Page 6 of Perfect Guy

Madelyn

“Hesaid that?” Alana, my best friend, sounds as astonished as I still feel. I called her as soon as I left the coffee shop to tell her about my conversation with Canaan. What the hell was that?

“Yes…I-I—”

“You’re clearly in shock,” she laughs into the phone.

“Why did you decide to move away when I moved back?” I focus on the road, not wanting to go home yet.

“Because I fell in love, but it’s not like I’m across the state. I still visit, and you could come here.”

“I know, I know. I only ask because this is the perfect moment to meet at Pony Up and dissect this.”

“Wait…” she pauses thoughtfully. “Do you like Canaan?”

“What?” My voice is laced with nerves and confusion.

“You heard me.” Alana goes straight to the point.

“No. I don’t know. He’s older than us, and I never paid much attention. You know I was always focused on the ranch.”

“Yeah. He’s definitely a looker.”

“A looker?” I laugh at this, following the winding road away to the ranch. I’d put the windows down and let the fresh air enter the truck if I weren’t on the phone.

“Did you age suddenly, and I not know it?”

“Don’t make fun of me. I’m your voice of reason at the moment.”

“True that. Honestly, I don’t know if I like him. I’ve always known him, but he’s been Joy’s older brother and Wilder’s friend. And you know how Canaan is. He’s always seen with different women, and all of them dress differently than me and just…aren’t me.”

“Hey, now,” Alana raises her voice. “There’s nothing wrong with you.”

“I know. I don’t know why I said that.” I’ve always been confident. I never had a problem being on the ranch and hanging out with my brothers. Alana and I are a lot alike in that sense, which is why I think we’re such great friends.

“It sounds to me as if Canaan has taken notice of you, or he’s just being his typical flirt,” Alana finally says.

“Yeah, it’s probably the latter.” If we weren’t working together, I probably wouldn’t even be thinking about this. That’s influenced the way I see him.

“He said he’s going to be working on the project I designed.”

“Huh…so you’ll be seeing more of him.”

“Exactly.” I breathe out, turning down the road that will take me to the ranch. I can’t skip out completely on my responsibilities.

“And you know that after what happened at school, I’m just…whatever.” That’s the word that describes my mood most days. Whatever, blah, indifferent. Shut off.

Alana sighs before speaking. “I know, but you can’t let that control you. You moved back to Mason Creek. I think it’s great, and maybe you did need time with your family, but there are other options. You can’t let that one experience ruin a life-long dream.”

“You’re right,” I say with resolve. “It’s why I agreed to this job when Canaan asked. I figured it was a good opportunity to test the water.”

“It is. Who knows, it could open up to more.”

“Yeah, and the company owner seems nice. He’s always been professional when I’ve met with him.” I pull up beside my house.

“I’m happy to hear that. Not everyone is a scumbag.” Her voice is tight with anger on my behalf.

“I’d use a different word, but you’re right,” I say with a chuckle. “I gotta go, just got home. Maybe I’ll ask Levi if I can round up the cattle, so I have some time to think.”

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