Page 21 of Keeping it Local

“Just be gentle with him, you know?” He tilted his head to put on his helmet.

I furrowed my brow at him, unsure of what he was getting at.

“He won’t say anything, but the guy’s been through a lot. I see how you are together. I know you probably don’t mean anything, but you’re leaving at the end of the summer, right? I don’t want to have to be the friend that picks up the pieces, if you know what I mean.”

My head reared back. I was floored that Lane would be this candid with me. Although, I appreciated it. My mind wound back to my interactions with Johnny. He hadn’t said much, but from what he had said, it sounded like he had been through something. The last thing I wanted to do was lead him on or cause a problem.

“Got it. Understood.” My voice clipped.

“He’s my best friend—just need to look out for him, you know? Anyway, I want to head out before the sun gets too hot. See you around on another run, I’m sure.”

Lane and I said our goodbyes, and he jumped on his bike, pedaling at a pace that was surprisingly fast.

My heart sank. I got what he was saying, even though I didn’t know the details.

I walked up the hill from the marina to the rest of downtown, slowly making my way through town before I would go back to Megan’s cottage. I kicked a few stones on my walk, my thoughts whizzing around.

When I finally looked up, I saw Johnny coming out of the diner, walking toward his truck, and me in his path.

My heart hit my throat. After everything that Lane had said, I felt like I needed to clarify with him. I didn’t have a chance to second-guess myself though because he walked right up to me on the sidewalk.

“Can we talk about it?” he asked, he stood there with his hands in his jean’s pockets.

I nodded, feeling the flush up my face. I had put myself out there, and he’d turned me down. But as uncomfortable as it made me, I needed to own it. I wanted more control, more freedom in my life, and getting together with him—whatever that looked like—would be one way to do it, even if just for the summer. “I didn’t mean to put you in a bad spot.”

“What do you mean?” He furrowed his brow.

“I know I’m leaving soon. I just figured that we could have fun while I was here.” I bit my lip, trying to settle the blush that I knew was creeping up my neck and face. “I’ve never really done casual before, but I think it could be really good.”

His eyes widened, and he slowly smiled at me, clearly surprised. “You don’t look like someone who does casual—no judgement from me. But—” He paused. “Are you sure?”

“Well, it’s been a while since I’ve dated anyone new—and you’re right, it wasn’t casual, but I’m up for it if you are.” I was determined to ask for what I wanted, even if it made my insides crawl with nerves.

He licked his lips.

“I don’t want to pressure you. Totally get it if you don’t want to do anything since I’m leaving, but I sense that… you’re attracted to me too?” I didn’t know what to say. Everything coming out of my mouth sounded completely out of the ordinary, but the more I shared, the more I felt good about what I was asking for.

“Of course I’m attracted to you. You’re incredibly sexy—let’s just leave it at that. And you’re not pressuring me, but thanks for the sentiment there.” He chuckled, running his hand down his bearded face. “Yeah, I’m definitely not looking for anything serious.”

“Me neither. I leave in August. After that, I need to head back to the farm,” I said, suddenly feeling the confidence rush through me.

“So, until the festival, right?”

“Exactly. I’m heading home after that,” I said, holding my ground yet feeling the prickle of attraction across my skin.

Johnny gazed over my shoulder for a moment before meeting my eye. He took one step, then another. It happened in slow motion, but it was really quite fast as he dragged his calloused hand up my side and to my cheek. His hazel eyes held mine for a beat, and finally, he leaned in, pulling me toward him as he kissed me. It was soft and light, yet forceful at the same time. His mouth opened slightly, and I followed his cue, doing the same. He sucked on my bottom lip ever so briefly, then kissed me again, leaning back. I was in a daze as my hooded eyes watched his lips.

“Okay, I’m in.”

I didn’t know what I was doing, but I would try my hardest to figure it out.

“So, remember, next week, your outlines are due, and you’ll present to the class,” Professor Mackey said. He stood at the front of the small classroom, filling his bag with books he had taken out for class.

I leaned down and did the same. I didn’t bring much with me to class. I mostly just used a notebook and pen, but I always had my laptop and a few other things with me, just in case it came up. Professor Mackey had been part of my Associates program, and when he set up the summer workshop, he invited me to come down to Port St. Clair to take part in it. He thought the class would help create a baseline plan for me to get started with the farm expansion.

Now, sitting in this classroom, it felt surreal to be back at school. I enjoyed learning, and especially since these were more practical classes, it was worth my time away from the farm.

Standing up, I slung my bag over my shoulder and walked toward the door, waving to a few of my classmates on the way out.