AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Holding Jasmine’s hand a beat longer than is customary, I lean closer.“One of the goats has a habit of bumping folks in the rump, and Joji was his last target.I’m guessing she won’t let him around when y’all are doing yoga.”
Jasmine winces.“I hope not.That sounds painful.”
“It is.”After letting go of her hand, I shove my hands in my pockets to remind myself not to pull her into my arms.“You new around here?”If she’d been around since the party, I would’ve seen her.Probably.And I hadn’t seen her.That’s not exactly true.I thought I saw her multiple times, but since she doesn’t seem to remember me, I don’t launch into that conversation.
“I’ve been in town about eight months.I moved in next door to the Grindles.”
Eight months.How have I not seen her everywhere?But I like that she freely tells me where she lives even if she doesn’t remember meeting me before.
The Grindles are known around these parts.“Older couple.He looks like he might’ve been a drill sergeant?”
“That’s them.And I think he was before he retired.But he seems too sweet for that.”She runs a hand over her hip again, smoothing out my T-shirt.Lucky shirt.
After tracking the movement of her hand, I snap my gaze back to her face.“I’ve seen them around.Don’t know them personally.”I’m hoping this yoga session works out because seeing Jasmine once a week will be wonderful, provided I figure out an excuse to come to the goat farm every time they meet.
She tugs the right side of her bottom lip between her teeth.“So, um, do you work here?”
“Not usually.I’m helping out at the goat farm today.Just the other side of that fence line over there is a ranch.Stargazer Springs.That’s where I work as a cowboy.”
Tugging on a lock of hair, she glances at the fence.“Interesting.I haven’t spent a lot of time around animals.Especially not cows and horses and goats.You’re good at it though.”Her eyes widen.“I mean, you must be good at it.”
“I love what I do.Most of the goats are pretty cute.Easy-going.”I scan the pen beside us, then step closer to the fence.“See that one over there?”
“The brown one facing away?”Jasmine eases up beside me, but not as close as I’d like.
“Yep.That’s Bumpo.He’s the one to watch out for.Donotbend over when he is out of his pen.”
She laughs softly.“I’ll remember that.”
Joji’s door closes, and Jasmine glances over her shoulder.“I should go start yoga.Wish me luck.”
“You got it.”I take notice of her long legs and how perfect they look in those leggings.And my T-shirt looks good on her too.
Her actions at the party boosted my ego, but now she doesn’t even recognize me.Or she’s the best actress alive.But why would she pretend not to know me?
I have to believe she just doesn’t remember.Maybe as we spend time together, something will trigger a memory.I’ll make it a point to come around when she’s here.That will give her a chance to remember, and I can gauge her interest.
Walking backward toward the barn, I stare as Jasmine rolls out her mat, then pets the goats Joji let out of the pen.Bumpo is still confined and doesn’t look happy about it.I get it.Being away from Jasmine makes me unhappy too.
Chores take me a while because I poke my head out of the barn every five minutes to see what pose they’re doing.Goats mill around them, and when Jasmine is on all fours, one of the smaller goats climbs right on top of her.
If this becomes a regular thing, I’m definitely figuring out a way to be here each week.Even if it means taking up yoga.Hopefully it won’t come to that.
After chores are done, I hang around until Jasmine rolls up her mat.As she gets into her car, she waves.
Grinning, I wave back and stand there as she drives away.
Joji wanders over, mischief dancing in her eyes.“It’ll be a regular thing in case you’re wondering.On Wednesdays.”
“Iwaswondering.Thanks.”After a tip of my hat, I climb into the truck and drive to the main house.
I can’t believe this beautiful woman has wandered into my life a second time and that I managed to leave without her number again, but I’m confident Joji has it if I need it.Waiting a week to see Jasmine again will be the hard part.But since she doesn’t recognize me, coming on too strong might scare her off.I’m definitely going to take my time.
Dinner has already started, and I’m hungry.
Beau glances up as I walk into the mess hall.“That took a while.”
“They were doing yoga.With the goats.”
