Chapter 4: Farm

Kate is super excited for the upcoming trip, the moment she was done with the dish washing, she immediately went up to take a shower. As the water drip down her body, her mind wanders back to the scenario from earlier-- his warm body enveloping hers, his heartbeat, his smell. Kate felt aroused as she continues to recall about it.

“What the hell are you thinking, Kate!” she whispered under her breath. “He is your fiancé’s best friend, you shouldn’t be thinking this way!” she scolded herself. She was interrupted by the knocking on the bathroom door.

“Kate, you better hurry. You’ve been there for more than 10 minutes. What happened to the excitement.” She can hear the mockery in Artemis’ tone which made her roll her eyes. She hurriedly finished her shower session. She opened the cabinet and her eyes widens upon seeing all the types of clothes and shoes. She chose to wear something simple, casual yet presentable; she tucked in a long sleeves white blouse inside a denim ripped jeans, as for the footwear, she chose a nude flat platform sandal. She let her hair down this time.

As she went down she saw Artemis in a red plaid long sleeve shirt also tucked in tattered jeans and a brown cowboy shoes. In other words, he looks hot especially with his messy hair and glistening blue eyes. His face gleams as he saw her go down the staircase; his eyes never leaving hers.

“Finally you’re done, princess.” She rolled her eyes after hearing his sarcastic remark.

“It’s not my fault. There were a lot of options, it was hard to choose.” She reasoned which earned a chuckle from Artemis. There it goes again, her heart beating fast and the butterflies churning in the stomach. She rubbed her baby bump, good thing it isn’t noticeable yet.

She followed Artemis and she saw him stop in front of a horse. Her forehead furrowed, she looked at Artemis confusedly. And like reading her mind Artemis answered her lingering questions.

“Yes, we are riding a horse named ‘Hades’ to the farm. No, you can’t ride a car. Why? The road to my farm is too rocky and bumpy which cars can’t survive in but horses can, plus they’re much cuter.” He said as he caresses the mane of the horse. He mounted the horse like a pro he is, he held out his hand to Kate. “Come on, don’t worry. I won’t let you fall.”

Kate took a deep breath before accepting his hand. She let out a small squeal when she felt him pull her upwards. She is sitting in front of Artemis. She can feel his warmth again and it’s making her feel things. She erased those thoughts inside her head. She is convincing herself that what she feels for Artemis is only gratitude.

“Hold on tight.” She flinched and quiver when she felt his breath near her ears. She can smell his sweet perfume. She closed her eyes as she felt the horse starting to gallop. She was scared, she can’t deny that.

“Open your eyes, Kate. Take in the surrounding.” His voice is full of authority.

She wants to please him; she slowly opened her eyes and she was starstrucked; the place was amazing. The green grass, the fresh wind, the barns, and the pasture of different types of farm animals. She straightened her back and let the wind hit her face. She felt the serenity the farm can give the people. The feeling of freedom.

“Good girl.” His husky voice brought tingles to her body. They suddenly stopped which bummed her but she didn’t say anything about it. She was helped by Artemis to get down from Hades, the horse. She pats the horse’s head and followed Artemis once again. They were greeted by his workers, she responded with a smile to each of their greetings. They seem friendly and Kate can see how much they love Artemis as their boss. And the way he interacts with them doesn’t seem like how a boss should, to their employees.

“They’re like my family, without them my farm would be nothing.” He said to her as if once again he can read her mind. “You’re just too transparent, Kate.” He said before walking away. She followed him and they end up in a large land filled with rows of soybean tree.

“This is my beloved farm.” He said as his eyes still looking at the hundreds of acres of soybeans. Kate looked at him with admiration; she can’t believe someone like Artemis would actually be this responsible and hard working.

“How did you manage all of this, Artemis?” she asked curiously.

Still looking ahead Artemis answered, “It wasn’t easy at first, before our dad left us. He left a will and testament; he gave this land to me. It wasn’t this big before—it was small—only around 5 acres. I have to crawl myself up the ladders.” He paused “I was a newbie; I didn’t know shit about business. I was lost most of the time. Plus, the workers didn’t like me at first as their new boss. Most of them quit by then; I was left all alone but that didn’t stop me. It was quite the opposite actually; it gave me the motivation to strive harder. I did my own research, my own marketing strategy, my own advertising. Until, this is what I am now. So, whatever your eyes can see. I own them.”

She was amazed. She was really entranced by his hard work and sense of responsibility. She unconsciously rubbed her stomach once again. Artemis saw this and he thought she was hungry, she wants to deny it but he didn’t give her chance to.

She was guided by Artemis to the canteen, where she met tons of people. They were serve fried chicken and some mash potatoes. They were about to sit down when Artemis’ phone rang. He checked the calling I.D, he apologizes before standing up to answer the call. Kate is felt awkward, not because of the workers but because of her nature. She isn’t really good in meeting new people.

“So, are you Sir Artemis’ Girlfriend?” A brunette named Kristy asked her. She blushed before shaking her head in denial.

“N-no, Artemis is just a friend.” She said shyly. Kristy looked at her obviously not believing her words. She just let them be and continued eating; every now and then Kristy would talk to her and include her to their conversation.

“Here, have some.” Her stomach churned once again upon smelling the red velvet cake Kristy offered her, not the sweet butterfly kind that she would feel when she’s with Artemis. She covered her mouth as if she’s trying to keep it all in. she ran to the nearest restroom before spilling her guts out. Kristy followed her and rubbed her back.

“Are you pregnant, Kate?” she heard Kristy ask she turned around to answer her after using the back of her hand to wipe her mouth. Her eyes widened as she saw Artemis’ confused state behind Kristy. His eyes furrowed and his face distort into confusion. Kate stood up and diverted her stare to everywhere but Artemis. She felt like a criminal getting caught. The long silence was broken by Artemis’ question.

“You’re pregnant?”