Page 25 of The Maverick’s Legacy

Jesse sighed before turning to Carly and asking, “Want some company?”

“Okay,” she replied.

“Thank you, by the way,” Jesse said as they walked toward the lumber part of the store.

“For what?” she asked.

“For pulling Oscar out of hurting himself. You’re really good with him.”

“It was nothing,” she said right as a salesperson came up to them. The tag on his shirt read the name, Mel. He seemed to be expecting her.

That was confirmed when he said, “Dorothy called me and said you might be on your way over.”

Her eyebrows pulled together till she remembered that she’d mentioned in passing that she wanted to get some pricing on wood. Dorothy had recommended she check out Tenacity Feed and Seed, which was one of the ones Amy had also mentioned to her.

“I wanted to get a quote for lumber that I need for my paddock.” She told him the measurements, and after he worked up some numbers, she put in an order and arranged for the delivery date. In the meantime, she bought some wood to repair a part of her barn. The salesman said he’d have the smaller purchase ready and waiting in the front of the store.

“So you’re really doing it,” Jesse said as they walked toward the plumbing area. “You’re going to turn your dream into a reality?”

“I’m going to try,” Carly responded. She didn’t know when she’d officially open the school, whether it would be anytime soon or years down the road, but she could at least get things fixed on her property in preparation.

She watched Jesse sort through the different pipes until he found what he was looking for. She didn’t know why she was waiting with him. She hadn’t needed his help, and he didn’t need hers. But Carly was reluctant to leave. Not until she had answers.

“Can I ask you something?” she asked.

“Sure,” he said.

“I thought we had a good time the other night.”

Jesse stopped looking at another pipe, his gaze shooting to hers. “We did. Didn’t we?”

Carly folded her arms over her chest. “You tell me. You said you had a nice time and that you wanted to date me more, and then…nothing. I haven’t heard from you since.”

Jesse closed his eyes briefly. “I’m sorry. I told you I was out of practice.” He looked toward the area where they sold baby chickens and spotted Oscar. “Oscar had a bit of a tough week at school. He came home upset because of some stuff with the football team. Finn and I worked things out with him, but it’s taken up more of my time than I anticipated. Not that it’s any excuse. I should have at least texted you. I’m sorry.”

Carly’s demeanor melted a little despite wanting to stay mad. “I get that your son needs to be your priority. I wouldn’t want to go out with you if you didn’t put him first. But an occasional text would be nice.”

“I’ll do better, I promise.” Jesse used the hand not carrying the pipes and traced an X over his chest.

Carly smiled despite herself. “Fine. You’re forgiven.”

“I believe we did discuss another date last time I saw you.”

Carly tapped her finger against her chin. “Is that right?”

“Even though this is very last minute and you have every right to say no, are you free tonight? I’d love to take you to a place that my future sister-in-law told me about.”

She had absolutely zero plans that night other than to sit on her couch and watch reruns. Spending more time with Jesse seemed a much better option.

“I think I can do that.”

“Good,” Jesse replied. Oscar noticed them and reluctantly rejoined his father. They made their way up to the cash register. Carly stopped when she saw the large slab of wood she ordered. There was no way she was going to be able to fit that in her car.

“What’s wrong?” Jesse asked.

“I think I bit off more than I can chew,” she replied, waving at the board. “Big board. Small car.” She shrugged.

“We can take it for you,” he offered. “We can throw it in the back of my truck.”