A Hidden Truth

Something Dumb

[Juniper]

When we were far enough away, I started giggling. It was nice to not be the one being picked apart for once. They were probably planning a whole bunch of things now Kendra had put herself up for a makeover.

“I think a little part of my soul just died.” She groaned. “How afraid should I be here?”

“They won’t make you look bad. They were beauty queens and only mildly catty. I wouldn’t let Tamsin know you’re focused on Clayton, though. She might arrange an accident with the hair salon.” I snickered.

“Got it. Thanks for helping. I would’ve definitely f****d up.” Kendra replied.

“No trouble. I’m curious about your interest in Clayton. What exactly made you think you’re interested in him?” I asked.

“He caught me when I got knocked down. He was sweet and cute. I didn’t hate when he called me sugar and sweetheart, like I normally would. It just felt right.” She sighed.

I thought for a second. It sounded like a movie style meet/cute. She knew nothing about him except that she was attracted to him. He was not very sweet.

It had taken some pretty drastic information to get him to back off trying to break me and Jaxon up. His intention on my birthday had probably been to ask me out, rather than call me out. Once she spent time with him, she’d see he wasn’t what she’d imagined.

“Interesting. There’s Miley.” I waved at the younger girl and Kendra pushed me to the table where Miley and Mattie were sitting.

We talked for a while about school and where they were needing help. Mattie would often tag along when Miley came for tutoring. I only charged for one though because Mattie would get distracted and wander off. Jaxon came up and stood off to the side of the table, watching the men around the grill.

“Excuse me, girls. Jaxon, can we talk in private?” I asked.

“Sure.” He said and wheeled me into the house. “Dani’s room has a rocking chair and we can close the door. It’ll be better than someone’s bed.”

I nodded as he pushed me down the hallway. “How’s the thing going?”

“Seems like it’s working out perfectly. Let me help you up.” Jaxon locked the wheels, put up the foot pedals, and helped me out of the chair.

We walked into Dani’s room. She still had a crib that stood on one end of the room, dark wood dressers and tables accented it nicely. There was a gliding rocker with an ottoman in a corner near a little book shelf. Jaxon guided me there and helped me sit before returning to close the door.

He sat across from me on the ottoman and leaned forward. I wanted to kiss him so badly, but I had to make sure he understood that I didn’t intend to laugh like I did. Even if he wasn’t interested in marrying me, he shouldn’t feel like I thought it was a joke.

“I need to apologize.” I said.

“No, you don’t. Gary told me it was probably a stress response. You didn’t really think it was funny. I just had to get myself under control.” He smiled.

I slid off the chair, onto my knees. It wasn’t the most comfortable thing. Jaxon leaned back a little as I moved closer and started unbuttoning his shirt.

“Juniper, you’re going to hurt yourself. This isn’t the time or place.” He scowled a bit.

“Shush. I have to apologize. I’m fine.” I murmured as I got his shirt half unbuttoned and pushed the sides apart. “Just let me be a little dumb for a second.”

He stopped talking and watched me as I leaned in and put my forehead on the left side of his chest. I was nervous, this was terribly silly and the stupid sort of romantic stuff that I didn’t really like. When I’d thought of it, I’d felt myself blush at the level of embarrassment I would suffer. It was worth it to me, though. He’d been hurt by me and normal apologies only go so far.

“I’m sorry I hurt you. Please, forgive me.” I said and pressed my lips over his heart. Then I moved my ear against it and heart his heartbeat speed up.

“Did… did you just apologize to my heart?” He asked. I could hear the humor in his voice.

“I hurt it several times in the last few days. It deserved an apology, too.” I replied.

The room was still for a few moments. I could feel the silent laughter shaking him. My own heart leapt. It worked perfectly.

“That’s so dumb.” He chuckled.

As I pulled away to look up at him, he bent down and pressed his lips against mine. I reached up and wrapped my arms around his neck while he picked me up into his lap. We nipped and nibbled at each other, our bodies locked closely together. It was the best sensation I’d had all day.

“You want to head back out?” He whispered against my lips.

“Not especially. But we should. I don’t know how much longer I can handle this.” I told him.

“Let’s go, sweet. You need food, then we should go so you can get some rest before school in the morning.”

Jaxon helped me to stand before he got up, buttoned his shirt, and guided me out the door. In the hall, I sat in the wheelchair and he adjusted the foot pedals so I could rest my feet on them. After unlocking the wheels, he pushed me back toward the kitchen where the sliding glass doors led to the patio.

The doorbell rang and Jaxon changed routes. He parked me at an angle near the door and opened it. On the other side of the door was an all-around bigger version of Clayton, with the same blue eyes like their mother’s. It was Frederick Jr., Tamsin and Red’s oldest son.

“Jaxon, Juniper. I need to see my father.” He stated sternly.

I nearly jumped. Rick had been my riding coach for most of my life. From what I’d heard about Red before he married Tamsin, Rick was exactly like his father. Cool, commanding, and unwavering in his dedication to his work and the reputation of the ranch. He always made me nervous.

“He’s out back, by the grill.” Jaxon replied curtly and moved out of the way.

“Juniper, if you want to ride, just check a horse out from the barn. Before you head to Austin, if you need summer work, let me know. I could use a coach for the teen beginner’s course.” Rick said before heading through the house.

I stared at Jaxon for a bit. I didn’t know if I could ride a horse again. Maybe things would be better now I was grown. It might be fun to take one out and see if I could remember. Jaxon winked and turned me around so we could head out with everyone else.