Page 7 of Perfect Guy

“Call me if you need anything or just to chat.”

“Thanks, Alana.”

“You’re welcome. Bye, M.”

After hanging up, I get out of the truck and walk into the house to change. It’s like I live two lives—a professional one and a ranching one. I don’t mind. I love being able to meet with the contractor and then return home and do what I was raised to do.

I kick off my heels by the back door before walking into the kitchen. I haven’t worn heels many times in my life, normally in cowboy boots, so my feet can only tolerate them for so long.

“Hi, sweetie, how was your meeting?” My mom smiles at me from her spot on the counter where she’s preparing dinner. “Did you just finish now?”

I grimace, looking guilty. “No, I stopped at Java Jitters for coffee.” I’ve been out most of the day.

“That’s nice. Dinner will be ready a little later.”

“Thanks. I’m going to see if Levi needs help rounding the cattle and moving them over.” I move past her and head up to my bedroom. I need to speak to Wilder as well because once they start construction on the house, I’ll need to be present on-site more often.

I inwardly squeal at the idea that a family in our area is going to live in a house that I designed. I had to prove myself when I first met with Bill by showing him my portfolio from college since I didn’t have any previous jobs, but he was impressed. I hate that I turned my back on architecture, but it was a temporary Band-aid I needed for my injured and disappointed heart.

Not to mention, I questioned all my hard work. To hear Bill praise it made me feel hesitant at first, but he seemed genuine.

After changing, I head outside but don’t find Levi or Caleb, our ranch hand, anywhere. I head into the barn and notice their horses are gone, so I walk to Dakota, my horse.

“Hey, girl.” I run a hand down her face, opening the stall door.

Her head bounces as I walk in, petting her side.

“You wanna go for a ride?”

I saddle her up and lead her out of the barn. Just being on Dakota brings me peace as the soft breeze tickles my skin. I wait until we’re away from any animals before squeezing my legs and guiding her to speed up.

The wind brushes against me as Dakota and I fly across the vast land. I feel free, at home. The mountains loom over us, and the terrain is hilly. Trees to the left create a forest, but I remain in the open area, riding with no direction.

It’s a warm summer day, which is appreciated after the harsh winters we have here. Even spring isn’t as pleasant as in other places. When I reach the river, I slow down and guide Dakota to the bank so she can have a drink of water. I look around and smile, listening to the birds chirping.

“This is home, Dakota.” I pat the side of her neck while she drinks. “I don’t know if I would’ve loved living in the city for long,” I confess to my horse.

People in the city didn’t have the same mentality as me. I met amazing people while at college, but sometimes it was hard to connect. Although I was only a couple of hours away, it was a big difference in mentality. Maybe I was an easy target—the innocent small-town girl with no real view of the world outside Mason Creek.

I shake off the shiver that runs through me.

“Ready to go?” I ask Dakota.

When I get the okay from her, I lead her at a slow pace along the edge of the river, enjoying the solitude. I love having time to think, but I hate the thoughts that plague my mind.

“I think I have a crush,” I tell Dakota since we’re quietly riding. “But he’s a guy that doesn’t really strike me as being interested in a serious relationship, and I don’t sleep around.”

Dakota breathes audibly but offers no other sign of advice. Not that my horse will magically talk to me, but I’ve always been able to gain perspective when I spend time with her.

“He’s Joy’s brother, too. It’s a little complicated, I guess. He’s older than me and nothing like guys I’ve met before.”

Any other guy I’ve dated in the past has been about my age and not as confident as Canaan or as flirty. He’s hard to read, but what he said earlier has stayed with me. His eyes burned with something that made me wonder if it wasn’t a joke.

Wouldn’t I like to get a visual of his body.

Between the work he does and having to stay in shape as a firefighter volunteer, I wouldn’t doubt that Canaan could look like one of the book cover models. There’s no harm in fantasizing as long as I keep it to myself.

After talking myself back and forth with no real solution, I head home before my family sends a search party, although they know I’m safe. It’s the curse of being the youngest and the only girl. Besides, my mom’s dinner smelled amazing, and I’m hungry. The coffee I had earlier is long gone from my system.

My crush on Canaan can wait for another day. It’s not like I’ll be off marrying the guy or anything.

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