Page 45 of Perfect Guy

Madelyn

Ireturnfroma ride with Dakota to see Oliver and Levi out by the barn. They’re working with Juliet, something that, from what Camille has said, has been a huge help for Oliver. He’s grown in the past few months.

“Mads-lyn!” He waves me over.

With a wide smile, I ride toward them and dismount. I tie Dakota to a post and walk the short space to where they’re standing with Juliet.

“Hey, there,” I ruffle his hair.

“I brushed all of Juliet and gave her an apple. Horseman’s gon’ teach me how to clean her feet.”

We both laugh, and Oliver looks between us with a frown. “What’s so funny?”

I bend down so that we’re at eye level and hold his hands. “Horses have hooves, not feet,” I explain, holding back my giggle.

“Oh. Well, that.” He bounces on his toes.

“I said I was going to show you how I do it, but you’re still a little young to do this on your own,” Levi raises his eyebrows.

“But…” Oliver begins to argue.

Levi shakes his head and squats. “Remember the importance of caring for an animal.”

I watch them a second longer before getting back to Dakota to remove her saddle and give her a treat. I’m meeting Joy and Hallie today for coffee once they’re done with work, so I’m on a time crunch.

After showering, I drive to town and park near the coffee shop. I’m the first to arrive, so I grab us the armchairs since they’re empty. While I wait for them, I pull out my phone and smile when I see a message from Canaan.

I’ve only seen him at work this past week. Our coffee date on Sunday was great. People in town didn’t hesitate to watch us. They had no shame, but we brushed them off and enjoyed each other’s company. We haven’t been able to go out during the week, but I’m hoping that changes tomorrow since it’s Friday.

I open the message and read with a goofy smile.

Canaan: Knock, knock

Madelyn: Who’s there?

Canaan: Sugar

Madelyn: Sugar who?

Canaan: Your sugar CANE

Laughter sputters out of me, and I cover my mouth with my hand. People at the coffee shop look at me with confused expressions. Heat fills my cheeks, but I can’t stop laughing at that silly joke. The nickname everyone uses for him stands out.

Madelyn: I think that was worse than the one about the sock

Canaan: It’s humor genius. You just have to be in my head to appreciate it

Madelyn: You did make me laugh

Canaan: And I am yours *wink emoji*

I pause and re-read his message. Is he mine? We’ve been dating for a couple of weeks. Flirting a little bit before that while I sorted through my emotions about Canaan’s interest. I like the idea of him being mine, but this is still so new.

Madelyn: I guess you are

Canaan: No guessing babe. I’m not seeing anyone else. I’m not interested in anyone else. You own all my attention

Madelyn: Well…this is awkward