Total pages in book: 127
Estimated words: 120708 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 604(@200wpm)___ 483(@250wpm)___ 402(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 120708 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 604(@200wpm)___ 483(@250wpm)___ 402(@300wpm)
I turned and looked at her, then pointed at myself. “Me?”
She nodded. “I don’t see anyone else in here, Timberlynn.”
I smiled. “I’m going to the barn.”
“Why?”
With a nonchalant shrug of my shoulder, I replied, “To check on the horses and just give myself some alone time.”
Her brow quirked up. “Alone time?”
“Yep!” I said.
She leaned against the counter, folded her arms, and eyed me with suspicion. “So, the fact that Tanner literally just left for the barn is what…a coincidence?”
“Did he?” I said, my voice sounding a little too high-pitched.
“He did. I might add he was carrying something in his arms. Not sure what it was, since his brothers seemed to be helping him with this little mission.”
“Really?” I did my best to seem interested, but not too interested. “That is a coincidence.”
She harrumphed. “You have always been a terrible liar. What are you up to, little cousin?”
With a smile, I started to walk backward toward the mud room where my coat, hat, and gloves were hanging. “I’m learning to trust again.”
Her eyes lit up, and a huge smile played across her face. “Good. He’s a great guy, Timberlynn.”
“I know he is,” I said softly.
“Have fun, but not too much fun. Trust me, sex on hay is not as great as it sounds.”
My mouth dropped open. “My God, how many places have you and Ty had sex outside of a bed?”
She winked. “I’d go down the complete list, but I’m sure Tanner is waiting.”
I laughed, and then turned to grab my stuff and headed toward the barn.
By the time I got there, my nerves had kicked up a few notches. I forced myself to calm down. This was what I wanted. I was scared, but letting someone into your heart would be a scary thing no matter what.
“Timber, over here.”
I looked to see Tanner coming out of a stall. “I wanted to check on this mare. She’s been acting off for a few days.”
“Is she okay?” I asked.
“Yeah, vet came earlier today and said she has a cold.”
I looked at the mare, who was now staring out at us. “Poor baby.”
Tanner took my hand and led me over to the stairs that led up the loft. “She’ll be fine. Lots of rest and spoiled by everyone with carrots and she’ll be back to normal in no time.”
I glanced back over my shoulder to see the mare bopping her head, almost as if she was agreeing with Tanner.
When we got to the top of the loft, I took a quick glance around. It was your typical loft, nothing very fancy about it. What caught my eye were the doors that swung open to the balcony. I could see the massive Montana sky spread out, just as impressive at night as it was during the day. “Wow. Look at the stars,” I said.
As we got closer, I noticed a quilt was laid out; a basket sat on it, along with a portable gas heater. Tanner motioned for me to sit down, so I did. He sat across from me and smiled. The soft light that cascaded down from the bulb above us lit up Tanner’s face just the right amount. He was so handsome I almost had the urge to pinch myself. Was this even real?
“What is all of this?” I asked.
“Well, I figured this was our second date, if you don’t count the shopping trip. I wanted to make it special. I’m competing with an awfully cute six-year-old who’s putting up a pretty big fight for your heart.”
I laughed and pushed a piece of hair that had fallen from my bun behind my ear. “He is cute, I won’t argue with you on that one.”
Tanner rolled his eyes and then held up his finger. “But…he doesn’t have this.”
I watched as Tanner pulled out a Tupperware container along with some fruit. He opened the container, and I looked at the contents. “Is that what I think it is?”
“Yes, ma’am, that is the famous cream cheese mixed with marshmallow fluff.”
Tanner handed me a strawberry, and I dipped it into the dip, then took a bite. “I totally see why y’all snuck up here and ate all of this. It’s so good!”
He laughed. “I told you! Lincoln made some for me.”
“I owe her my thanks.”
Tanner grinned and popped a strawberry into his mouth, then looked up at the night sky. Most likely waiting for me to start talking since I was the one who asked him up here.
“I wanted to apologize for the things I said to you the other day,” I said. “It wasn’t the conversation I had planned on having with you.”
He chuckled softly. “I figured.”
I took a deep breath and slowly blew it out. “I’m not the least bit hung up on my ex, I want you to know that. It was more about what was happening in my head.”