Change My Mind (Liam Payne Fiction)

Chapter 11

“This cannot be happening, this cannot be happening, this cannot be happening.”

Liam watched as Aria paced back and forth. 

“Will you stop that?  You’re making me dizzy.”

It was Saturday morning, Liam’s last weekend of training, and Aria was near panic.  They were getting the horses ready for his lessons earlier today when a bus pulled up into the ranch.  When a guy got off, Aria recognized him as Jack McFarlane, director of East Haddam’s Town Street Group Home.  Three times a year, Jack sent about 10 kids for a sleepover camp at Cloverleaf Ranch.  The program started at the end of spring, until the end of summer. 

This year, the Byrne family decided to push the program to summer to accommodate Liam’s training.  According to Aria’s grandfather, he informed Mr. McFarlane’s assistant about the change of schedule as soon as they signed the contract for Liam’s training more than a month ago.  But somewhere along the way, the message was lost and Jack never canceled the program – they weren’t expecting his assistant to go on labor that very same day. 

Aria called Bruce but he already left for his dad’s for the weekend, and all the other Cloverleaf Ranch employees were either unavailable or non-riders.

Liam believed that Aria was on the verge of seriously freaking out.  He watched as she sank miserably into the nearest chair. 

“This is not good,” she worriedly said.  She cupped her chin with her hands and looked at him glumly.  “Today’s your last day and we can’t spend it babysitting these kids. And if by any chance it’s okay with you to push your lessons back to next weekend, how am I going to go with the program?  I can’t do the overnight camp by myself.” 

Seeing her this upset, Liam felt that odd sensation pulling at him again.  He went down on one knee before her and started reaching out for her hands.  But then something instinctively stopped him from touching her.   

“Maybe I can help,” he offered. 

Aria gave him a hopeful look.  “Really?”  Of course his people knew people who could help them with the situation. 

“But you gotta give me something in return.”

Her blue eyes narrowed as she folded her arms across her chest.  “And why should I?  You’re just going to make a quick phone call and have someone come over.  If I have to give somebody something, then that person will be the one who actually helps out.”

Liam pretended to be hurt.  “I’m sad that you think so little of me.”

She just raised an eyebrow at him.

“I’ll help you,” he stated.  “You taught me so well.  Even your grandfather says I’m doing exceptionally well.”

Aria started at him.  “And what might you want?”

Liam held her gaze steadily.  “One night.”

Upon hearing that, Aria’s eyes widened and Liam quickly spoke before she punched him.  “Not an X-rated night.  Just one night, or afternoon, if you’re more comfortable with that, that’s not horse-related.”

Her answer was abrupt.  “No.”

Liam stood up.  “Fine – have it your way.”  He pointed out the window where Aria’s grandfather was talking to Jack.  “Go tell those kids there’s no camp today.”

Aria peeked at the bus parked outside.  Apparently, the option of disappointing kids didn’t appeal to her. 

“Okay.  If I say yes to you, there would have to be boundaries.