The Beast of Stornoway

Chapter 15: Van

Van tightened the saddle on Charlie and walked him out of the stables. He planned to be as far away from the manor as possible today and work on fixing the fences that he'd been neglecting. He slowed his steps when he spotted Amani leaving the house with Gerard. Her infectious laughter filled the air and almost made him smile as he watched her talk excitedly to his driver.

She was always so animated and she always had a damn smile on her face. He didn't understand how someone could live with so much joy. It was like nothing fazed her, not the horses, not the muddy grounds, not even his cold attitude.

"She's not like them other ones." A farmhand grinned next to him.

"Get back to work, Rory," he grumbled, tugging on Charlie's reins. He mounted him, pressed his heels into his side and took off riding. She'd been here a few days and she was all anyone had been talking about. He'd heard them whispering about her as if he couldn't hear what they said.

'She's so beautiful.' Maybe...

'She's so funny!' That wasn't a lie. She did make him laugh. Once.

'A woman like her is just what the manor needs, just what he needs.' That was the comment that pissed him off the most. He didn't need anything and definitely not her. The manor worked just fine without her.

His watch vibrated against his wrist. He frowned. He didn't usually get messages when he was in the field unless it was an emergency. He spied the name rolling across the screen. One message from Amani. Why would she message him? He had no need to speak to her. She had her assignments. She should ask Benny if she had any questions.

Amani >>If you're checking the fences, the three that need the most work are at point 23, 45 and 73.<<

How the hell would she - 

His thought was interrupted by another vibration. He stared at the message.

Amani >>I went through the farm improvements file. I just thought that would help you.<<

None of his assistants ever bothered with the farm. They never dared to. He'd always made it clear his farm was his business, but he'd failed to tell Amani because of his ridiculous inability to form proper thoughts around her.

A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. However, this bit of information would make his job much easier.

Van >>Thank you so much, Amani. That really made my day so much easier - <<

Erase that shite, Blarcum. Too gushy.

Van >>Thanks so much you're the best- <<

Erase! Erase! You muppet! What the hell is my problem? 

He sighed and shook his head. Responding to her shouldn't be this damn hard.

I'm not going to respond. I don't need to. Nope.

He looked at the messages again. She just made a day of work turn into a couple hours. He wouldn't have to check every post like he'd planned. He threw his head back and heaved a deep sigh.

Fuck, she deserves a reply.

Van >>Thank you.<<

There. That's good enough.

He dug his heels into Charlie's side, riding off to the posts she'd told him about. Maybe he wouldn't tell her not to meddle in the farm's business. She might be useful in streamlining the work that needed to be done. A blush burned over his cheeks. That didn't mean the manor worked any better with her here.