CountryCore Series: Hold Your Horses (WLW)

The Beekeeper

Mikala hopped out of her Jeep and shook out her limbs as she thought of her charge for the day. She needed to reiterate to Kennedy that she was perfect and change, though it could be terrifying, was necessary to move forward in life. As daunting a task as that was, Mikala was giddy for her first official day on the Wilson's farm wherein she could spend long hours with the very woman who boggled her mind with her marvelously tender nature. She desired allotting Kennedy the opportunity to truly show her shine as far and wide as possible and she'd be damned if anything, or more apropos, if anyone got in her way.

Scanning her eyes over the gorgeous land, she regarded the Wilson ranch. There to her left was that giant house she recalled for its breathtaking architecture and lovely wooden, natural appearance wherein she knew two people with kind hearts lay their hats, though she also remembered the third who was anything other than nice. Growing perturbed, she swiveled her gaze around toward the barn that was a good ten yards to the left of the house and teaming with horses of all breeds and sizes trotting around if they weren't grazing in the nearby alfalfa patch. There standing to the right of the barn was a man in a baseball cap and Mikala smirked as he brushed the coat of a horse with white spots on its back half while its front and most of its legs were brown.

Beginning the trek toward them, she grinned as she watched Jimmy lift his head and glance at her. He moved around the horse and outstretched his hand as she jogged up to him. "Mornin', Kala."

Taking his hand, she shook it and ran her gaze around the area before replying, "Morning. So, is she out here?"

"Right down to business, huh?" He brimmed with enthusiasm as he leaned in and pointed toward the barn with his free hand. "She's in there with a foal just born yesterday. Givin' the mare and young buck some love and washin' them down. When she's done in there, she's headin' over to the bee habitats. Go on."

Sending her off with an encouraging wink, Mikala nodded toward Jimmy one last time before she headed for the interior of the barn. Walking inside, she marveled at the craftsmanship of the large structure. Damn, Bruce really knows how to build... Mikala touched one of the supporting wooden beams underneath what she assumed was a hay loft and peeked into the first stall to find a brown horse deep in slumber. It didn't even stir when she poked her head over the door, but Mikala did with a jolt as a throat cleared behind her. She spun around with a yelp and splayed her hand over her chest, coming face to face with the very reason she accepted this job.

Kennedy blushed across both cheeks as she startled with wide eyes, then cast them away with a small grin. "Um, sorry. I was trying not to scare you, believe it or not."

"It's cool." Mikala released her caught breath and sent her the most disarming grin she could, then took a step closer as she held out her hand. Kennedy simply stared down at it, immobile as her hands balled into fists at her sides, prompting Mikala to lean in closely. "It's just a handshake, Kennedy. Don't worry, I won't bite."

Kennedy's face said she thought otherwise as she glanced back up into her eyes with a suspecting eyebrow raised, though she finally extended her hand. "Mhm..." As their hands met, Mikala felt a rush of that same exhilarating sensation coasting throughout her form, heating her to her core and painting her heart in a glow of joyous triumph. Kennedy kept her eyes focused on hers for only a moment longer before she dropped them to their joined hands with a shudder. She gulped with strain, then cleared her throat once again and peered up to meet her gaze. Her cheeks were so red that it took everything for Mikala not to caress them right then and there, but she staved off the desire threatening to overtake her until Kennedy finally pulled her hand away. "W-Well...today begins your orientation. So if you would follow me..."

Nodded without hesitation, Mikala followed Kennedy as she led her back further into the barn and she saw that there was another set of double doors at its end. "Is that so the horses can come in and out when they want?"