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“Since most people are here,” I say, “let’s get started. We’re going to break into pairs and section off blocks, then go door to door explaining the situation to people and asking for their signatures.”
Immediately, people gravitate towards each other. There’s no time for me to assign teams, and in a matter of seconds everyone has a partner except for me and Erin.
My heart races as I realize that we’re going to be stuck together.
I can’t decide if I hate or love the situation more.
“Figures,” Erin mutters under her breath.
Okay, then. Yep, I hate it more.
“You have a problem working with me?” I ask, trying to keep my tone neutral.
“No, no problem,” she says through gritted teeth.
“Good.” I try to give her a reassuring smile. “Then let’s get to work.”
Before I know it, we’re walking down the street together. Silence stretches between us, heavy with tension.
“So,” I say finally, “which end of Fairview do you want to start on?”
Erin shrugs. “I don’t care. You choose.”
I lead us down a side street lined with small houses, each with a different shade of peeling paint on the front door. Watching people’s reactions as we approach their homes is interesting — some are friendly and open, while others are immediately wary and distrustful.
As we walk, I keep stealing glances at Erin. Her hair is pulled back in a ponytail, showing off the graceful curve of her neck. She seems lost in thought as she walks beside me, her eyes downcast as she focuses on the clipboard in her hands.
“You know,” I say, breaking the silence, “I didn’t mean to scare you off last night.”
Erin glances at me, a hint of disbelief crossing her face. “You didn’t scare me off.” She scoffs. “I’m not afraid of you, Josh.”
I sigh. “That’s not what I meant to suggest. It’s just… I don’t know how to deal with you sometimes. You’re always so hostile towards me.”
She stops walking and turns to face me, her eyes blazing. “Maybe it’s because you don’t give me any reason to be friendly towards you,” she snaps. “You’ve always acted like you’re the king of this town, like everyone should bow down to you just because your family owns the largest ranch around here. It’s annoying and arrogant.”
I laugh. I laugh and I can’t stop. Is she kidding me?
“You believe I think I’m better than everyone?” I point at my chest. “Wow. That’s rich coming from you.”
Her cheeks turn pink, and even though I’m pissed at her, the way she blushes is so cute that I kind of want to pull her into my arms and kiss her right now.
But of course I don’t. I maintain the distance, and Erin maintains her glare.
“The last time I saw you after high school,” I say, “you told me that I would be stuck in this town forever.”
Those probably weren’t her exact words, but it was something to that effect. At least, that was the insinuation that’s sat with me through the years.
She folds her arms. “And I was wrong?”
Dang. She knows where to hit to make it hurt.
“My ranch is the biggest producer of beef in the county. It keeps this town’s economy going.” I try to sound proud, but in reality, most days I couldn’t give a damn.
I’m not going to let Erin know this, though. That would be like handing her ammunition.
“People aren’t failures because they stay in the town they grew up in,” I say, “and they aren’t successes just because they move to a city.”
Her lips purse. It’s a major win for me, but it doesn’t feel as good as I expected it to.
