remember you said something about wanting to be an artist.” I said.
“Yep,” Stacy muttered.
She glanced around me to see if Hailey was coming back yet. Something was different about her. She’d lost the playfulness of the wedding.
“Listen, I think they are giving us space intentionally,” I said. “Hailey seemed pretty sure we would hit it off. I had no idea you were the person she was trying to set me up with.”
“Oh? Why would that be a problem? Is there something wrong with me that isn’t good enough for you when you are sober?”
“I didn’t mean that,” I stammered. “It just doesn’t seem like you're interested is all. I’d love to take you out. It looks like a lot has changed. It would be great to catch up sometime.”
“Honestly, a lot has changed, and I’m not really looking to date anyone right now, okay?” Stacy said.
“That’s fine by me, I don’t go where I’m not wanted.”
She laughed, “Is that a new motto since the wedding?”
“You wanted that as much as I did. There is a heat between us, and you can feel it too.” I reminded her. “Last time I thought about that night, you weren’t telling me to stop or yelling ‘no.’ I remember a whole lot of praising God and my name both, Stacy.”
Her eyes leveled on me. I could see something in them, a fire that begged to jump out at me. There was no reason for her to deny it, yet she refused to admit that we were compatible. It hadn’t been long since I’d thought of that night. She was always dancing through my mind. I took a deep breath, trying to control the temper that she seemed to light inside me.
“I would love to take you out if you don’t have plans one night. Maybe then you could get to know the real me instead of just assuming I’m some hound dog.”
Stacy laughed. “You're a Wheeler, you’re all hound dogs. I’m not really looking to date anyone, but it’s been fun catching up.”
She brushed by me, our arms touching and flames licking as she walked away. I turned to stop her but decided against it. Stacy obviously wasn’t interested in me. Storming down to my truck, I fired it up and peeled away. I wasn’t going to let my foolish heart ruin the rest of the day, even if it felt like it was breaking a little.
Chapter Three (Stacy)
My heart raced as Walker sped down the driveway. A few minutes later, Hailey and Jackson appeared on the porch. He headed back down to the barn where I could see a cluster of men waiting on him. The property was utterly serene. Doing my best to shake Walker from my mind, I opened my pad and sat down on the porch swing.
“Did Walker leave already?” Hailey asked, taking a seat near me.
“I think so,” I said. “So, what did you want to talk about?”
Hailey frowned. “That’s weird. I thought for sure the two of you would hit it off.”
“Listen,” I muttered. “We had a fling at the wedding, it’s not something I’m proud of, and I don’t want to talk about it, but that is not a path I want to venture down.”
Her mouth dropped open, then quickly shut again as she nodded her head. She wasn’t going to press the subject, and I was grateful for it. Walker Wheeler was not a man I wanted to get tangled with. No amount of attraction could change that. I’d made that mistake once, and while I had no regrets, it wasn’t something I’d gamble with again.
“So, what can I do for you?” I asked.
“I wanted to have a large portrait done of the farm for above the fireplace. Each one of the brothers has one, so if it’s something you enjoy and it works out, I want one done of every farm on the ranch.”
“Wow, that would look beautiful. That’s a large piece, and I’d have to go to each location at least once. Let's start with this one. When do you want me to come back?”
“Could you come out Saturday? The boys have a drive, so they won't be here.”
“Actually,” I reached into my bag. “Harrison’s second birthday party is Saturday. I wanted to invite you online, but then you called.”
“Oh, wonderful! Cassie and I would love to come! How is he doing?”
“He’s such a smart little boy. He loves the apartment. It’s the perfect size for the two of us. I’m having the party