Page 17 of Almost Perfect
I scoff-snorted. “Right. That’s why you’ve been rude every time we’ve interacted since that first night.”
Even behind his sunglasses, he blanched. “Pardon?”
“Admit it. You have a problem with me.”
His jaw tensed. “I don’t want any trouble. No drugs, no… whatever else you’re into. We’re a simple family, we’re nice people, and we don’t—”
I held my hand up to stop him, and it did. “I don’t know you, Mr. Saint. I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you’re not always a presumptuous jerk. You can do me the courtesy of not believing everything you read about me. And for the time being, I’ll finish this shoveling, and you can have yourself a nice day.”
He swallowed.
“My—I apologize.” He stepped back. “Yes. Have a nice day.”
He turned on his heel and plodded back along the snowy path. I watched him go before I started in on the stairs, determined not to focus on why his assumptions bothered me so much. He didn’t know me. I sure didn’t know him. And why should I care what some random uptight, judgey cattle rancher thought of me?
* * *
Hours later, Warrick Saint’s cheery energy hit me the minute I opened my front door. He held out a canvas bag.
“This is a half loaf of bread from Rise and Shine in town. It’s part coffee shop, part bakery, and the owner is also the baker. She’s a genius.”
I took the bag. “Thank you. That’s so nice. I need to get back into town and check it out. The sign looked adorable.”
“Itisadorable. Highly recommend.”
His giant smile was completely genuine. I wondered if the man even knew how to fake a smile. He was just so darn nice.
Much unlike his moody brother.
“Well, good. Top of my list, then.” I held up the bag and stepped back, preparing to shut the door.
“Oh, sorry. I wanted to invite you to dinner at the house tomorrow—the main house. Totally no pressure, but I figured you might want to get out. And I can guarantee no press or photos or anything. My mom’s coming up and my brother’s cooking. Low-key, but we’d love for you to come if you’re comfortable. And again, no pressure at all if not.”
I opened my mouth, then clamped it shut. A fish out of water.
“Yikes, I guessnotcomfortable.Totallyfine, Ms. Rice. I didn’t mean to overstep, and I promise I’m not—”
He must’ve thought my hesitation stemmed from the invite itself and not the jump of anticipation and dread at being around others. I needed company, needed conversation and friends, and it’d been so long since I’d had that. So long since I’d allowed myself to connect with people other than Jenna. Plus the whole loneliness of this place was starting to get to me.
But his brother did not like me at all, and an intimate meeting with only a few others between us sounded tricky. Yet, I still wanted it.
“Call me Calla. And please, just… I’d love to come. That’s so kind of you, and I’d love to.”
He waved away my thanks.
“I know we’re isolated, and you likely wanted that when you booked this place. But I don’t want you to feel lonely or, you know, bad.” He shifted his big booted feet. “Also wanted to check if you need anything from town. I’m heading down this afternoon and would be happy to bring you whatever you need. I noticed you don’t have a car…”
“Ah, yeah. Never learned.”
He nodded like that was even remotely normal. “Huh, well, offer stands. And you can always text if you need stuff—might be a delay depending on when I’m back up here but always happy to grab what you need.”
What a nice freaking guy. In another life, another world, I’d ask him out. I’d say, “Hey, cute cheery landlord giant, wanna grab a beer?” But aside from the complete lack of spark I felt for him, I had nothing to give.Darn.
“I could actually use some more milk, and maybe a couple bananas, if you don’t mind?”
I’d discovered a blender and had cobbled together a decent smoothie yesterday, which would help vary the cereal repertoire. If I ended up living off the protein powder Kristoffer had demanded I bring with me and cereal, it’d be fine.
I mean, I’d have hell to pay when I got back to my trainer, but there was another thought I elbowed out of my mind and life for the moment.
