Page 184 of My Fake Dating with the Grumpiest Highlander
Neighing erupts everywhere.
Chaos detonates.
“Shit!” Jamie curses.
We both sprint toward the animals as they begin scattering in every direction. A Shetland pony bolts through the opening at full speed, followed by two larger horses. Sheep burst from a nearby enclosure, adding even more confusion to the disaster.
Hamish bleats triumphantly in the middle of the destruction, proudly admiring his work.
Meanwhile Ragnar stands beside the stable looking perfectly innocent, like he had absolutely nothing to do with any of this.
“I’ll get the horses over there!” Jamie shouts, already running.
“I’ll take the ones heading toward the castle!”
I sprint after a bay gelding galloping joyfully toward the Games tents, knocking over an innocent scone stand along the way.
The next two hours become a logistical nightmare.
With help from Cameron, Connor, Ewan, and half a dozen volunteers, we eventually recover every escaped animal. The fences are repaired as best they can be.
Hamish disappears, naturally.
Ragnar is now lounging near the medical station looking deeply confused about why everyone is so upset.
I’m covered in mud, my hair has escaped all attempts at control, and I probably smell like horses and sweat.
Utterly glamorous.
Jamie approaches me, breathless but smiling.
“Just like old times, huh? You and me fixing Hamish’s disasters.”
I can’t help laughing.
“Except now we’re responsible for the chaos instead of just watching it.”
“Questionable progress.”
A comfortable silence settles between us.
“I’m gonna do one last check on the paddocks,” he says eventually.
Then he walks off toward the enclosures.
I remain there alone in the aftermath of the morning’s catastrophe, trying to process what just happened.
You’re never going to see me as anything except a childhood friend, are you?
Was Jamie… in love with me?
Is that why he left?
Is that what all the twins’ weird comments were about?
My heart races too fast.
My thoughts spin endlessly.
