Total pages in book: 117
Estimated words: 115683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 578(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 115683 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 578(@200wpm)___ 463(@250wpm)___ 386(@300wpm)
“I discovered that what made a job fulfilling for me was working with people I love,” she explains as she runs a hand down the foal’s flank. “I needed to feel like I was making a real impact on the community, and that wasn’t the case for the job I was offered in New York.”
That has my wheels turning. I’m ashamed to admit that I’ve felt so much pressure to land a well-paid job in a prestigious field that I hadn’t really thought about what might actually fulfill me.
All I know is I’m itching to get back to my notebook. This morning’s ride has given me so many ideas for the branding package I’m putting together. The colors, the landscapes. It’s all been so inspiring.
“I’m still challenged here, don’t get me wrong,” she continues. “I just wanted to love my life too.”
I nod. “I like the idea of those things not being mutually exclusive concepts.”
“I really am living the dream,” Sally says, her eyes shining with happiness. “I’m lucky.”
“You’re smart,” Colton says. “And you ain’t afraid to ask for what you want. Not sure that luck has all that much to do with it, Sal.”
She grins. “Thanks for saying that. Anyway, I gotta run. Lainey, it was great meeting you.” Pulling me in for a hug, she gives me a squeeze. “By the way, I don’t know how long you’re staying in Hartsville, but I’m in a band that plays at the bar downtown Friday nights. You should come.”
“The Rattler is for degenerates and drunks,” Dean replies.
Colton chuckles. “Someone’s been hanging out with Dale.”
“Pawpaw is the best.”
Colton shakes his head. “The things you remember.”
“Only the important stuff.” Dean glances over his shoulder at his daddy and grins.
Colton presses a noisy kiss to Dean’s little cheek. “You’re cute.”
“I know.”
“But let’s not say that again, all right?” Colton glances at me. “Especially not when we’re in polite company.”
I’m not always polite, I want to say.
His eyes dance. You handcuffed me. I know.
After we see Sally off, Colton and Dean drive me back to my apartment. With the windows rolled down and a Johnny Cash album turned up, the short ride is actually enjoyable.
“So, Lainey,” Dean says when we pull up to my door. “When are we gonna play with my LEGO bricks? And draw together again? Remember you said we’d do that stuff?”
Colton glances at his son in the rearview mirror. “Dean, c’mon. We just took up Miss Lainey’s whole morning—”
“It’s all right,” I say with a laugh. “I’d love to play with your LEGO bricks. Maybe sometime this week?”
“Deal,” Dean replies.
My gaze sweeps over the glove box as I unbuckle my seat belt and open the door. It could be fun to break open that sinner’s chest Colton keeps in there. Wonder if he’s added the handcuffs?
Not like it matters. I feel stupid thinking we’ll hook up again, even if he did mention wanting another round.
Even if he was decently kind today.
“Thank y’all so much for the best morning I’ve had in a long time.” I glance over my shoulder. “Dean, we’ll play, I promise.”
Colton’s got his wrist draped over the steering wheel. “See you around?”
I look at him. “I’m trying to stay out of the way.”
One side of his mouth kicks up. “Since when do you ever listen to me?”
The way this man maintains extended eye contact is…something else. I’m smiling too when I reply, “Never. See ya.”
I don’t realize how little I’ve thought about Mom or my family in general all morning until I’m at the kitchen table, playing around with color schemes in my graphic design software.
Is it sad if I feel good focusing on something other than my family? Because when I’m not thinking about my parents or worried about what they might think of the choices I’m making, I actually enjoy myself.
I’m just doing what makes me happy. And right now, that’s creating.
So I create, and I think about handsome cowboys while I do it.
Turns out that’s a hell of a lot more fun.
Maybe more fulfilling too.
CHAPTER 14
Eating Out
LAINEY
Later that week, I end up driving over an hour to the nearest big box store. The Wallaces’ property is gorgeous, but it really is in the middle of nowhere—nothing is close.
I spend way too long perusing the surprisingly robust LEGO collection they have there. Then I throw some other essentials into my cart, casually grabbing a box of condoms like I’m not totally melting down inside at the prospect of potentially having sex with Colton Wallace.
I mean, condoms could be a fun addition to that glove box sinner’s chest.
I still can’t believe he showed up at my apartment with his son and a trio of horses that day. It was a sweet gesture. I don’t want to read too much into what it means. Let’s be real, Dean was probably the one who came up with the idea. But yeah, I am buying condoms to have sex with a guy whose contact info I don’t even have in my phone.