Page 91 of Trick or Tease

“Exactly,” Billy said, his expression growing more serious. “You know, it’s been really great having him around. Not just for the farm, but I’ve missed my brother, you know? It feels like our family is complete again when he’s here.”

My chest tightened. “It would be amazing if he decided to stay.”

Billy sighed, glancing over at Garrett, who was now helping John load his equipment back onto the trailer. “I’ve been trying to convince him, but I don’t know what it would actually take. He’s built this whole life in the city. It’s not easy to turn your back on the last twelve years of your life and move on to something completely different.”

“But he seems happy here,” I said, watching Garrett laugh at something Tom had said. “Happier than when he first showed up here.”

“I think being home has been good for him,” Billy agreed. “But happy and ready to give up everything you’ve worked for are two different things. His job at that law firm? It’s not just a paycheck for him. It’s his identity, his security, his whole future planned out.”

I felt a familiar ache in my chest. Of course it was more complicated than just wanting to stay. Garrett had responsibilities, ambitions, a life that didn’t include small-town festivals and corn mazes. What could Greenleaf possibly offer someone who was used to Manhattan’s excitement and opportunities?

What could I possibly offer someone like that?

“And I don’t know if Garrett is ready to be one of us again,” Billy said. “The festival is bringing in some money, but not the kind he’s used to. And is he going to sleep in his childhood room and share a house with me? And when our parents get back? I don’t see Garrett being cool living with our folks again.”

I grimaced because everything he was saying was true. If there were two columns for stay or go, the go was pretty damn full.

“All good points,” I said with a sigh.

“What’s the deal with the two of you?” he asked.

“What?” I tried to look innocent.

He chuckled. “I’m not a fancy lawyer but I’m not blind. I know when a cow and a bull are ready to rut.”

I shook my head. “Billy Jebediah Hogan, I better not be the cow in that scenario.”

“Fine, you can be the bull,” he said, chuckling. “But your cow has looked over here twenty times since you walked up.”

I smiled. “Let him look.”

“Oh, I think it’s moo-ved way past looking, judging by that mark on your neck.”

I shoved his shoulder. “It is not polite to point out things like that! You and Lucy are never subtle about getting frisky, and I never say anything.”

He grinned. “Please. You give us shit all the time. What did you say we were doing last time?”

I sighed. “I asked if you were in the cornfield chunkin’ her punkin’.”

Billy laughed. “That’s right. See? You’ve dished it out plenty. Now it’s your turn.”

“Fine,” I said. “Enjoy it while you can. He won’t stick around forever.”

He looked over my shoulder and shook his head. “I know a Hogan with hearts in his eyes when I see one.”

“I should go get the hayride route ready,” I said, needing to escape before my thoughts spiraled any further. I couldn’t let myself hope like that. “I’ll see you around.”

I made my way toward the barn where we kept the tractor and flatbed trailer, my mind spinning with questions I didn’t want to examine too closely. Would Garrett ever consider staying for something—or someone—in Greenleaf? Was I crazy to even wonder if I could be enough reason for a man like him to change his entire life?

The rational part of my brain knew it was insane. I was a farm girl who’d never lived anywhere but this tiny town. He was a successful lawyer who belonged in boardrooms and fancy restaurants. We were from different worlds, walking two very different paths.

But as I started checking over the decorations on the trailer, I couldn’t shake the image of Garrett covered in paint, grinning as he handed out cups of apple cider. For just a moment, he looked like he belonged here. Like this could be his world too.

I shook my head, trying to focus on the task at hand. I had ghost figures to position and spooky sound effects to test. There was no point in torturing myself with impossible dreams when I had work to do.

I was bent over a box of decorations, trying to figure out which fake cobwebs would work best in the upstairs windows, when strong arms suddenly wrapped around my waist from behind. I gasped, my heart jumping into my throat before I recognized the familiar scent that clung to Garrett’s skin.

His hard body pressed against my back as he nuzzled into the curve of my neck, his breath warm against my ear. “Hey there, beautiful.”