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Nodding because words are hard, I finally choke out an “Okay.”Then clutching my bag on my shoulder, I hurry to class.
Tyler hasn’t been stingy with his attention, but he also hasn’t asked me out.I don’t get the sense that he’s being a tease, more that he’s waiting on something.But I’m not sure what.
A week later,I’m a little disappointed when I park.Tyler’s truck isn’t here.I roll out my mat, chat with Joji, and introduce new people to the goats.But I’m also watching for Tyler.
Halfway through class, his truck pulls in.Thankfully, nothing embarrassing happens.Well, nothing extra embarrassing.Goats climb, nibble, and pee every week, but that seems routine now.
After our session as Joji is putting goats back into their pens, Tyler walks up.“Sorry I missed you when you arrived.I was late getting here.What do you think of how the garden is coming along?”He holds out his hand.
I’m tempted to lace my fingers with his, but instead I lift my eyebrows, hoping he’ll explain.
“Sorry.I should use my words.I’m happy to carry that bag for you.”
It’s not heavy, but I hand it over anyway.“It looks great.You’ve marked off areas for the raised beds.”
“Took your suggestion about that.”He glances at my shirt as we walk toward my car.“You look nice.I enjoy seeing the fun phrases each week.”
My cheeks warm.This guy notices everything.“Thanks.”
“I should let you go.I need to get tools put away, then head back to the ranch.But it was nice seeing you again, Jasmine.”
Trying to decide how to respond, I bite my lip.“You are one of the reasons I look forward to Wednesdays.”
“You’ve made my day.”He opens my door.“Have a great week.”
“You too.”
That night, I drag the mystery man’s T-shirt into bed with me.It’s been through the wash more than once, so I know my mind is playing tricks on me when the scent on the shirt reminds me of Tyler.
He puzzles me.I’ve spent so much of my life stepping into relationships with an endgame in mind.In college, I sat next to my ex—before he was my anything—and helped him with his homework, hoping the whole time that he’d ask me out.It worked.But then he cheated, and I told him I never wanted to see him again.The guy had the audacity to ask if I’d still help him with his homework.
I invited Daisy out for coffee in hopes that we’d end up friends.We have.With Tyler, I’m much more in the present.The time I spend with him isn’t a small deposit for a chance of future happiness.Or maybe it is.I don’t know, but spending time with him is enjoyable.And I want to do it more.
His regard for my gardening knowledge makes me feel seen, and every week, he has me laughing about something.
I like this guy.
