Page 35 of Stick Around,
“Is everything okay?” She tugged the shirt down a bit more like I hadn’t seen what was underneath. “You’re, uh, really enthusiastic this morning.”
“I… you…” I gestured helplessly at her attire.
Enzo appeared behind her, in only his boxer briefs, his dark hair sticking up just like hers. He froze when he saw me, his expression shifting from relaxed to guarded in a microsecond.
We stared at each other for a long, excruciating moment. His eyes narrowed slightly, daring me to make this awkward. Which, obviously, I immediately did.
“Sothisis why you weren’t up for horse duty. And here I thought you’d fallen into a spreadsheet and couldn’t get out. Instead, you fell between Quinn’s legs.” The words tumbled out before my brain could stop them.
Quinn’s face turned pink, and she gave me a look that made my nuts retract the tiniest bit. “Was there something you needed?”
I shook my head to clear it, a grin spreading across my face despite the lingering shock of seeing her with Enzo. “You, Quinn Porter, are an internet sensation! Our video went viral overnight! And you,” I pointed at Enzo, who looked deeply uncomfortable with both my presence and this conversation, “can finally put that spreadsheet about the new stables to good use.”
Enzo’s eyebrows shot up so fast I thought they might fly off his forehead. “What?” His usual composed demeanor cracked, revealing surprise underneath all that stoicism.
Quinn’s confusion matched his, except hers was more adorable. “Wait, what are you talking about? Our video went viral?”
I pulled out my phone with the flourish of a magician revealing his best trick, waving it triumphantly between us. “The hobby horse video we did yesterday? It exploded overnight. We’re booked solid for months.” I couldn’t keep the excitement from my voice.
Quinn’s mouth fell open, her eyes widening with each word I spoke. The tension from moments ago evaporated as disbelieftook over. “You’re kidding.” She stepped forward slightly, her hand reaching halfway toward my phone before stopping, like she wasn’t sure she wanted proof of her internet fame. “People want to come here because of that?”
“People are losing their minds over it. I…” I paused, looking between them, suddenly feeling like I was overstaying my welcome. “I should go.”
I backed away from the door, nearly tripping down the porch steps in my haste, my usually reliable coordination abandoning me as I caught myself on the railing with a muttered curse. This wasn’t normal Kellan behavior. It wasn’t a good sign that I was so out of sorts around Quinn.
A distraction was what I needed, and it had been handed to me on a golden platter.
“Staff meeting in an hour! I need to find Reid!” I called over my shoulder, already planning the overhaul we’d need for this influx of guests. “Wear clothes!”
Butters was nowhere in sight as I headed back to the stables. He’d never wandered far, but with the influx of guests we were about to have, maybe we needed to stick a tracking device on him.
Reid wasn’t in the stables, but I heard the sound of hooves in the indoor arena. I burst through the doors, waving my phone like we’d won the lottery, which, financially speaking, wasn’t far off.
“Reid! Holy shit, man!” My voice echoed off the walls of the cavernous space. “The ranch is trending!”
Calypso, who’d been walking calmly alongside Reid in the center of the ring, spooked at my entrance. Her silvery-white coat caught the light as she reared back, hooves pawing at the air. Reid’s hand shot to her halter.
“Breathe, girl. It’s just Kellan being Kellan.” He shot me a pointed look that was well-deserved.
“Sorry.” I stopped short, suddenly aware I’d undone whatever progress they’d been making. I watched as Reid stroked Calypso’s neck, the mare’s nostrils flaring but her panic subsiding under his touch.
Reid didn’t speak again until Calypso’s breathing had steadied. “I’m going to put her out. She’s had enough excitement for one session.” He clicked his tongue softly and led the horse toward the exit to the pasture. “Don’t move.” He pointed at me like I was a hyperactive toddler.
I rocked back on my heels, pent-up energy making my skin buzz as I waited for what felt like an eternity. He took his time, letting her settle before removing her halter and watching her trot away.
When he finally returned, wiping his hands on his jeans, his expression was calm but wary. “What’s so important it couldn’t wait until Calypso’s session was done?”
I thrust my phone in his face. “Look at these numbers! It’s over three hundred thousand views and climbing. The booking calendar for the cabins, trail rides, and lessons is solid for the next three months. People are even asking about hobby horses!”
Reid took the phone, his thumb scrolling through the video stats. “All from this video?”
“Yes! We’re finally going to be able to expand!” We’d already had to turn away several boarding opportunities because of space.
Reid handed the phone back. “With what staff?”
The question hit me like a bucket of cold water. “What?”
“We have three people, Kellan. Three. Me, you, and Enzo.” Reid counted off on his fingers.
