“You are amazing. I did also pick up a little something foryoutoday.”
“You did?”
He went to the refrigerator and took out a bouquet of bright-colored flowers.
“They’re beautiful,” she said.
“So are you.”
“That was smooth.”
His eyebrows wiggled with each word. “And this.” He scooted a new five-pound bag of sugar toward her. “Since I said I might not be the kind of neighbor you could borrow sugar from, I wanted to make up for it in advance with a starter kit. I want you to borrow anything you like from me. Anytime.”
Her breath stopped mid-intake. “Well, thank you.” She took the sack of sugar into her arms, cradling it. She heard Zan turn over in the other room, taking Merry Anna’s attention off the romantic gesture. “I probably ought to go so she can get some sleep.”
He reached for her as she stood. “There’s one other thing I wanted to ask you.”
“Sure, what’s that?”
“I need to ride this Friday night. It’s a one-night event. Would you watch Zan?”
Was this why he was being so flattering and sweet? Or was she just jaded from her own baggage?He’s not Kevin. Maybe he should be trusted. Give him a chance.
“Well, I promised myself I’d say yes to new opportunities, and watching kids is definitely new for me. You sure you want to leave her with me?”
“Positive. You’re very capable. But, honestly, I don’t have many options.”
She hesitated, but only for a moment. “Yes, I’ll watch her. How about I come over here? That way she’ll already be tucked in and asleep when you get home.” She picked up her purse and keys. Was she setting herself up for a big disappointment?
“Thank you so much.” He walked her to the door, and she left a little uncertain of how she felt about everything and not sure why.
—
Merry Anna didn’t hear from Adam all week, and that gnawed at her. Had she read more into his signals than was ever there?
By Friday, she was almost perturbed with him. Wouldn’t it have been the polite thing to do for him to have stayed in touch and then confirm that she’d be coming tonight to take care of Zan? Or maybe she was just bent out of shape because she’d hoped to hear from him.
She tortured herself with the internal dialogue until she saw Adam walk through the front door of Hardy House full of apologies and carrying a bucket of strawberries.
“I’m sorry I haven’t been in touch this week. It’s been really hectic.” He glanced around, looking tired. “I brought you some strawberries. Forgive me?”
She couldn’t stay mad at him when he looked so beat up. “Hard not to. Maybe I’ll make you a pie. I have a great recipe.”
A smile played on his lips. “Yeah?”
“Mm-hmm. Talked a good-looking country boy intogiving up the family recipe. So, what time should I come over tonight?”
“I need to leave here by four. Do you think you could get away that early?”
“Yeah, Krissy won’t mind.”
“I made dinner. It’s in the refrigerator. All you have to do is heat it up.”
“I should be able to manage that.”
—
Work dragged by for Merry Anna. She wasn’t sure if it was because she was looking forward to taking care of Zan for Adam or because she was anxious to see him. At three o’clock, she couldn’t take it another minute. “I know I told you I didn’t need to leave until three thirty, but would you mind if I left now?”
