When Joe winced at the sound of Billy’s name, it didn’t go unnoticed. Alice cocked her head and regarded him for a moment, uncertain if she should question his doubt. Joe offered his opinion anyway.
“Billy said that, did he?” he asked, unamused.
Alice nodded cautiously.
“Yes. We went over everything last night and he updated me on the progress,” she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.
She knew Joe had reservations about Billy and didn’t want to trigger an argument.
“Is that all you did last night?” he asked tersely.
He met her eyes, challenging her.
Alice sat back in her chair and tightened her lips, sighing deeply. His question was laced with accusation, but it was his tone that confused her. He sounded more jealous than concerned and this was completely out of character for him.
Joe shook his head a let out a sardonic snort. Alice looked away and shook her own head slowly, unsure how to respond. She remained silent for a minute until she heard him take a deep breath. She looked back at him, trying to hide her discomfort.
“You two are getting quite cozy with each other is all,” he said, a little less abrupt, perhaps regretting his terseness.
Alice questioned him with raised brows.
“I’m not blind, Alice. I see the way y’all look at each other and the boy had his arm around you when you were on your way back to the house. Is there something going on?” he asked flatly.
As much as Alice wanted to deny it, she couldn’t lie to him, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t understate it a little. Alice had been single for many years, dating only here and there, but nothing serious, and she had never brought a man around the ranch. Maybe Joe was feeling threatened by Billy, but for what reason exactly? The worst part was that he was treating her like she was stupid, and he should know better, she thought. Alice tried to calm her frustration before offering him an answer.
“I guess there is some flirting going on. I won’t deny that I like him, but I’m not a silly young girl anymore, Joe. I’m well aware that he has a job to do, and I don’t mean to interfere with that. He told me early on that he means to keep moving, so I’m not about to fall head over heels,” she sugar-coated.
She was falling head over heels and doing her best to keep herself in check.
Joe nodded his head, trying to keep his expression flat, his feelings hidden, but Alice could see he wasn’t happy. She waited for him to speak.
“Just be careful, Alice. I still don’t trust the guy,” he warned. “Plus, you need to keep a level head so he doesn’t forget who’s boss. It don’t take much for a man to forget his place.”
Alice shrugged and slowly crossed her arms in front of her, partially concerned but mostly just frustrated. She needed Joe to relax about the whole thing. She had enough on her plate without having to placate him too. At the same time, she knew he was just watching out for her.
“I know how you feel, Joe, trust me. My head is in the game,” she assured him, her voice thick with forced confidence.
Maybe she was distracted, she thought. When Billy was around all she wanted was to get lost in his kisses, and when he wasn’t around she couldn’t stop thinking about his mouth, and his hands, and his...
“Alright, Alice. I guess I’ll get back to work,” Joe said, placing his hat on his head.
He stood up and moved the chair back under the desk.
“What was the second thing, Joe?” Alice asked, remembering he said there were two things on his mind.
Joe looked at her, his brows raised.
“What’s that, Alice?” he asked.
She got the sense he was stalling, considering something important.
“You said there were two things on your mind,” she reminded him.
Joe shrugged and let out an impatient sigh.
“Nothing. It was nothing. I’ll see you later,” he replied, and quickly showed himself out.
Alice filled her afternoon with plenty of hard work, staying out of the way of the construction site. She did catch a glimpse of Billy here and there but he was busy himself, only having time to wave at her from a distance.
She didn’t mind. After her conversation with Joe, she was feeling conflicted. Maybe Joe was right. Maybe she needed to stay focused and keep things professional with him. In a few weeks, things were going to become even more complicated, and a romantic fling didn’t fit into the picture.
Chapter 14
Billy
Alice was in the barn cleaning stalls when Billy came up behind her. He pulled her into an embrace and kissed her playfully on the neck. She relaxed into him for a moment, but then quickly stiffened up. Billy turned her around and took the shovel from her hand leaning in to kiss her, but Alice turned her cheek and dropped her head down. Billy ducked down, trying to make eye contact with her.
“What is it, Alice? Don’t worry, I made sure we were alone. Nobody here but you and me and some nosy horses,” he said with a cheeky grin.
Alice looked at him, offering a thin smile. Billy stepped back a little, respecting her space, but his expression held confusion.
“I’m sorry, Billy. I guess my head is just a little muddled right now. I have a lot to finish up before supper and it is already getting so late,” she offered weakly.
Billy brushed her bangs back with his fingertips, looking carefully into her eyes. She smiled awkwardly and broke eye contact, as if trying to hide her true feelings. He smiled back at her gently.
“Not even time for a little kiss?” he asked playfully.
Alice shrugged and laughed nervously, stepping a little further away from him.
“Honestly, Billy, I should really get back to work,” she said softly, holding her hand out for the shovel.
Billy shook his head and smiled at her playfully, trying to wear her down.
“No, ma’am. Not until I get a kiss.”
