Page 14 of Make Me Whole
Everything about her reminded me of my mother.
I could feel my brows draw together as an unsavory thought slammed into me. It's the brightest, friendliest smiles that have the capability to hide the darkest secrets.
How many times had I cried, wishing my mother would've confided in me? That the things I'd learned after their death were untrue. That they hadn't—"Are you all right, child?"
My gaze snapped to Mavis who was watching me, concern written all over her face. "Yeah, sorry," I lowered my voice a bit. "Working the dough like that, you remind me so much of Mom." Difficult as it was, I smiled despite the empty feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Her features brightened, rivaling the bright light spilling in through the window. "It was your mama who first showed me how to bake." A serene smile touched her lips. Tilting her chin toward the dough, she added, "It's her cinnamon roll recipe."
A mixture of sadness and awe rumbled through me. She was doing this forme. Without knowing it, she'd instantly taken me to a place before the bad happened. To dancing in the kitchen on Saturday mornings. To the feel of Mom's hands on mine as she showed me the correct way to knead.
"Get some coffee in you," her voice was soft. Her eyes bright with reassurance.
Everything is going to be all right.
I couldn't even count the amount of times Mavis had said those words to me in the short period I'd been here.
My smile stayed firmly in place as I joined Mr. Walker and Talia at the counter. Avoiding their gazes, I busied myself with sweetening my coffee. After adding a dash of cream, I brought the ceramic to my lips; reveling in that first taste of caffeine.
I took another big swallow before I set the mug back down. "What's on the agenda for today?" I cheerfully asked.
Mr. Walker grinned mischievously. "Talia told me how much you liked the horses, so I figured we'd start you there. You can help with the mucking of the stalls and cleaning their water barrels." He gave me a quick once over; taking in my peach-colored tank top paired with faded jeans before resting on my sneaker covered feet. "Best to grab a pair of rain boots before you go to the barn."
That sounded easy enough.
Talia aimed a quizzical look her father's way. "Are you sure it wouldn't be better if she shadowed me again today?"
His grin stretched wider as he turned his attention to his daughter. "Positive. Besides—" his gaze found mine again. "Hailey can handle a little manual labor, right?"
"Of course." I chewed on my lip for a bit. "I have to confess, though, I've never mucked a stall before."
"No worries, Sawyer will be there to show you the ropes."
I finished my coffee then grabbed an apple before heading down to the barn. With every step I took, excitement filled me. Not only was I going to learn something new, but I was going to spend the morning with the horses. By the time I walked into the big, red building, I was giddy.
It all evaporated the instant I spotted not Sawyer, but Bradley. He had his back to me, so my presence was still unnoticed. A good thing when I needed a second to regain my equilibrium.
The instant I'd set eyes on him, my heart had started its wild gallop again. The butterflies in my tummy burst to life and my mouth went dry. Try as I might, I couldn't keep my gaze from drifting to his butt. It would've been a sin not to admire how perfectly he filled out his jeans.
Pursing my lips, I bit back the curses I wanted to let loose. By the way my body was reacting, you'd think I'd just hit puberty.
It was ridiculous.
As great as the view was, I didn't want to get caught ogling him…again. I stood taller and very loudly cleared my throat. Bradley stopped what he was doing but didn't turn around immediately. By the dramatic rise and fall of his shoulders, I could tell he'd sucked in a huge breath.
The thundering inside my chest picked up speed when he spun around. "Your father wants me here today." The words came out in a rush.
Scowling, he perched his hands on his hips. "Of course he does." He did not sound happy at all. With a sharp shake of his head, he sauntered toward me. Confident strides bringing him closer and closer until he was so close I could reach out and touch him.
Not doing exactly that turned out to be difficult as hell.
Bradley folded his arms across his thick chest and peered down at me. His biceps mercilessly pushed against the fabric of his shirt. I was certain if he flexed even the tiniest bit, the flannel would just rip in two. His inquisitive gaze roamed over the length of my body like a predator prowling for prey. I barely contained my shiver. "You need boots."
"Yeah, I know." I pulled my shoulders up in a shrug.
He cocked his head while he stared at my feet. "You're what… a size 5?"
"Yes."
"Go check in the tack room, you'll find a pair there."
It was a good thing Talia had shown me around yesterday. With the mood he was in, he'd probably have a fit if I asked for directions. "Thanks."
Hopefully by the time I returned Bradley would've had an attitude adjustment.
