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Henry climbed the stairs to where Athena’s room was located, but before he had a chance to knock, his gaze caught a small note that had been taped just above the doorknob.
“Out back” was all it said.
Henry plucked the note from the door with a smile and hurried down the stairs. Either she wanted him to know where she was, or she didn’t want him to lecture her again. Regardless, she was thinking about him.
He blew past Daniel, who was on his way upstairs, and darted around Hudson, who shot him a dark look. Henry only came skidding to a stop when he caught sight of her through a window that oversaw the backyard.
Athena’s blond hair hung down her back. The messy bun she’d had it in during the wedding had been deceiving, to say the least. Even from where he stood, he could tell it had a fine texture. The waves were more delicate than anything else. She could have easily been a deity in another lifetime. She still wore those ridiculous overalls, but she’d chosen a shirt he knew he’d picked out.
Her back faced him as she stared out at their property. The sunrise had long since passed, but just because it hung overhead didn’t take away from the natural beauty that surrounded the Keagan house. It was strange to meet someone who had gone through so much who could take a step back and appreciate something so small as a mountain scene and overgrown brush.
His sisters were wrong. Henry didn’t have feelings for her. Developing feelings for someone he barely knew wasn’t wise. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t like her as a friend. She intrigued him. Every time she opened her mouth, it was like she had a secret that only he was allowed to know.
Athena stiffened, then slowly turned, and her eyes met his through the window. She didn’t stand up from her position on the steps of the deck, but she did offer him a small smile.
Henry waved at her and then yanked his own hand down. What was he doing? Waving was something a child did.
She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, then returned her focus to the scenery around her. Henry wasted no time in darting through the kitchen. He ignored his sister’s quips about his picnic plans, letting the door slam shut behind him.
Athena rose when he reached her side. She glanced at him only briefly, opting to keep her focus elsewhere. “You didn’t come in for breakfast.”
He shook his head. “I had some cereal. I wanted to get my work done early.” His heart sped up slightly. “I thought we might share lunch together.”
Another glance from her was all it took for his heart to shift into high gear. “Are they done already?” She shot a look toward the house. “Your sisters, I mean. Is lunch—”
Henry took a step toward her, closing the remaining distance between them. “No.” He shut his eyes and shook his head. “What I mean is that I thought I’d take you around the property and we could have a picnic at my favorite spot.”
If Athena was surprised by his request, she didn’t show it. A small smile tugged at her lips, and she nodded. “I’d like that.”
“Great!” he said too quickly.
“But…”
“But?” He froze. What possible argument could she have for turning him down if not to make it clear that she wasn’t interested romantically? He should assure her their picnic didn’t mean anything. He wasn’t expecting them to get romantic. But before he had a chance to clarify, she answered his question.
“I kinda want to see more of what goes on here. The animals. The jobs you do. I’ve never been on a ranch before. There’s so much…”
“You want to see the ranch?” He peered at her with confusion. “You realize that the smells alone are enough to turn away even people who grew up here.”
She laughed. It was an enticing sound, and he hadn’t even meant to be funny. Much like her name, her laugh was unique and almost magical. There was an underlying strength while also being beautiful, and it ended far too soon. “I was willing to sleep in the barn, remember? I don’t have aversions to the animals or their smells.”
“If you’re sure…” he hedged. “I guess we could have a picnic out by the barn. If you want, you could lead the way and I’ll answer all the questions you have.”
Her eyes brightened. “Really?”
“Really.”
“What’s dressage?”
He nearly choked. “What?”
“Dressage. Brielle said that word when she was talking about that black horse. What does that mean?”
“It’s a…” He tilted his head. “She wants to train the beast to do dressage?”
“Beast?” Athena laughed again. “He’s not a beast.”
Henry chuckled. “He’s definitely not going to be ready for dressage any time soon.”
