Page 23 of A Simple Life

Tammy walked past. “And burned her arm on the grill.”

Without thinking, I lifted Quinn’s arm, inspecting the gauze-covered patch on her forearm. “You need to be more careful.”

“It was an accident, which rarely happens. You need to relax, Farmer John.”

“I’m plenty relaxed.”

She shook her head. “Two miracles today. You in here, and you smiling.” She regarded me as she slipped from the booth. “You’re very handsome when you smile.”

Her words caught me off guard, and I found myself sliding from the booth, standing close to her. “You shouldn’t say things like that.”

She shrugged. “I say what I see. You don’t smile very often, but you do when Abby is around.”

I dug my hand into my pocket. “I like her. And I’m paying for my lunch. I enjoyed my time with Abby. She ate a few fries and a couple bites of cake. No big deal.”

“You made her day.”

I shrugged.

“You’re very kind under all that bark, aren’t you?”

“Hardly.”

She smiled in disbelief and began to back away. Her foot caught on the water I had spilled, and with a gasp, she began to fall backward. I lunged forward, catching her and dragging her against my chest.

She stared up at me, startled. I gaped down at her, the sensation of holding her seeming extraordinarily right. The world stopped moving for a moment as our gazes held. Slowly, I stood, still holding her in my arms. I shook my head to clear it. “You’re an accident waiting to happen,” I growled, knowing I needed to step back. Move away from her.

I regretted my words as soon as they were out. Still, she smiled. That soft, gentle smile that did something to my chest.

I hated it.

“You saved me. Again.”

I stepped away, shaking my head. “Don’t read anything into it. It was my fault I spilled the water. Wouldn’t want you suing me or anything.”

“Thank you.”

She tilted her head, then rose on her tiptoes, placing her hand on my arm. I realized she was going to kiss my cheek. Instead of backing away, I turned my head so our mouths met.

Gently.

Sweetly.

It was as if a volcano erupted inside me, setting every nerve ending on fire. Desire tore through me. Longing that I had never experienced until now burst forth.

I jerked back, shocked.

I wanted her mouth back.

I wanted to yank her into my arms and kiss her until she was breathless.

Until she felt the same passion I was feeling.

Somehow, I found the strength to move away from her totally. I gazed down at her. Saw something I hadn’t noticed in those beautiful eyes before.

A quiet yearning.

One I didn’t dare address.