Page 64 of Forbidden to Fall

I tried again to argue against continuing the lesson, but he was insistent, and I started to wonder—just a little bit—if he was insane. Or had a death wish.

I asked if I could just ease the car in reverse down the hill, riding the brake, but he wanted me to get to the top. He taught me a trick with the hand-brake to keep us from rolling backward while I got into first gear.

And guess what?

It worked.

We made it to the top of the hill, and I nearly cried with relief and a sense of accomplishment.

I parked the car to let myself revel in my victory and give my heart a chance to slow down, and James smiled at me in a way that made my heart race all over again.

He hadn’t let me give up on myself, and even though I’d wanted to shake sense into him, I was grateful now. Grateful and touched by his faith in me.

Why was it so hard for me to have faith in myself?

He looked around. “Interesting place to stop.”

My eyes widened as I realized where we were.

Makeout Ridge.

I’d parked the truck at the town kissing spot.

“I did not mean to bring us here! I swear.”

He turned his head, hiding his face from mine. “Okay, okay. You don’t have to be rude about it.”

“What? No! I just…”

His eyes met mine, twinkling with amusement.

He was messing with me.

I let my head fall back. “James Tyler Jackson-Five Carver! You’re killing me today.”

“Pretty sure you were the one who tried to kill both of us.”

I punched him in the arm but couldn’t stop a laugh.

“You ready for your sixteen-hour break?” he asked.

I’d kind of hoped he’d forgotten about that. Of course he hadn’t, though. “I think I’ll start it after I’m done baking tomorrow. Maybe at, like, six?”

His eyes narrowed. “So…half of your sixteen hours will be while you’re asleep?”

I smiled guiltily. “Sleep is the best break, right?”

His lips pressed together. “It’s not what I meant.”

“Maybe you should’ve been more clear.”

He let out a dissatisfied sigh, surveying me. “Do I need to monitor this break?”

I snorted. “Like I’m on parole? What about you? You’re using your vacation days right now, aren’t you? When are you taking a break?”

“I don’t wake up at three in the morning and work until the sun’s down, do I?”

Until I’d said that, I’d kind of forgotten James was only here temporarily. He’d return to Canada at some point. What would happen to the farm when he did?