Page 16 of The Wife
That would have been nice to hear the other night.
I set the pitchfork aside and made my way out of the barn to where Jake was standing behind Wyatt, facing away from him with Wyatt’s left hind hoof in between Jake’s hands.
“He’s got a rock stuck in his hoof. I have to get it out but he keeps shifting on me, I need you to settle him.”
I walked over to Wyatt, took his reins in my hands, and gently started to stroke his nose. That always calmed him.
“There, there, Wyatt, be a good boy for daddy. You know how upset he gets if he thinks you’re in pain.”
“Don’t talk to my horse like that. You’ll soften him.”
“Whatever,” I muttered under my breath.
Wyatt remained still and a minute later, Jake informed me that he got it out. I dropped the reins and started back for the barn. The less time spent around Jake at this point the better.
“Ellie?”
I stopped but I didn’t turn around.
“What?”
“It’s been a few days. I know you’re upset, but you need to get over it. You’ll see. We’re going to be fine.”
Get. Over. It.
Furious, I turned to him then and I could see it. There in his eyes. This look of pity mixed with his Ellie-doesn’t-know-any-better expression. I wanted to hit him. I wanted to slap him upside his fucking smug face.
I walked toward him with purpose and I could see him get his back up. Ready for whatever attack I might lodge at him.
Only I didn’t have to hit him. I didn’t have to leave a single mark on him. Because I knew the freaking truth. I invaded his space. I wanted him to feel uncomfortable.
“You’re full of shit, Jake Talley,” I said even as I pushed my finger into his chest.
“Ellie…”
“Don’t! Don’t you dare say anything to me right now. I’m talking. First, you were mean to me the other night. Flat out mean and cruel. To me. Your best friend. You could have handled that so differently, but you didn’t. You know why? You were turned on. You think I couldn’t tell? I have a bruise on my freaking ass cheek. So you can tell yourself how I made upthisin my head, and how much you don’t want me, but don’t think you can lie to me.”
He said nothing and I didn’t wait. I went back to the barn to finish my chores and let him stew on that.
* * *
Jake
Cruel and mean. To my best friend. She was right. I had no comeback, because she was so damn right. She was my best friend and I’d hurt her. Intentionally.
Apparently I had also hurt her physically, but the last thing I wanted to think about was her ass. Still, I couldn’t leave it like this, and it was wrong to think she would simply get over what I did.
She was right. I had lied. It was time to man up.
I followed her into the barn. She didn’t look up from what she was doing.
“Ellie, I’m sorry.”
“Save it,” she snapped.
“Put the fork down and please come talk to me.” I sat on one of the long benches and patted the spot next to me.
She stopped driving the fork into the hay and glared at me. “Aren’t you afraid I might try to ravish you? I hear barn sex is supposed to be smoking hot. All raw and earthy.”
