Page 69 of Unspoken Hearts
Macie stares at me, like she can’t believe my words, which admittedly makes my heart sink a little. I know she has always pulled herself out of the spotlight, favouring others before herself, but will she not take one little compliment from me?
I smile as we walk out of the barn and I lock up the door. She’s quiet beside me, which isn’t normally like her. She’s usually full of words and humour, so I’m trying to figure out what she’s thinking so intently about.
She heads towards the main house, where Mum is sitting on the porch with Aspen. I stop, remembering that there’s something else I need to do.
“Have you seen my new place yet?” I ask, cutting through our pleasant silence.
Macie shakes her head, copper hair bright beneath the sunlight like flames. “Not since the foundations were put in.”
The corner of my mouth ticks up. “Do you want to see it then? Only if you want to.”
I watch her smile grow, making my toes curling in my boots at the excitement taking over her features. “Yes, I’d love that.”
Leading her down towards the horses, I have to will myself not to reach out and take her hand in mine. Her skin brushes against me, and each touch of contact makes my arm tingle with electricity.
I think I hear her breath hitch on the third time. I peer sideways to see Whiskey striding towards us, grabbing my attention for a pat, like he always does when I walk past.
Chuckling, I stroke his mane as Macie tickles the end of his nose. “I’ll take you out tomorrow, all right, buddy.”
“How often do you ride him?”
I give a small shrug. “I try every day, but sometimes I can’t If I’m busy or if it’s too hot. I hate leaving him fenced in for too long.” Macie leans against the wooden fence to scratch him. My blood warms and I bite the inside of my cheek nervously. “Would you want to come with us one day?”
I watch her face brighten at my comment like I’ve just told her I bought her a brand new car, which I hope to some day soon if she’ll let me; although, it’s always better to ask for forgiveness than permission…
“I haven’t ridden since I was young. Grayson doesn't really like horses,” she admits, giggling at Whiskey trying to nibble on her hand.
“Yeah, I know. But you could take Cinnamon. She’s a good girl, and Cole won’t mind missing a ride. He’s been glued to his new video game anyway.” My eyes roll slowly.
A soft sniff of amusement escapes as she turns to face me again. “I’d be down for that.”
My gaze searches hers for a moment before murmuring, “Great.”
Macie’s mouth opens and then shuts, like she’s trying to find something else to say. I wonder what she’s keeping inside.
After a few beats of quietness, nothing but the breeze and birds chirping between us, my hand rests on the small of her back as I gently guide her away from the paddock. “Come on, then.”
Coming to the double storey home, half the size as the main one, I watch her bite down on her lip, a contagious smile breaking out again. The weatherboard exterior is still yet to be painted because I can’t decide on colours. The black framed double hung windows have now been installed, and it’s looking like the perfect modern farmhouse house, but it still needs the final touches.
I step onto the porch before holding out a hand to guide her up since there’s no railing built yet. Slipping off our boots, Macie opens the front door to the spacious, airy interior.
“Wow.” Macie’s steps into the living room that has a magnificent view of the town before the incline. With the sun beginning to set, painting the sky in various tones of yellow, orange and purple, it definitely has the best view on the whole property. “This is so beautiful.”
I sniff a laugh before strolling to the kitchen, running my hand casually along the white marble bench. “I’m really happy with how it’s turned out so far.”
“You should be. This is amazing, Reid.”
My eyes meet hers, and I see delight running through her green irises, matching my grin. “I’m glad you like it.”
Strolling up to the glass doors leading onto the wooden patio, I stand behind her, peering out at the peaceful pastures, smaller town buildings, winding country roads and springs moving like glass. It really is pleasant from here.
“I could stare at this all day,” Macie murmurs gently.
My gaze drifts down, landing on her hair, covering her face. I can imagine her smiling widely with all of her freckles bunched and cheeks pinched. “I could too,” I add quietly.
Hands growing clammy from being so close to her, I clear my throat and return to the kitchen, mainly to cool down my body and keep myself in control.
Walking around, Macie takes in the white cabinetry, the light oak flooring, and the wood panelled walls that are still bare and unpainted. The large marble island, floor length windows and barn style doors. It’s both modern and cosy—a perfect feeling for a home.
