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“Hey,” Harper greets when I walk through the door and hand her the cup. “You’re a lifesaver. Thank you.” She closes her eyes as she takes her first sip, then moans. “Mmm…so good.”
My dick jerks at the sweet sounds she makes, but I quickly adjust myself before she notices.
“You’re welcome.” Looking around, I notice supplies litter her kitchenette. “How’s it goin’ with orders?”
She blows out a breath. “Tryin’ to catch up the best I can. Once I get these bars made and can put them up, I’m gonna package until dinner.”
“If you’re too busy to hang tonight, I understand,” I tell her, though I want nothing more than to see her.
“No, no. I want to. Plus, I’ll need to take a break at some point, and it’s our tradition. I’m not about to ruin it now.” She smiles up at me, and it warms my entire body. Though, I’m already sweating head to toe in this August heat.
“Alright, great. I’ll see you tonight after I shower.” I rotate my baseball cap around and step toward her. Bringing my lips to her forehead, I press a soft kiss there. “Text me if you need anything before then.”
“I will. Thank you again, Ethan.” She holds up her coffee cup.
Once I’m back at the barn, I catch up with the workers and find Payton tightening the fences. “Everything okay?” I ask.
“Just trying to figure out how these rascals keep getting out. All the gates are secure, and there aren’t any broken fences.” He shakes his head with frustration.
“Oh shit, that reminds me. The game cameras arrived yesterday. I’ll put them up today so we can catch them in action.”
“My money’s on Cupcake being a witch or something,” Payton says.
“Or someone’s fuckin’ with us and leaving it open on purpose,” Luke adds.
“Better not be.” My lips twitch. I’ll be pissed.
After I open the boxes stacked in my office, I grab a ladder and find someone to hold it so I don’t fall on my ass. I want to install them high on the barn so they’ll face the pasture with a clear view of the fence. And if someone is settin’ us up, they hopefully won’t spot the cameras.
“Payton, got a minute to help me?”
“Sure, boss. Be right there.”
One of the goats cuts him off midstride, and he trips into a pile of mud.
At least I hope that’s mud.
“Dude.” Luke bursts out laughing. “You alright?”
“Goddammit, Cheesecake.” Payton stands, brushing his hands over his jeans. She yells at him, and he gives her a dirty look.
“I think you just got added to her shit list,” I tease.
Payton shakes his head. “Damn goats.”
An hour later, the cameras are installed, and I’ve downloaded the app so I can watch in real-time. One way or another, we’re gonna figure out how they’re getting loose.
Nothing monumental happens during the rest of my shift. When it’s just past five, I decide to call it a day. My employees typically handle the evening milking and feeding without me since I manage the morning shift. By the time I head out to my truck, my stomach’s growling, and I’m ready to get home. Not only am I looking forward to spending time with Harper but I’m also anxious to shower off the day.
I find my parents in the kitchen when I walk in. They’re wearing scrubs and pouring coffee into their mugs.
“Returning or goin’?” I ask.
“Going,” Mom replies. “Both working seven to seven, so we won’t be back till breakfast.”
“Home alone on a Friday night. Maybe I should throw a pasture party?” I tease.
“Nice try,” my dad blurts out. “Your grandmother would be over in a heartbeat to set you straight.”
“Or would she?” I muse.
Mom snickers. “She’d probably bring cookies and milk for everyone.”
“Now that’d be a party worth havin’.” I smirk, opening the fridge.
“I put a container of leftover creamy chicken casserole and some cornbread in there,” Mom says.
“You’re the best, Ma.” I kiss her cheek, then take out the food.
“We better go if we don’t wanna be late, babe,” Dad says, grabbing his things.
“Have a good night. Bye,” I tell them.
“No parties,” Dad reiterates.
“You know the only person he’s going to have over is Harper,” Mom says.
Wow. Predictable much? Jesus.
To be fair, it’s our thing, even if it’s platonic. That’s probably why they don’t worry.
“Y’all know I’m twenty-six, right? Legal to drink, legal to get married, legal to rent a car even!” I snicker.
“Legal to build your own house too,” Dad counters.
“Don’t tell him that!” Mom snaps. “He’s my only baby left who lives here.” She wraps her arms around me and squeezes our faces together. “You can live here as long as you want.”
I chuckle at Dad’s expression. “Thanks, Mom.”
“Alright, Emily. We really do need to get goin’.”
“Fine. See you tomorrow, honey.”
Once my parents leave, I scarf down my food, then text Harper.
