Page 55 of Unspoken Hearts
I roll my eyes, telling him to go inside.
Pressing my eyes shut, I lean against my ute, staring off into the distance at the pastures below and feel myself smiling.
I almost kissed Macie Cambell, and she wanted to kiss me back.
Chapter fifteen
Reid
“AsmuchasIlove getting my hands dirty, it’s becoming increasingly harder.”
My mouth twitches at that. “Dad, I know. You’re not young anymore, and the ranch is hard work.”
He scoffs opposite me, navy eyes flicking up to mine before sliding on his glasses. “What a rude thing to say...” he murmurs, a little tongue-in-cheek.
“Dad…”
Chuckling, his hand slaps my arm before he sinks back into the chair in his office that groans beneath him. The office is small, with a wall of shelves filled with books, files and documents. It’s a little overwhelming for me to look at, but Dad doesn't mind the disorganisation.
That’ll be the next thing I'll add to my to-do list.
His wooden desk sits in the middle of the room, a leather chair on either side, and papers scattered on top with pens, empty mugs and a photo of us five boys. It smells of aged paper and ink in here, like how I’d picture an old library, but louder and more cramped.
“I’m just messing with you. I know I’m old. Believe me, I feel it every day in my joints, which is why I’m handing it down to you, Reid.” He looks back down at the notes in his rough, wrinkled hands that are naturally tanned from the hours he’s spent outside working.
The office is tucked away behind the spiral stairs. I have been helping him out here and there since I finished high school, but now I’m learning all of our processes, customers and the way this place runs.
“We’ll have to do inventory soon as well. See how much we are growing, buying and selling,” Dad adds, passing me a slip of paper with checkboxes and blank lines running across.
“Right. I can do that,” I respond quietly.
He slides another folder my way labelledANIMALS.
“We also need to think about the livestock. We will need to acquire another bull, because once Franklin is gone, we won’t have another mature male, and they take a bit to get acquainted with the ladies.” His tawny brows wriggle suggestively at me from above his glasses.
Snickering softly, I snatch the papers from his hand. “You have a dirty mind, old man,” I grumble, amusement dancing in the corner of my mouth.
Dad’s shoulders shake as he chuckles loudly. “I never said anything.”
“The insinuation was enough,” I point out, making him laugh louder. “So, I need to source another bull in the area. What else is there?”
It takes a few moments for Dad’s face to straighten again before he keeps going through the list of changes or adjustments we need to make, from the fencing, to the food stock, to expanding the houses on the property.
“I know yours is almost done, but maybe it’s time for Grayson to get his own place. As much as your Mum and I love having you all home, four grown men is a lot for the main house.”
“I think Holden needs one first. He has Aspen,” I say, jotting down some notes.
He hums in agreement. “You’re right. Aspen will need her own space when she’s a bit older. We’ll start setting some funds aside.”
My chin dips in agreement. “Good plan.”
Dad folds his hands on the desk between us, catching my eye as his mouth tightens. His eyes are almost indigo with how dark they are, matching his dark hair that’s greying on the sides. Even his stubble has flashes of silver streaking throughout. I’ve seen pictures of him in his prime, and I can see why Mum fell for him and vice versa. They’re a perfect match.
Letting out a breath, he rubs at his square jaw. “Is there something bothering you, Reid?”
Peering up at him, my jaw ticks, knowing that there’s a lot bothering me, but what specifically is he referring to?
“Maybe,” Is all I offer as my insides tighten like a corkscrew.