Alice smiled despite herself, and finally leaned in. Billy placed his free hand in the small of her back and tried to pull her closer, but she quickly pulled away, ending the kiss as fast as it began.
“Shovel,” she said with mock sternness.
Billy was confused by the sudden chill, a vast contrast from the passion she shared with him the night before. He wondered what had changed overnight and sifted through his memories to recall something he might have done or said to upset her. Satisfied that they parted on good terms, he decided to press her for answers.
“Did I do something to upset you, Alice?” he asked cautiously.
Alice sighed and shook her head slowly. She looked unsettled. Billy suddenly felt uneasy.
“No, it isn’t you, Billy. I just have a lot on my mind. I’m sorry,” she admitted.
“Alice, I’m confused. I feel like every time we move forward a little, you pull yourself back. I thought we really connected yesterday,” he said, choosing his words carefully and offering them cautiously.
He didn’t want to spook her, but at this point, they couldn’t afford to go backward.
“I think we just need to cool things off a little, that’s all. I don’t want us to get distracted or do anything to slow down the progress of the project,” she said, her feelings guarded.
Billy’s gut told him there was something more.
“That won’t happen, Alice. We are both mature adults. I think we can enjoy each other’s company and still be professional, don’t you?” he said, offering her an encouraging look.
Alice sighed again, as though struggling for words. Billy reached out and took her hand, grateful that she allowed it. She bit her lip and then quickly stopped, as though remembering the effect that it had on him. He chuckled softly and squeezed her fingertips.
“I’m just not sure, Billy. I’m not feeling confident that we can. It is getting harder and harder to be discreet, and my feelings are becoming less and less professional,” she admitted, gently prying her hand away. “We can still enjoy each other as friends. Just without the benefit
s.”
Despite the fact that playing her was part of the plan, deep down Billy took great pleasure in the fact that she just admitted her feelings for him. At least his ego did. In his heart he felt a brief pang of guilt, which he quickly pushed down. If he were being honest, his desire for her had a hold on him as well and he wasn’t sure it would let him go that easily.
“Hm, I’m not sure I can promise to keep my hands off you, woman,” he teased, trying to lighten the mood.
Alice raised her brows and grinned at him, shaking her head.
“You’re going to have to try,” she answered, her voice playful yet stern. “At least for the time being.”
Billy sighed thoughtfully, afraid that she meant what she said. He would just have to rethink his strategy and give her a little space. He could break her down again, with a little patience.
“Does this have anything to do with last night? With Joe waiting for you at the house?” he asked cautiously.
Alice let out a little sigh and shrugged.
“Maybe a little, but it is not as simple as that,” she said, struggling with her words.
She was about to offer more but stopped herself, looking behind him.
Billy turned around to see Joe leading a mare into the barn. Billy was certain it was Jewel, although he was still getting to know one from the other. He turned back to Alice and smiled, knowing their conversation was over for now.
“Why don’t you let me finish up in here. Go and get yourself some dinner,” he said sweetly.
Alice looked grateful, but declined nevertheless.
“No, no, Billy. You have had a busy day,” she said, reaching for the broom.
Billy held it just out of her reach.
“Go. I got this,” he said with finality. “I can come by later and we can finish talking.”
Alice shook her head.
“I don’t think that is a good idea,” she said with a kind smile.
Joe walked the horse past them and nodded.
“Is Jewel’s stall ready?” he asked, avoiding eye contact with Billy.
Alice assured him it was and then turned back to Billy as Joe led Jewel down the aisle.
“Thanks for understanding,” she said warmly. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Billy watched her walk out of the barn, shamelessly focusing on her swaying hips. He picked up the shovel and went to work.
Only a few minutes passed when Joe approached him and tapped him on the shoulder. Billy turned around and met his stare. They regarded one another for a moment longer than typically comfortable before Joe finally spoke.
“What you are doing here for Alice, it’s a nice thing,” he grumbled under his breath.
Billy nodded, assuming he meant with the arena. He was a little surprised by the sentiment.
“I know she has been wanting this for a long time,” he continued.
Billy offered no response, waiting for the but.
“But when it is all done, you’ll need to be on your way,” Joe said flatly.
Billy raised his brows, surprised by his bluntness.
“Or what?” Billy retorted, controlling his tone.
He wasn’t one to back down from a threat, but at the same time, he wasn’t about to jeopardize his position, especially considering that he and Alice just took a small step back.
“Or nothing,” Joe said, spitting into the dirt. “You just need to keep moving.”
Joe turned and walked out of the barn, followed by Billy’s incredulous look. He shook his head in disbelief.
“What was that?” he whispered under his breath, even though he knew exactly what that was.
Joe was acting like a man afraid of losing something. Or someone.
* * *
Several weeks had gone by and construction was progressing along well. Too well in fact. Billy had instructed his crew to slow down a little and take their time. No one questioned his motives. They were happy to do what they were told.
Billy wanted to stall completion of the arena as long as he could, draining Alice’s coffers as much as possible. He would be asking her for another installment very soon, and the next one would most certainly take her over budget, especially with the added labor costs from his crew.
