Page 63 of Rival
Unsure how to handle what happened today, I take the coward’s way out, standing up and backing away.
“Look, why don’t you just get him settled and take off for the day? I don’t need you.” I flinch just after she does, but I’m not sure how to take it back.
A look comes across her face, but I can’t decipher anything aside from humiliation. She backs away quickly from me, and just fucking leaves, disappearing into the barn. I stare after her, knowing I should make things right. I’ll figure it out, eventually.
I sigh, then groan at myself for being a complete dick. I stomp toward the horse barn, needing to go for a ride. Maybe the speed will help clear my head and I’ll figure out how to talk to her tomorrow.
Saddled and mounted on the back of Austin is only as far as I get before I’m staring at the field, unable to leave. Turning in my seat, I glance back to the door she’s hidden behind.
Clicking my tongue, I turn my horse around and shout. “Edith! Come out here a minute.”
When she slips out the door, she’s still obviously pissed and hurt by my words. I know I need to apologize, but it’s not something I’m familiar with doing. What I can do is give her something she enjoys and place myself in a more comfortable situation to say what I need to.
Holding out a hand, I wait for her to take it. She doesn’t. Edith just stands there and blinks at me as if she’s waiting for the punchline. Waving her toward me in a “come here” gesture, she hesitates, then moves closer.
“Come on, girl. We’re gonna go for a ride.”
She still hasn’t given me her hand when she asks, “What do you need help with?”
“Nothin’. We’re just goin’ for a ride. Now give me your hand so I can pull you up.”
I swear I can hear her jaw grinding, but because Iamher boss, she doesn’t say no and, like the good girl she is, she reaches for me.
Once I get her in front of me, I immediately notice how rigid she’s holding herself. “You know you can relax. Can’t really get any closer than we already did.”
Iamaware that it was probably the wrong thing to say the moment it comes out of my mouth, which is only proven when she attempts to scramble down before I even have the last word out.
Quickly, I wrap my arm around her and hold her against me, murmuring. “Sorry, that was supposed to be a joke, and it was poor timing. Will you please just relax and go for a ride with me?”
A grumble escapes from her and I fight a smile because I’m pretty sure she just insulted me. Aside from that, shedoeslet her body ease somewhat against mine, which makes it easier to guide Austin out toward the field.
Keeping our pace somewhat easy to start, I give her time to get even more comfortable, and I’ll be honest, to givemetime to enjoy her like this. I’m finding myself less and less pissed that she’s Clayborn’s daughter the longer she sticks around. She actually makes me doubt that his paternity is accurate. No waydoes this woman belong to him, and I’d certainly suggest she get a DNA test if it weren’t for the fact they look somewhat similar.
Checking behind me, I know we’re out of view from prying eyes, definitely far enough away that if voices were raised, no one would hear.
I halt Austin and, without saying a word, pick Edith up while turning her around to face me.
“What are you—Hey!I’m going to fall!” With my help, we move her legs over my thighs, and I hold on to them so she feels more stable.
“I wanna make sure you see my face when I say what I gotta say. No funny business, promise.”
She’s breathing hard, her chest rising rapidly with each sharp inhale. “I could have listened facing forward.”
“Nah, this works for me.” This time I do smile when her nostrils flare slightly in irritation. “Don’t be mad at me, girl. I’m tryin’ to apologize here.”
My shirt is fisted under her hands where she grabbed hold to prevent herself from falling, and they tighten when she bites out, “Forwhat?”
“Certainly not for havin’ you facin’ me, if that’s what you’re asking.”
I’m still smiling, enjoying teasing her. It’s weirdly fun, and as much as I want to keep at her, I know I need to get serious.
With a softer voice, she seems as if she’s giving up. “We don’t have to do this. It’s not necessary.”
“Yes, we do. I owe you an apology for takin’ you the way I did on the road. I was angry,reallyangry, and you shouldn’t have suffered the brunt of it. I know I had your consent but usin’ you like that wasn’t the way my momma raised me. Can we move past it?”
I scan her face, an unreadable expression written there, and I swallow hard.I really fuckin’ hate apologizin’.
“So,” she says slowly, dragging the word out. “You’re apologizing for having sex with me?”
