Page 15
Happy to change the subject, she shrugged. “I like knowing how things work. Figuring out how to do basic car maintenance saves me a ton of money. With online tutorials, I learned to do a lot of it myself.”
“You were always interested in everything. I’m not surprised you’re a teacher.”
Her stomach tightened at that. “I’m not a real teacher. I share my love of science with kids.”
He frowned at that, but she didn’t want to answer questions, so she turned back to the engine and leaned in.
After a beat, Lawson did the same. “I’ve got some lubricant in the barn. We can check the bearings first. But I agree with your other diagnosis as well. You need a new belt.”
“I figured. Can you tell me if you see anything else that needs upgrading? I’ll put in an order for all the parts at once.”
Lawson shrugged. “I’ve got good connections now that I’ve got a Vermont mechanic’s business license. It’ll be cheaper if I order them for you.”
A sliver of panic shot through her. “I’ll pay you for them.”
Another shrug. “Sure. No rush.”
Ordering replacement parts meant she’d be here for at least a few days—both good news and bad. In less than a day, she never wanted to leave again. But she wouldn’t stay and make things awkward with the family. She didn’t know whether Burke had arrived for a weekend visit or planned to stay. She couldn’t ask without revealing how much the answer meant to her.
Either way, Rissa would only be in the way. She wasn’t coming between him and his family. He hadn’t had time for her before and hadn’t wanted to make the time. Nor had he reached out in the intervening years. While she hadn’t had a cell phone, he’d known her email address, and that hadn’t changed. She doubted anything was different now.
She needed to get over her childhood crush. The man had moved on, and it was embarrassing that she hadn’t managed that feat. She’d dig down and grab her courage with both hands. It would only be for a few days.
Lawson pulled out his phone and made notes on what he saw in her engine. Hopefully, it wouldn't cost her too much. The Q Lab guzzled fuel like a camel preparing for a trek across the Sahara. She’d love to upgrade to an electric or at least a hybrid vehicle, but that would require a hundred times as much money as she had saved.
Staying in one place would be far cheaper. Again, her heart yearned to stay on this farm with these people.
Not going to happen.
Lawson straightened when Frizzle stopped her exploring and barked. Yorkies weren’t a quiet breed. Rissa had managed to get Frizzle to control her barking impulses at times, but she was a friendly thing and an excellent guard dog. No one crept up on Rissa without Frizzle letting her know.
This bark meant someone was approaching, and the shiver up Rissa’s spine told her it was Burke.
Frizzle bounced in place, not showing any of Rissa’s nerves.
Lawson waved Burke over and Rissa forced her feet to remain where they were—no running away or acting like a coward.
Burke’s voice held a smile as he squatted down to greet Frizzle. “Good afternoon, my friend. I hear your name is Frizzle. Is your mom still a Magic School Bus fan?”
Lawson laughed. “Man, I loved that show.”
Rissa tried to smile. “Me too, but Frizzle was already named when we met.”
Burke lifted his gaze to hers. His eyes were warm, but a little wary. “Must have been meant to be, then.”
She nodded, wishing his words were about her. Okay, she was officially ridiculous and needed to quit yearning for a man who didn’t want her.
After rubbing Frizzle until she collapsed in a sated pile at his feet, Burke stood. “Engine trouble?”
“Not really.”
“Little bit.” Lawson’s words came at the same time as hers, making Burke raise his brows.
Lawson shrugged. “Rissa takes good care of her Q Lab, but it’s time for a bit of a tune-up. I’m going to order a few things.”
Burke nodded, and there were a few seconds of awkward silence.
Lawson broke it when he dropped the hood and secured it. “I’ll go put in that order, Rissa. Burke, why don’t you show Rissa around the farm? She might find some ideas for the online lessons she teaches.”
