Page 59 of Stick Around,
Enzo fought a smile, and I narrowed my eyes at him, not quite believing what I was seeing. He was actually making a joke about stabby children. All along I thought his sense of humor had been surgically removed at birth in exchange for his impressive ability to frown disapprovingly.
Reid gave his horse a treat after removing the bit. “I think it’s a good idea.”
“Really?” I couldn’t hide my surprise.
Enzo checked his watch. “I’ve got to meet with the farrier in half an hour, but I can help set up when I’m done.”
Reid wiped his hands on a rag. “I can take you to get supplies. My afternoon’s clear since Kellan took over all the trail rides today.”
I couldn’t believe how easily both men had agreed. I’d been prepared for a battle, armed with at least three more persuasive arguments and possibly some begging if necessary. Instead, they’d practically rolled out the welcome mat for my half-baked plan. Somehow, my hobby horse idea was happening, and I was both thrilled and terrified at once. What if no one showed up? Or worse, what if everyone showed up and the whole thing was a spectacular disaster involving glitter emergencies and disappointed children?
I walked backward toward the door. “Meet you by my car in ten minutes? I need to grab my purse.”
The prospect of spending time alone with Reid made my cheeks warm, though I told myself it was from the excitement of the project coming together.
By the time we made it to the store thirty minutes later, my nerves had turned into full-blown giddy chaos.
Reid was pushing a cart, watching me with amusement as I nearly squealed when I spotted the display of stick horses. “These are perfect!”
Reid examined one critically. “These are nowhere near as high quality as Thunderbolt.”
“Thunderbolt is a professional competition hobby horse with a very professional price tag. These are starter models for beginners, also known as kids’ toys.”
When April had sent me links to stick horses for hobby horsing, I’d nearly had a heart attack at the price tag. They’d ranged in price from thirty to over three hundred dollars. Of course, I had to fall in love with the one that cost nearly two hundred.
“How could I not know the difference?” He tossed six into our cart.
We hit up the craft supplies section next, and I stopped in front of the wide selection of glitter. “Now, before I begin, I have a very important question.”
“And that is?” Reid grabbed a tube of glow-in-the-dark sparkles, turning it in his hand like it was some alien artifact.
“What’s my budget? Keep in mind that these supplies can also be used for the kids’ camps.” I gestured at the shelves on both sides of the aisle stocked with a rainbow of art supplies.
“Get whatever you think you’ll need.” Reid put the glitter he was holding in the cart. He seemed entirely unconcerned about the potential cost, which was refreshing after my ex-fiancé’s constant commentary on my classroom supply spending.
I ran my fingers along a display of bagged pom-poms, feeling a rush of creative possibility. “Are you sure? Because when you give me free rein in the craft aisle, I tend to go a little overboard. Last summer, I ended up with enough pipe cleaners to create a life-sized replica of the Eiffel Tower.” I wasn’t entirely joking.
He didn’t even look surprised. “You deserve it after bringing us so much new business.”
I threw my arms around him. “Thank you! This is the best day ever.” I pulled back quickly when I realized how childish I probably sounded.
Reid chuckled. “So craft supplies are the way to a woman’s heart?”
“It’s one of many ways.” I turned my attention to the ribbons and immediately grabbed a variety spool that had all the colors of the rainbow. “When I was little, I used to think craft stores were more magical than toy stores. All this potential was sitting on shelves, waiting to become something.”
Reid watched me, his expression soft. “I can see that about you. The way you look at things and see what they could be, not just what they are.” He stepped closer. “It’s one of the many things I like about you.”
His gaze lingered, and heat flickered beneath my skin. “Are you flirting with me right now, Reid Dawson?”
“Is it working?” His voice dropped, low and teasing, making my body light up.
“Maybe.” I grabbed a second spool of ribbon and placed both in the cart. “I have a few more things on my list, then we’re good to go.”
Reid followed me dutifully down the aisle, adding a few things here and there. “So, I’ve been thinking… the four of us should go on a date.”
I stopped at the sudden comment, and he nearly hit me with the cart. I turned to look at him, my hand still clutching a pack of multi-colored felt squares, sure I’d misheard him. “Like, all together at one time?” I struggled to visualize what that would even look like.
He rubbed his jaw, seeming uncertain. “Is that weird?”