Page 10 of Maybe, Probably (Love Me, Maybe #1)

Chapter Seven

Harper

T he next week passes faster than I expect. I thought it would drag. Thankfully, work has been busy. I had a few author meetings, which took up a good chunk of my time. I didn’t realise how many books I took on until I sat down and looked at my planner.

Normally I’m organised, and even in the throes of chaos, I thrive.

But I am not thriving right now. Trying to figure out who you are single, and working your full time job can make for some complications.

I promise myself that I will take some time off after this.

I didn’t originally make plans to take time off over the holidays since I always use the Christmas holidays as my catch up time.

Christmas is slow in publishing; not many authors want to release a book that close to the holiday.

I’ve decided.

I’m going to take some time off.

I’ll give myself two weeks off for Christmas and New Years Eve. After that, I can focus on getting my groove back and spending time with people I care about.

Confident in my decision, I finish off my work day shooting off an email to my clients informing them of my impromptu vacation.

I double checked that there were no deadlines during that time.

This may be last minute, but I would never screw anyone over.

I have a week to get everything in order for my clients before I take my time off.

With the emails sent out, and a game plan for what I’m going to do for the next week, I decide to celebrate choosing myself.

I go out back with Winnie, get the fire started and curl up on the outdoor furniture as I play fetch with him.

I pull up my phone and order some take out for supper. Treat yourself, girlfriend.

I sent off my order for my favorite Chinese joint. I haven’t had Chinese food in forever, and I’m already salivating with the thought of wontons. My phone vibrates in my hand, snapping me out of my daydream of all the MSG I’m about to inhale.

Unlocking my phone, I see that I have a Capture notification.

You have one new like.

I open the app to see which picture got attention. I see it was one I recently posted of Winnie, curled up beside me on the couch with my Kindle in my lap. Flipping back to see who liked my post, I nearly fall out of my seat when I see the username.

X.Hawthorne

Xavier. Chloe’s hot brother.

He just liked my photo.

I flashback to the day I foolishly let my so-called best friend “borrow” my phone to call her mom. That day she earned a spot on my shit list and when she requested to follow his private Capture account. She said it’s not a big deal, and the worst thing that would happen is he wouldn’t approve it.

Sure. A woman could dream. But then he accepted the request. And not only did he accept it, but he followed me back.

Now?

He’s liking my stuff. I mean it's Winnie, so it’s hard not to. I understand the appeal of that cute fuzzball. I never looked at his profile after he accepted my request. I couldn’t, although it was tempting.

Tonight though, I give in to the temptation, and I click on his username. His profile pops up but it is nothing like I expected it to be.

It’s full of animals. Farm animals.

Huh, I did not see that coming, especially after seeing his sister's extravagant lifestyle on her profile. I didn’t plan on going through his entire profile, I swear, but my fingers couldn’t help themselves.

I scroll past a photo of an old tin tub in the yard, filled with water.

It’s not far from the ground, and splashing inside are two Mallard ducks.

I have no idea what kind of duck that is, but it’s adorable.

One duck stretches, flapping its wings wide.

In the background there are more animals—chickens, goats and—a donkey named Clyde.

The little girl in me who always dreamed of a hobby farm squeals at this discovery.

After I finish scrolling as far down as I’m willing without it being creepy, I look at his bio.

He’s a vet.

Just when I thought he couldn’t get any hotter; not only is he an animal lover with his own little farm, but he cares for them too. Be still my beating heart.

The notification that my Chinese has been delivered comes across the top of my phone, so I reluctantly shut my screen off, making my way to the front door.

The rest of the night consists of food and reading, followed by an early bedtime. It is the most normal Friday night I've had in awhile, and I truly need that. My drama meter is full , so I pray to whoever is listening to let that be the last of it.

The next morning I’m awakened by what feels like a ton of bricks being tossed onto my chest. It’s just Winnie on top of me.

“What in the ever loving– Winnie, off!” I groan.

Winnie leaps off the bed and starts running toward the kitchen.

