Page 82 of Huckleberry Hill
“Going for a ride,” I said. “What are you doing out here?”
“I’m mending fence today.” He faced my direction, but I couldn’t see his eyes. “How are you?”
“Fine.”
“No, I mean how are you?”
His question had a deeper meaning. Like, how are you after I’ve come inside you, deeper meaning.
“I’m fine, Declan.”
“You don’t look fine.”
“How do I look?”
“Like you’re trying to find a polite way to leave. I’m right, aren’t I?”
I swallowed. “Can we not do this?”
“Do what?”
“Whatever this is.”
He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “I told you I didn’t want you to be shy.”
“Declan,” I began. “It’s broad daylight on the ranch. There are things you can say in broad daylight and things you can’t.”
“You didn’t text me back.”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I texted you good night and you didn’t reply.”
“I was already asleep.”
He grinned. “You little liar.”
“Fine, I wasn’t asleep.”
“You were overthinking, that’s what you were doing.” He gestured with his chin to the hill. “Ride with me to the fence.”
He didn’t give me a chance to reply. Instead, he nudged Merlin and turned toward the hill.
With a sigh, I reluctantly followed. Goldie was interested in Merlin, so she trotted a few steps to keep pace with him, putting me right next to Declan.
“Who were you talking to on the phone?” he asked.
“Wyn.”
“Which one is Wyn?”
“The nanny,” I explained. “She was on the train platform, and I was supposed to entertain her.”
“I see.” He fell silent for a moment. “Your dad is leaving tomorrow for the livestock auction.”
“Yeah, he told me.” I bit my lip. “Can I ask you something?”
“You can ask me anything.” He turned his head to look at me.