Things with Alice were just as she promised. Although they still flirted mercilessly with one another, and maintained a playful friendship, Alice kept refusing his romantic gestures. If he were being honest, the chase lit him up.
He loved seeing her blush when he moved a little too close to her, or the way she would giggle and roll her eyes playfully at his naughty proposals and suggestions.
She wanted him too, but she was holding back, and he meant to wear her down. He was enjoying this game of cat and mouse.
She had not invited him to the house since the night she made the second installment, the same night they enjoyed their skinny dip at the pond, the night Joe interfered. Billy knew that an invitation to the house was key, that not only would she be opening her home to him, but her heart too.
But why should that matter to him?
The truth was, he had built enough trust with her at this point to see the plan through to the end. He didn’t need to make her fall in love with him. She was clearly onboard with everything. No, he was the one seeking her out, instigating the flirtation, wanting her approval. His day wasn’t complete without some sort of connection with her.
She had pushed him away and he meant to win her back. But why? To what end? The end result would be the same whether she wanted him or not. He would be leaving without her. None of it made any sense, and yet he couldn’t seem to stop himself. He wanted her in his arms once more, wanted to be inside her again.
Billy tried to help Alice as much as his schedule would allow. He liked doing little things for her, knowing it relieved some of her stress. The contradiction of his intentions was ridiculous, and he knew it, but seeing that smile, the one she seemed to reserve just for him, was the great payoff. Her smiles kept him grounded.
It was a Saturday morning, most of the crew had gone home for the weekend. It was pretty quiet. Billy hadn’t seen Alice since just after lunch the day before. She didn’t come down to the paddock or to the barn after dinner either, which had become routine in recent weeks. They seemed to always seek each other out, and they would work side by side, the chemistry between them palpable, but sadly kept in check.
Last night, after he had finished in the barn, he noticed a grey Toyota Corolla in the driveway by the house, right next to Alice’s truck. This morning it was still there. He couldn’t help wondering who her company was and hoped it wasn’t a man. He wasn’t, typically, a jealous guy, but he couldn’t ignore the irritation he felt.
Billy had planned to work on some fencing that had fallen over near the pond. He made his way down the embankment and walked around the water, stopping just in front of the section that needed securing. He would have to dig the posts back in and then secure the boards and wire. The work would take him a few hours, and gratefully keep his mind occupied.
He was less than an hour into the job, fully immersed in digging the new hole for the second post, when he heard an odd noise. It sounded like a child laughing. He turned around, wiping the sweat off his brow, and looked in the direction of the sound. He was about twelve yards away, but he could clearly see a young girl crouching on the dock, her hand reaching out. She was maybe five or six years old and looked dangerously close to falling in.
Billy looked around, wondering if the child’s parents were nearby. He didn’t see anyone else around. He had a nagging feeling about her playing so close to the water and started making his way over to keep an eye on things. It looked as though she was trying to coax the ducks over, when suddenly she lost her balance and toppled into the water.
Billy unclipped his tool belt and ran as fast as he could to where she fell, wading in toward her. She came up once, flapping her arms around, and then went back under.
The water wasn’t deep for him, rising
to just above his waist, but it was just over her head. Billy was quick to reach her and picked her up out of the water. Her blonde bangs were plastered over her eyes, and Billy brushed them away, wiping the water off her small face. She let out a loud cry and wrapped her arms tightly around his neck.
“It’s ok,” Billy said, patting her back, happy he was in the right place at the right time.
The little girl wept, her small body shivering, more from fright than from cold.
“I... I...I’m sor... sor... sorry,” she stammered in his ear.
Billy rocked her for a moment, not sure what to do next. Finally, the little girl stopped sobbing, much to Billy’s relief.
“You’re ok now. You’re ok. What’s your name?” he asked her gently.
She looked at him nervously, pouting out her bottom lip.
“Amy,” she said quietly, lilting her voice on the second syllable, the way little girls do.
Billy nodded and walked her over to the dock, placing her down. Just then, he saw Alice running down the slope, a look of surprise, or shock, on her face. Billy wasn’t sure which.
“Amy!” Alice called out, walking to the end of the dock.
Amy shifted herself from the edge of the dock and stood up, turning toward Alice.
“I needed to come see the ducks. They missed me,” Amy explained quietly, keeping her eyes down.
Alice crouched down and placed her hands on Amy’s shoulders.
“Honey, Lisa told you to stay in the yard, she said that she would be out in a minute to take you to the pond. What happened?” she asked softly.
Amy shrugged her shoulders.
“She was reaching out for the ducks and lost her balance, I think,” Billy explained, climbing out of the water.
Alice looked him up and down, trying to process the situation.
Billy was starting to put it all together himself. The gray Toyota was obviously Lisa’s car. She had mentioned a Lisa to him when they first met. Her cousin, if he remembered correctly. This little girl was probably Lisa’s daughter, although he didn’t recall Alice mentioning her.
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