Scrubbing a hand down my face, it takes me a moment to realize I slept in.

I look at the clock, and it’s just before ten.

I’m refreshed, and I don’t think I've slept that good in a while.

I get out of bed and make my way down to the kitchen to let Winnie out back.

Throwing my hair up into a messy bun, I start the coffee.

I don’t care how cold it gets outside, I will drink iced coffee all year round.

I decide it’s the perfect day to take Winnie out to Sailor’s Point, and it’s secluded enough that I don’t have to keep him on a leash.

I spend the rest of the morning cleaning house so that when I come home exhausted later I can relax. After eating lunch, we head out. It’s about a twenty-five minute drive before we’re climbing out of my Honda Pilot in this beautiful countryside .

I hook Winnie up to his harness to start, with the intention of taking him off of it when we start the hiking trail. I make sure I have enough water for both of us, and of course a snack for when we reach the top.

Winnie excitedly paces on the leash while I’m getting all geared up. A little whimper comes out as he nudges my hand. I smile. “Hold on, big guy, let me get this backpack on, and we can head out.” I scratch his ear before slipping the straps on.

Locking the car, we head off in the direction of the hiking trails.

It’s the best this time of year when the tree leaves are beautiful hues of orange, red, yellow and green.

I take a deep inhale of fresh air, and a calmness washes over me.

I didn’t know how much I needed this until I got here.

A little bit of exercise on one of my favorite trails will put me into the perfect mindset.

The trail starts out on a semi flat. During the summer, the trail is more defined from the constant stream of hikers. But now? It seems to be a bit overgrown, like it’s been awhile since the last hiker was here. A little overgrowth is perfect for what I have planned.

“Come here, Winnie boy!” He comes to me and immediately joins me at my side.

I give him a treat I have stashed in my pocket.

“Good boy. Okay, I’m going to let you stretch your legs a little bit.

” As soon as I unhook him from the leash, he stands at my side as I keep my hand on his harness.

I shake my head as he shimmies in both excitement and anticipation for what’s to come.

The moment I let go, his nose hits the ground and he starts running around. He’s in his element. A smile blooms on my face as I watch him explore, following closely behind him.

Forty-five minutes later, I’m huffing and puffing as we reach the top of the trail.

We take a break at the top so we can both drink some water.

Winnie sniffs and runs around some more.

God, I’m out of shape, and I know my body is going to be sore tomorrow.

I love the pain of a good workout the day after, but it’s building the habit of working out that’s hard for me.

I have my shit together when it comes to work, my fitness goals doesn’t always match.

Winnie has been a great reason to keep to my routine.

I promise myself that we are going to walk the trails every weekend.

The sight around us is absolutely beautiful.

The trail ends at the top of a high mountain, overlooking a breathtaking expanse of autumn colors.

Reds, yellows, and browns scatter across the horizon.

The breeze is starting to chill as the warmth disappears with the sun behind the mountain off in the distance.

I take in my surroundings, enjoying the silence of nature.

A few minutes later, I decide we should head back before the sun fully sets.

I whistle Winnie over, and because he responds instantly, I reinforce his behavior with a treat and affirmation.

“Well, what do you say, my boy? Should we head back down now?” I scratch his head and then laugh at myself.

“Look at me, talking to you like you’re going to answer.

” Shaking my head, I gesture to Winnie that we’re leaving .

He’s a quick learner, picking up everything I’ve been working on with him.

We make our way back down the trail to the car. It’s always easier when you’re going downhill. We’ve almost reached the bottom when Winnie darts to the right, a growl exploding from his throat.

“What the– Winnie, here!” I yell. Hoping he heard me and will come back to the command. Instead, all I hear is the rustle of the bushes. My heart stops when I hear Winnie yelp.

I panic.

“Winnie, where are you? Winnie, here!” I start to move off the trail in the direction of where he darted. I don’t make it too far when I start to hear the rustle of bushes again. Winnie runs out, his pace panicked.

I instantly know something is wrong.