Page 23 of Charm Me
Chapter 10
Wyatt
The sun wasn’t yethigh enough in the sky to burn off the morning dew that covered the ground. The moisture in the air was thicker than what I was used to, and it weighed me down. We didn’t get many humid days in Montana and from what Mike said, this morning wasn’t that bad. If this wasn’t bad, I’d hate to be here when the humidity was at its worst. Thankfully, within another hour the sun would peek over the treetops and the weight would be lifted.
I stood outside the barn and breathed in the fresh air. Nothing smelled better to me than wet grass mixed with the livelihood of farm animals. It wasn’t a smell that appealed to most, but after thirty-six years of life on the ranch, it smelled like home. It helped that Mike ran a clean farm. He raised a small herd of cattle and sheep, but his primary business was in horse breeding. His love and care for his animals was evident in the pride he took in a clean barn and field.
I’d only been away from my ranch for four days and I missed the work like I’d miss air if it was taken away from me. Ranching was as much a part of me as was my family. When Mike offered for me to join him early to get the horses ready, I’d jumped at the chance. He didn’t really need help, but I think he saw I needed to work. I’d hardly missed a day of work on the ranch since I was ten years old. Before that I’d follow my dad and my older brothers around as much as Mom would let me. But once I turned ten, Dad took me to work with him every day and taught me everything he knew about ranching.
I appreciated the opportunity to help with the horses this morning. Mike had left me to ready the two horses Zoe and I would be riding today. Princess Aurora was ready with a pink trimmed saddle and matching pink saddle blanket. I couldn’t help but smile at the adorableness of it. Imagining Zoe sitting on top her horse with her matching pink boots and hat was an image I couldn’t wait to make a reality. She was the most adorably hot woman I’d ever met. I had no idea a woman could make farm life so fucking sexy, but she managed it.
I was a little more than disappointed that I didn’t see her at breakfast. We’d shared a nice day yesterday and I’d ruined it by being a total ass last night. The call from my sister had thrown me off and added more confusion to the mess of thoughts and emotions swarming around in my head.
Abigail said she was ready to talk to me and would tell me what happened to her all those years ago. I’d waited fifteen years to hear her say those words, and I hated that I wasn’t there for her when she was ready. If I’d still been in the city, I would’ve gotten in a car and rushed to her apartment immediately. The disappointment in her voice when I told her I’d left the city for a few days was like a stab in the gut. She said she’d be home on Saturday, but with the way she’d wavered the past several years, she could change her mind between now and then. My worry was evident, and last night I let that filter over to Zoe.
I was distant after I ended the call with Abby, and I hated how hurt Zoe looked because of my silence. All I really wanted to do was pull her close and find comfort in her arms. But that wasn’t fair to her. If Zoe decided to let me that close to her, it wasn’t going to be because I was upset or needed to forget about my own issues. It was going to be about us and the growing attraction drawing us closer.
“Hey Wyatt.” Mike called from the barn, dragging me out of my stupor.
“Yes, sir.” He was in the doorway by the time I’d turned around.
“Sarah just messaged me. Said Zoe should be here in about thirty minutes.”
“Sounds good. Anything else I can help you with while I wait?” There was no way I could stand here with nothing but my thoughts and guilt over my behavior last night for thirty minutes. That was just enough time to push myself over the edge.
“I still need to tend to the chickens. You’re welcome to help or just keep me company.”
Grateful for the distraction, I smiled. “I’m happy to do both.”
I followed Mike to the chicken coop and when we reached the gate he stopped before he opened it. He turned to me with a thoughtful gaze. “For the record, I approve.”
I wasn’t entirely sure what he meant by that, but I had a pretty good guess. He must have seen the confusion on my face or sensed my hesitation because he continued, “Of you and Zoe.”
What do you say to a father giving his blessing to date his daughter? I’d never been in this position before, so I said the only thing I could think to say. “There’s nothin’ goin’ on betw—”
“Now don’t try and deny it. I see the way you look at my daughter. It’s the same way I look at Sarah every day. You do with this what you want, but I like you and if you decide to pursue Zoe, I approve.”
I had no idea my feelings toward Zoe were so evident. I’d tried to keep my eyes to myself, but I failed. Not that my feelings mattered all that much. Zoe made it clear that nothing could happen between us. But the slightest indication that she changed her mind would be all it took for me to break free from the hold I had on my desire for her.
His open honestly was refreshing and it left me with a tinge of hope. If he was willing to vocalize his approval maybe he saw something in Zoe too. Once again, I said the only thing I could think to say. “Thank you.”
***
ZOE LED ME THROUGHseveral riding trails before we ended our tour near the lake for lunch. Two of the trails followed paths along the river and the third provided more of an self-guided, interactive farm experience. The path took riders along the main fence line were the cattle and sheep grazed. Guests got to look upon and learn about life on the farm as well as the natural area through educational signs that were displayed at various points of the trail. It was much like what I’d expect to see at a national park. Considering the close proximity of Strong Valley Ranch to Glacial National Park, something like this could work very well on the mountainous terrain of our property.
The horses were grazing in the corral and we sat at a shaded picnic table to eat our lunch. Sarah had outdone herself with turkey club sandwiches, warm macaroni and cheese, and fresh baked cookies. I’d eaten a turkey club sandwich more times than I could count, but this was by far the best. I’d bet money that Sarah baked the bread fresh too.
“This is delicious. Your mom is one hell of a cook.”
Zoe tossed me a smile. “No one will ever starve on Momma’s watch. She offers a catered lunch as an add-on for the trail rides. It’s been a great way to add more income to the business. But if that’s not something you want to do, it’s not necessary. Most people don’t expect it and find it a pleasant surprise.”
I eyed Zoe. There was a distance to her actions and words I hadn’t experienced with her until today. She’d been all business since she arrived at the barn this morning. She was pleasant and nice, but the funny, mildly inappropriate woman who I affectionately called puits d’amour was nowhere to be found.
It was driving me crazy. I wanted to hold her, kiss her, and touch every inch of her body, but her current body language told me she wasn’t interested. Everything she did and said reminded me that this trip was about business, not romance.
“Are you done eating?” Her soft, tentative voice ignited my desire in a way that made it hard to maintain my control. I lusted after smart-mouthed, sassy, and funny Zoe. But tentative, gentle Zoe squeezed my heart and sent shocks of pain throughout my body. I didn’t like the feeling and I was ready to do whatever was necessary to make it stop.
She was actively pushing me away by constructing a wall between us. I had no one to blame but myself for the way I acted last night.