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Chapter 19
Jasmine
The following Saturday, I’m out of bed earlier than normal so that I can have breakfast ready when Tyler arrives.Today we’re finishing the raised beds.He’s put my garden together in no time flat.It is smaller than Joji’s, but he’s worked hard, putting in extra effort to get it done.
After checking the time, I peek into the oven.The breakfast casserole is bubbling.The fresh fruit is cut and in the serving bowl.And coffee is brewing.
When his truck rumbles into the driveway, I yank open the door before he’s even on the porch.
Grinning, he strides to the door.“That apron you’re wearing stirs hope that you’ve made something good.”
“A breakfast casserole with sausage, eggs, tater tots, and cheese.Fresh fruit.And, of course, coffee.”I shove my hands into the apron pockets.“Since you are spending so much time helping me, I wanted to at least feed you.”
He stops one step shy of the top.“I happen to like helping you, but breakfast sounds amazing.”
As I push open the door, I remember that Ava makes breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the ranch.“I wasn’t even thinking.You probably ate already.”
“I have not.Since I was in a hurry to get over here, I didn’t stay for breakfast.I haven’t even had coffee.So this is a treat.”
We’re only inches apart, and with one small step, I close the distance.Our lips meet, and his arms snake around my waist.Muscles flex as he slides his hands up my back and then into my hair.
And I’m mush.Pressed up against him, I lean in closer, wishing—hoping—I can relive this moment over and over.Nothing has ever felt more perfect.
As his lips dance their way across my jaw then back again, I close my eyes.If we have an audience next door, I don’t want to know.
Inside, the oven timer dings, and Tyler groans, then chuckles.“Wow.”
My cheeks, which are probably flaming red, burn, but it’s not embarrassment that has my temperature up.“If I...”Doubts swirl in my head, and the little voice that still accuses me of angling for attention is now screaming that my affections are one-sided.He only kissed me back because I initiated.“Maybe you didn’t...”Words will not connect into coherent sentences.
Tyler’s rough and weathered hand cups my cheek.Then without a word, he brushes his lips on mine while the timer screeches about the food.“Breakfast might burn, and I don’t want to ruin your hard work.Otherwise, I’d continue kissing you.For a while.”
“Same.Not about the hard work.Just about the kissing.”I tangle my fingers with his and tug him inside.
His actions slap down my silent doubts.
I’m not sure where this relationship is headed, but I like Tyler.And he’s made it clear he likes me.
In the kitchen, he pours coffee while I get the casserole out of the oven and set plates on the table.When he pulls out my chair, he gives me another quick peck.“No more kissing until I finish your garden.If I don’t give myself a rule, there is zero chance I’ll accomplish anything else.”
I wag my finger at him.“No more kissing.For now.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Workingwith Tyler is like getting two prizes in the bottom of the cereal box.Not only am I getting a garden out of the deal, but I’m also enjoying the view as the man works.With a stack of lumber resting on his shoulder, he walks around the house.When he sets them down, his muscles strain the seams on his cotton T-shirt.
I fan myself.
“Hot?”He keeps his focus on the boards as he stretches and measures each one.
Yes.You are.But that’s not what I say out loud.“What do you expect from June in Texas?While you get set up, I’ll grab us something cold.”
Minutes later, I walk out, carrying a glass of lemonade in each hand.
He wipes his face with the bottom of his T-shirt, allowing me a glimpse of his abs.
“I really appreciate you helping me with this.I could’ve done it on my own, but it’s getting done more quickly with your help.Thank you.”
“You know about growing stuff.I’ve learned a lot hanging out with you.”He downs half the glass in a few gulps.“I volunteered so I could spend time with you, and that seems to be working out nicely.”
