I can't focus for shit.
Knox put me on cleanup duty for being ten minutes late. Not that I cared because it gave me time to work alone most of the morning.
I've always been concerned for Kaitlyn's well-being, but now I feel an intense protectiveness over her. Her job can be dangerous, especially if a horse spooks and she falls. Most of those she works with are well-behaved, but something could always go wrong when working with large animals. There's a risk involved each time she gets on that saddle.
Her parents break and train younger horses who sometimes get out of control. She's always prepared and takes safety seriously by wearing a helmet, but I don’t know if that’s enough. To ease my worry, I text her on my break.
Payton: Did you eat lunch?
Kaitlyn: Drinking a protein shake now, and before you remind me, I’ve already taken my vitamins.
Payton: Good! Do you need anything? Are you feeling fatigued?
Kaitlyn: I'm fine. About to get Malice in the arena before he’s picked up tomorrow.
Payton: Don't overdo it, and drink lots of water so you don't get dehydrated.
Kaitlyn: I won't, and yes, I always do.
Payton: If you start feeling sick, take a break.
She doesn't respond, but moments later, my phone rings, and it’s her.
"What's wrong?" I immediately ask.
"Payton, you need to chill!" She chuckles. "I'm fine, I promise."
"I'm just checkin' on you. I don't want you to be distracted while workin' with the horses and get kicked or fall."
"The only thing distractin’ me right now is you. So please, calm down. You being anxious is makin’ me anxious."
I blow out a steady breath, pacing. "Sorry. I hate that I had to leave abruptly this morning."
"I understand. This is all new to me too. Tonight, we can look up the baby’s size at each stage and browse nursery stuff."
Hearing the smile in her voice puts one on my face.
"It's a date. I'll grab food and be home around six thirty."
After we end the call, I meet up with Knox and Kane for lunch. We sit at the picnic table outside the barn and chow down on the food Harper brought us. Ever since Knox found out she created a special club sandwich for Ethan, he’s begged her to make them for him too. So now she brings some for all of us about once a week just to appease him. She probably just wants to shut him up.
I set my phone on the table, waiting for Kaitlyn's response about what she wants from the B&B since Maize has two different options on the menu.
"I'm gonna grab a water from the fridge. Y’all need anything?" I ask as I stand from the table.
They shake their heads as they stare at their screens, most likely chatting with their wives.
I head to the barn and return moments later. Kane’s looking at something and laughing.
"What’s funny?"
"BD? What's BD stand for?" he asks.
I tap my screen and see her message.
Kaitlyn: I'll take the beef tips. Thanks, BD!
Fuck. Nosy bastard.