Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 83379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 334(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
I was likely way off base. But it went along with other vibes I’d gotten from him since he’d arrived a couple of weeks ago. He’d been showing up religiously every morning to help with the cows. We worked well as a team, and he seemed to enjoy my company. So that was probably all it was—two men who had known each other for years through relatives but were only just becoming friends. Julian knew I was gay—he’d undoubtedly heard the stories about the pain I’d caused—but I would be lying if I didn’t admit I’d noticed some looks from him that I’d brushed off as curiosity. As if he was studying me in more than a friendly kind of way. Like the other morning when he’d pointed out my dimples. He’d blushed, then I’d blushed, and had I been in a bar, sitting beside a guy, I would’ve absolutely guessed he was flirting with me. And then it would be game on, a quickie somewhere to help relieve the brimming tension.
So what gives? What was Julian’s story? Maybe it was better if I never found out.
I held my breath as I heard the sound of the barn door sliding open. I hadn’t been sure he’d show up, and that was unsettling to me. Maybe he’d been having misgivings because he was running late. Listen to me, noticing his schedule and making assumptions about where he wanted to spend his time.
Julian had trouble making eye contact as he approached, Hamlet waddling alongside him. I bit back a snicker. Hamlet must’ve stayed in his room again last night and had obviously grown on Julian. Otherwise, he’d more than likely have put him out or encouraged him to sleep with Phoebe in Ainsley’s room. Though last night it’d been mine, possibly because Phoebe had sensed I was out of sorts, and she was definitely good for a cuddle.
Phoebe perked up as soon as she spotted her buddy, and they rubbed noses and snorted to each other in greeting.
“Morning,” I said, trying to break the ice first. Besides, it was me who’d walked in on him as he exited the shower. “I wasn’t sure if you would…” I trailed off, my cheeks heating.
What was I even saying? That we’d gotten into a routine I looked forward to every morning? I didn’t want him to freak, so I needed to tone it down.
“Guess I overslept a bit,” he said, but I wasn’t sure I believed him. The way he walked cautiously into the stall, still avoiding eye contact, was a big clue. Damn, I felt like I ruined shit.
“Well, it is the weekend,” I replied. “Most people actually relax after a long week of work.”
“Not around here, I see. Too many things need doing.” He glanced over at the cows that had been milked and were now snacking on the leafy greens I brought. “It was the same in the desert. We rarely got any downtime or leave. And if we did, we were careful not to get too shit-faced.”
“Makes sense.” I sobered a little, considering why that might be a bad idea all around. On the farm it wasn’t life or death, but I still tried not to overindulge.
Then Julian went silent, but I breathed out a sigh of relief that at least he wasn’t trying to ignore me. Still, he busied himself with other things, possibly in an effort to avoid speaking directly to me.
“Listen, I apologize again for walking in on you last night,” I said, and his gaze finally rose to mine. “I don’t want to make anything awkward between us. I want you to know that it won’t happen again. I’ll be sure to knock each time before I enter.”
“Don’t sweat it. You shouldn’t go out of your way,” he said, waving me off. “You forget, I’ve had to shower practically out in the open with a bunch of army dudes. My humility is long gone.”
Well, that might’ve explained why he seemed fine with my perusal…except for that arm that came up to cover his chest where it seemed most of the blemished skin was located.
“So no worries. I’m not ashamed of my body being on display.”
I arched an eyebrow. “And you shouldn’t be.” When his eyes briefly widened, I silently cursed myself. “There I go, making this awkward again. All I meant was that you’re in good shape.”
“Thanks.” His gaze latched solidly on to mine. “You’re not too bad yourself.”
My entire body warmed at that comment. Christ, why did hearing him say that make me feel some sort of way I couldn’t wrap my head around?
Because it was nice to be appreciated by a gorgeous man.
Who is also your relative. Ex-relative.
“Thanks for not making it weird.” I reached for the second pump machine to speed us along. I’d already spent way too many minutes deliberating by myself before he showed up to help. “It’s tricky sometimes, not being able to say whatever’s inside my head without ruining the facade.”