13. Ava

"Go get Manny and tell him to come! Actually, get everyone!" Travis yells to Mia. He steers the golf cart toward the workshop. "I'm going to load up the four-wheeler with tools and get Bigsby. I want you to follow me on the four-wheeler. Manny fixed it last night, so you shouldn't have any problems with it. You can drive it over to the section of broken fence. I don't know what we'll need, but I don't want to waste time going back and forth."

"Ok." This is very exciting, although I have no idea how to move cows. Hopefully, it's easier than it sounds. I follow behind Travis and Bigsby. I've never been a horse person, but driving behind him, I must admit Travis looks good on one. I get the appeal of cowboys.

When we got to the fence, the cows were pouring out. There were about 100 already in the street. Maybe that's an exaggeration. I'm not a cow counter. Kenny is in front of the pack, trying to push them back.

"Kenny, let's trade. See if you can lure them in from the back. Bigsby and I will go to the front of the herd. We'll get them back in. Bigsby lives for this kind of stuff!" Travis is wild with excitement.

I sit back on the four-wheeler, watching and waiting for instruction. I don't know if I'll be needed, but I'm ready to jump in. Moments later, Mia comes riding out on her horse.

"Mia, come over on this side," Travis yells. She and Shadow ride over effortlessly. They all work together without talking, like a well-oiled machine. It's incredible to watch. Again, I wish I had a cameraman or at least a camera. I get out my phone, snap quite a few pictures, and take a video. This is unlike anything I've ever seen.

I totally lose track of time, but at some point, Roberta shows up in a golf cart with a few of the ladies. Of course, Barb is among them. After this, she will have an even harder time keeping her hands off Travis.

The ladies sit in the golf cart and watch with their mouths hanging open. I take a picture of them and realize I probably look the same. This is fascinating to watch, and Travis is mesmerizing.

Eventually, they got all the cows back into the pasture. Now they have to get the fence put back up. Fence work is rugged. Travis and Kenny are letting Mia and me help. I never realized how exhausting physical labor could be.

After who knows how long, Roberta shows up with sandwiches for us. I realize I am absolutely famished. We didn't get breakfast, and we've been working nonstop. We take a quick break and all wolf down sandwiches like we haven't eaten in days.

"Wow, it's already 2:00," Travis says.

"Really?! I guess that means no school for me!" Mia jumps up and down.

"Guess you're right. I'll have to call the school later and say we had an emergency."

"And now it's the weekend! I love three-day weekends!"

"Weekend or not, there's still work to do," Travis grumbles.

"I don't care. Anything is better than school! And nothing really feels like work when Shadow is involved. Right, girl?" Mia strokes her horse. Seeing how bonded a human can be with a horse is fascinating. It's clear as day with both Mia and Shadow and Travis and Bigsby.

We spent the rest of the afternoon working on the fence. We reinforced all the other weak spots once we repaired the part where the cows broke through. It took a long time. By 5, we were all exhausted and starving again.

Roberta hosted an impromptu cooking class to keep the ladies occupied. They made mini meatloaves, mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, salad, and asparagus soup. I don't know if it's from working out in the fields all day or what, but that was the best meal I've had in my life.

"And for dessert, we made lava cakes!" Barb announced, looking at Travis. "We're serving them with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge sauce. Speak now if you don't want ice cream. I'll also put on a pot of coffee. I heard Travis likes his chocolate dessert with coffee." She winks at him.

"Thanks," Travis drapes his arm on the back of my chair.

"Oh. My. Gosh. This is to die for." I say to no one in particular. "This is the best meal of my life." I wanted more lava cake, but they only made one per person. I stare sadly at my empty plate. Then I feel a hand on my thigh. Travis gives it a little squeeze. I look up at him and smile. He smiles back and offers me the rest of his lava cake. I'm officially head over heels in love.

"Are you sure?"

"Yep. I'm stuffed."

"You don't have to tell me twice!" I switched plates and finished off his dessert. I can feel Barb wishing death upon me from across the table. I look up at Travis and smile sweetly, "Thanks, babe."

The rest of the evening passes by quietly. Travis and I play cards with Lori and Peggy. Barb lurks in the background, vying for Travis's attention. I'm sure it's all part of the ploy, but tonight, he has eyes only for me, and I like it.

"Good game, ladies. I'd love to play another, but I am beat. I'm going to turn in for the night." He looks over at me. "You ready, babe?"

"Sure am. What a day it's been!" Once again, daggers shoot out of Barb's eyes.

"Oh, Travis, just one minute. I was really hoping to talk to you about…"

"Sorry, Barb. I've got to turn in. Can it wait til tomorrow?"

"I'm happy to help you, Barb."

"No, no, I can wait til tomorrow. Good night, Travis, sweet dreams." Barb brushes Travis' arm. She is bold!

I grab his hand and lead him away. Once we're out of earshot, he sighs in relief. "That woman is crazy. Thank goodness you're here; otherwise, she might eat me alive."

"I'm happy to be of service." I squeeze his hand, realizing we're well out of view of the guests and still holding hands. I'm not going to be the one to pull away. I'm smitten. But I know he'll never go for me. Ryder would kill him.

He keeps hold of my hand and leads me to his bedroom. Ok, not like that, but a girl can pretend!

I can tell his back is hurting him. I can't let him sleep on the couch again.

"Hey, let me sleep on the couch. You hardly fit, and I can fit comfortably. You take the bed."

"No way."

"I insist. Look how much better I fit." I lie down on the couch. "Plus, I'm already here." He stares at me. Is he going to lie down on top of me? I wouldn't mind. I smile up at him, trying to look seductive without being overtly seductive. I'm not sure how good I am at this.

Travis easily lifts me up and says, "I can move you."

My heart skips a beat. He looks me in the eye. Is he going to kiss me? I sure hope so. I can't be the one to make the first move. Ryder will kill me. Although, he'd probably kill Travis more. Ugh. Well, I might as well enjoy it while I can.

He sets me down on the couch, but in a sitting position, and sits beside me—right next to me, despite all the space on the other side of him. Once again, he's staring. Once again, I feel like he could kiss me at any moment. Or maybe I'm totally imagining everything. It"s hard to say.

"Dad? Is that you?" Mia pokes her head out of her bedroom door.

"Yes, I was just coming to check on you." Travis stands up.

"Oh, I'm fine. I'm going to bed."

"I'll come tuck you in."

"Not necessary. Love you, good night."

"Night, Mia. Oh, by the way, I'm going to take the couch tonight," I say. If Mia knows, it has to happen.

"Oh, ok. Good night, Ava.'

Once again, I look up to see Travis staring at me. I can't tell if he wants to destroy me or devour me. I hope it"s the latter.