Statera - The Balanced One

Chapter Four

I just couldn't wrap my head around Keitan's infatuation with me. Especially now that I knew the reality of who his family was. The O'Connells put Tandem on the map. People came from all over the country to purchase their champion-bred horses, and it didn't stop there. The O'Connell's also owned one of the largest non-CFAO Angus ranches in the country. Their cattle were the best money could buy.

So why on earth is the prince of livestock interested in me? I guess I'm going to find out.

"Zora, can I help you get ready," Di said from my doorway.

"Aunt Di, it's just ice cream."

"True, but it also qualifies as a date."

I could hear the hope lacing her voice and knew this was something she wanted to do. I didn't see the point in questioning her anymore because it would only lead to disappointment—she was just trying to have a motherly moment with me.

"Okay, Di, but I'm not dressing up. He called me, not the other way around. So, what do you have in mind?"

"Maybe take out the ponytail, Zora, and put on a little lip-gloss."

"I'll take my hair down, but I don't do makeup. It's just not me. Also, shorts and a T-shirt will work. Please don't try talking me into a dress. You know I hate them."

She rolled her eyes dramatically. She fixed my hair as I finished lacing my boot.

Standing up, I asked, "Do I look okay?"

"Yes, but I still think you should apply yourself more," she said airily.

"Aunt Di, I'm not you. I'm comfortable in my own skin. He can take someone else out if he likes dolled-up girls.

She looked like she wanted to say something more, but the doorbell saved me from it.

"He's here; you'd better get down there," she huffed.

Nervousness hit me when I opened the door. I'd put so little effort into my appearance, but with one look, I could tell he'd gone to a little more trouble.

He'd given his off-black hair a cut. Even though the weather was sticky and humid, he wore blue jeans and leather boots. I hadn't realized I'd been staring until I noticed him staring back.

"All right, you two behave. Kei, tell your dad I'll see him Thursday."

Jed's voice pierced the moment carrying a note of aggression that wasn't typical of him, and when I glanced behind me, his stance made him look threatening.

"Yes, Sir, Mr. Haile—on both points. You ready, Zora?" Kei asked, gesturing toward the door.

"Yes. I'll be back in a few hours, Uncle Jed."

I saw Keitan's bike parked in the drive when we walked outside. I don't know why it surprised me.

"I couldn't wait until tomorrow to give you a ride," he said, looking over his shoulder.

I laughed and was rewarded with that near-perfect smile as he got on his bike.

"Well, you gonna get on? It's safe, Zora, I promise," he said reassuringly.

"I'll take your word for it, Keitan; I've never been on one of these."

He smelled like fresh-cut hay as I swung my leg over the bike, and he handed me back a helmet.

"It's my brother's. I hope you don't mind."

"Nope, not at all. I'd rather use his than nothing."

"Hold on to me," he said, pulling out of the drive.