Page 51 of Forever Enough
After taking a drink of my coffee, I put it down on the counter and started to grab dishes and two glasses for orange juice. It was weird how comfortable it was to move around in my little kitchen with Bradly. As if we’d been doing it for years.
“When will you be finished?”
“Maybe an hour or so. I don’t think Lou will ask me to do anything, but just in case, I better say an hour and a half.”
“How do you feel about horseback riding in the cold?” Bradly asked.
“Well, I’ve never done it before, but it sounds fun. And cold.”
He chuckled. “I know Avery mentioned doing something with the girls today.”
“She hasn’t gotten back to me about it.”
“Okay, good. Then she lost her chance. You’re mine today. I’ll let her know that I’m holding you hostage so she shouldn’t expect you.”
“I like the sound of that,” I replied as I poured the orange juice while Bradly flipped our eggs, then pushed the bread down in the toaster. “Since I’ve been here, I’ve noticed they seem to put the more timid horses over here in this barn. Your mom’s horse, Barkley, was a rescue your aunt Timberlynn had been working with. She’s the sweetest thing. I love walking with her. She just follows me everywhere I go. I don’t even have to hold her reins. Such a sweetheart.”
“She was rather enjoying your Christmas show when I walked into the barn the other night.”
My cheeks heated. “I love animals. Sometimes I think our cat and dog saved me growing up. They always seem to know when you need that extra cuddle.”
“When did you get Mr. Whiskers and Pickles?”
“Mr. Whiskers moved to Montana with me. Your mother and father were so kind to let me bring him. And I got Pickles just a few months ago.”
I giggled, and Bradly turned to look at me. “What’s so funny?”
The toast popped up, and I made my way over to it. “Butter? Jelly? I have some that Stella made.”
“Oh, God, I love Grams’ homemade jelly. I’ll take both. What made you laugh just now?”
“I think your father really likes Pickles.”
Bradly grinned. “Mom said he does.”
We worked in a comfortable silence as we both got everything onto plates and made our way to the table.
“This was so sweet of you to make breakfast.”
Bradly flashed that boyish smile of his and set his orange juice down. “It was the least I could do after I fell asleep on our date last night. I didn’t even get any apple pie.”
“You were exhausted. I feel bad that you’re trying to take a break from riding, and here you went and did it yesterday for me.”
He finished chewing a bite and shook his head. “Don’t feel bad at all, Kenzie. I love riding, and trust me, when I’m at my uncle’s, it’s more laid-back and less stressful.”
“Well, I’m glad you didn’t get hurt. I would have felt bad,” I stated with a grimace.
Bradly reached across the small table and took my hand in his. “I wanted to show you because bull riding is something I’m always going to do, professional or for pleasure. It was important to me that you knew.”
I chewed on my lower lip and his eyes smoldered with heat. We ate breakfast relatively in silence, which was so nice. I was glad Bradly wasn’t afraid to not have a conversation going at all times.
“I’m full!” I said with a chuckle. “That was good, thank you.”
I went to clear the table when he reached for my hand. “Go get ready for work. I’ll clean up. Text me when you’re finished and I’ll meet you in the barn.”
Smiling like a silly schoolgirl who was just asked out by the star quarterback, I stood, leaned down, and kissed him. He stood and pulled me closer, causing me to let out a soft moan. When he slowly drew back and put his forehead to mine, we both let out a contented sigh.
“This is what they would call insta-love in my books.”