you for inviting me along,” I tell Aaron once we are back in the truck. It’s been a long day, but it was so much fun. The horses are all beautiful, and Midnight took first place!
“I’m glad you came. It was nice spending the day with you,” he says, laying his hand on my knee.
I try to ignore it. “I can’t wait to edit these pictures. I got some amazing shots. I also have to admit that the boots were a good idea.”
“Should I write this down? You’re admitting that I’m right about something?” He laughs.
“Hey, I’m not against admitting when I’m wrong. When Midnight about stepped on my toe while we were brushing her, I was more thankful than you know to have these boots.”
“Good.” His reply is short and sweet as he relaxes in his seat, eyes on the road. “You hungry?”
“I could eat. Maybe just hit a drive-thru or something.”
“What sounds good?”
“I’m open to anything. Just pull into the next place you see and we’ll make it work.” That’s how we end up in the drive-thru at McDonald’s, of all places.
Aaron and I both order the Quarter Pounder meal; he also orders a Happy Meal for a little girl. “Happy Meal?” I ask him.
“Yeah, Lexi will be pissed if she finds out I ate at her favorite place without her. The least I can do is get her the toy to make up for it.”
“You, Aaron Mills, are a sweetheart.”
“Shh, I don’t want to ruin my rep.” At the next window, he hands me the bags, then pulls into the lot next to McDonald’s so we can eat. “What did she get?” he asks me. I reach into the Happy Meal bag and pull out a toy and hold it up for him to see. “Damn, she’s already got that one. Oh well, she’ll still love it.”
“She’s a great kid.”
“She is. It’s kind of cool to see both my sister and Evan in her. She has my sister’s personality and Evan’s mannerisms.”
“Ketchup?” I ask, holding up a packet.
“Nah, I’m good.” I toss it back in the bag.
Conversation is nonexistent as we shovel in our food. We must have been hungrier than we thought. Once we’re finished, I gather the trash and place Lexi’s toy in the glove box. “Let me toss this in that trash can real fast.” I hop out of the truck, toss it, and quickly climb back in. He waits for me to buckle in before we are back on the road. Once we hit the highway, he reaches over and places his hand on my knee. I love it, but lines are crossing and intentions are blurring. I’m just going to sit back and ride it out, see where he takes us next. Maybe Aaron is just an affectionate guy? If that’s the case, I’m sure if we keep hanging out, I’ll eventually get used to it. I’ll have to.
I wake to a soft caress on my cheek. “Whit, babe, we’re home.” My eyes flutter open and Aaron is leaning over the console of his truck, his big hand holding my cheek. “I hated to wake you. You looked so peaceful.”
“I’m sorry I fell asleep on you.” My voice is raspy from sleep.
“It was a long day. Let’s get you inside.” He surprises me by leaning in and kissing my forehead before pulling away, grabbing his keys, and climbing out of the truck. I hear him open the back door and grab my camera bag. He’s pulling open my door just as I start to push it open. I accept his offered hand and climb out of his truck. I start toward my car, but his words stop me. “What are you doing?”
I hold up the keys I dug out of my purse. “Going home,” I tell him. What does he think I’m doing?
“No. You can stay here tonight.”
“Aaron, I’m not staying at your parents’ house when I can drive home just fine.”
“It’s late and you’re tired. You don’t need to be out on the roads by yourself this time of night.”
“It’s fifteen minutes tops, and that’s if I drive under the speed limit.”
“You can take McKinley’s old room. My parents won’t care. Besides, they would both rip into me if they knew I let you drive home alone at two in the morning.”
“Aaron. . . .” I stop talking when he leans down so that we are face to face, barely inches apart.
“Stay,” he says softly.
“I can drive,” I protest. It’s weak at best.
“I know you can.” He tucks my hair behind my ear. “Just humor me, please. I’m exhausted and I don’t want to be up all night worrying about you.”
“I’ll text you when I get home,” I try again.
“Stay, please.”
I like to think that I’m putting up a good fight, but really I’m tired and crashing now sounds more enticing than driving home. That’s what I tell myself. I ignore the little voice that is hopeful we will end up spending time together tomorrow as well. It’s Sunday, and Olivia will sleep most of the day. “Shit! I need to call Olivia.”
“I texted her when I stopped for gas. Told her you were exhausted and staying over in McKinley’s room.”