Cowgirl Up ✔️

Chapter Seventeen

Saturday evening, I walked out of my room and in the direction of the noisy kitchen after a long day working in the sun.
Little Talon was doing amazing working the stock.
Blayze was letting me ride him and hanging back while Talon and I bossed the Heifers and Talon was gaining confidence with every session we had.
Phoenix and I were also making progress in the art of Campdrafting!
I could now get Nugget through the course at a trot and canter (canter was my aim, but the lazy little pony was hard to get moving!).
River was coming along.
Blayze wasn't yet been able to touch him without him being sedated, but He was able to stand a foot away from the Colt.
With Blayze this close and no tranquilliser in his system, River no longer trembled and bolted.
Both of us could walk by the yard and he would stay in either the middle section or the opposite side without going into a freak out bolting frenzy.
Being daylight savings, it wasn't even six and the sun was still well up.
Grandma and Mum had dinner well on it's way and I'd escaped to the bathroom for a quick and much needed shower.
"You look pretty, Bails."
I shot my Mum a surprised glance.
"I'm fresh out the shower."
"Your hair's a little wavy and your eyes are bright. Natural but beautiful."
Mum explained with a smile.
"Uh... thanks..."
I laughed awkwardly.
Mum continued pulling cutlery from the drawer and shot me a glance.
"Are you heading out with the guy's?"
"No..."
I looked toward the door that led to the out dining room.
"Are they heading out?"
Mum shrugged.
"Pub, I think, was what Troy mentioned."
"Oh."
Mum looked surprised.
"They didn't invite you?"
I shot her a quick smile and grabbed a glass from the cupboard.
"I don't expect an invite."
I poured myself an apple cordial with some fridge cold water and a few ice cubes to add an extra chill while Mum continued to arrange kitchen gear.
Familiar laughter sounded in the out dining room.
Footsteps on the floorboards, came our way.
"Hey honey."
Mum greeted.
I turned around to find Blayze had entered the kitchen.
He was quite literally the only one of the 'hired hands' who voluntarily came into these sections of the main house without being requested.
I could count on one hand the amount of times Jake or Shayne had entered even this room.
Two hands could probably count the amount of times Troy and Alex have over the years.
Though, maybe it's more to do with the fact that once, Blayze lived here in this house.
Plus, the whole family saw him as a member of our family.
He wasn't really classed as 'hired help'.
"Howdy."
He greeted Mum with a quick nod.
His gaze swung to me.
I felt my heart pick up it's pace a little and I became acutely aware of every little movement of my body, all too conscious of his eyes on me.
Blayze moved to lean against the opposite kitchen counter to the one I was resting against.
"You gonna come play doubles with me?"
He questioned.
My silly little heart skipped a beat.
"Isn't that what Keegan's for?"
I lifted my glass to my lips with schooled nonchalance.
Score Bailey!
Mum laughed!
Blayze shrugged.
"I asked you."
With those three words, my heart rate increased further.
Shit!
"I- I'm not exactly dressed for it."
I gestured pointedly to my black jean shorts and sky blue Wrangler tank top with a silver galloping horse across the front.
Blayze frowned.
"All ya need is some boot's and maybe ya hat.."
I tried not to spit out my drink as laughter bubbled in me.
One glance at Mum and Grandma showed me they both wore six foot smiles!
"You should head out Bails."
Mum shot me an urging glance, drying her hands on a checkered green and white tea towel.
She shot a glance toward Blayze.
"I'm sure the guys will look out for you."
"Now I'm definitely not going!"
I groaned, tilting my head back for added dramatic affect.
Blayze and Mum both laughed!
Blayze nodded towards the archway.
"We're leavin' in ten. Go find your gear."
I felt my eyes widen.
He thinks I'm going with them?
"Wh-what?"
I stammered.
Mum laughed!
Blayze grinned!
"I think that means He's not takin' no for an answer, honey."
Laughter laced Mum's voice.
I winced.
"I dunno..."
"Go on."
Blayze jerked his head toward the archway.
Sighing, I set my cup onto the counter.
"Fine..."
I slipped by Mum and out of the kitchen, heading back to my bedroom.