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“I don’t think we can fit any more in here,” Saxon says, tossing the last bag of feed into the truck bed. He’s right. The Chevy pickup is overloaded with supplies.
I didn’t realize how much stuff we needed until I made a list of things we were running low on. Usually, Samuel would be the one taking care of what’s needed, but due to obvious reasons that won’t be happening any time soon and besides, I have no idea where he is.
He’s MIA—again. He seems to be making a habit of it and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s packed up and gone to live with his parents.
Shaking those thoughts away, I focus on the task at hand. “How much do I owe you, Billy?”
Billy Campeer, the county’s most trusted supplier, shakes his head. “I’ll just put it on ya tab, Lucy,” he says with his drawn out Texan accent. “There’s no rush, ya hear? Y’all just focus of gettin’ ya boy fixed up.”
I nod, wishing it was that simple. “Thank you, Billy. I’ll let Samuel know you say hi.” He nods, giving Saxon a wave goodbye.
Saxon is tying down the bags with rope, looking completely at ease as he does so. He really would have been at home on the family farm, but I know his dream is not working alongside his brother and father. He’s living his dream in Oregon.
I know eventually he’ll have to go back, but a part of me is hoping that won’t be any time soon.
“Are you hungry?” he asks, jumping down from the bumper and wiping the sweat from his brow.
“I could eat,” I reply, smiling, as the sound of food has my interested stomach growling in delight.
“Anna’s BBQ is a few blocks from here,” he suggests.
“BBQ sounds great.”
We lock the car and walk down the busy street. It’s actually nice to get out and about, seeing as my home has felt like a prison cell lately. I can’t believe it’s only been a few days. It feels like months. The thought has me wondering what it will actually feel like in three months’ time. I really could do with a crystal ball.
Saxon’s cell chimes and he excuses the interruption before answering. I don’t mean to eavesdrop but its evident the call is work related.
“Just order the usual, Fred.” Pause. “I don’t know when. I understand that, but it’s complicated.”
No guessing what or whom is complicated.
The phone call lasts for a minute, with Saxon hanging up with a huff. “Sorry about that.”
“It’s fine.” Waiting a moment, I sheepishly ask, “Everything okay back home?” I see no point pretending I didn’t hear his exchange.
“Yes, fine.”
His short response isn’t convincing. As much as I hate to say it, I know this is the right thing to do. “If you need to go back, Saxon…I understand. I don’t expect you to stay here. I’ve already gatecrashed your life. I don’t want to jeopardize your business as well.”
“You’re not.”
As I attempt to protest, he stops walking and grabs my wrist. “I’m where I’m meant to be, okay?” When I don’t respond, he rubs his thumb over my mounting pulse. “Okay?”
“Okay,” I reply, a sense of relief overtaking me.
Before I can scold my selfishness, a familiar voice greets us. “Hello, you two.” Saxon instantly releases me.
Sophia stands before us, looking relaxed in blue jeans, a peach silk camisole, and ballet flats. Her good looks really make me feel like the ugly duckling, especially when I see Saxon smile broadly.
“Afternoon, Sophia. What are you doing here?”
“It’s my day off and I wanted to visit Green Leaf Nurseries. My roses are looking a little worse for wear. Well, actually,” she backtracks, “I’m pretty sure I killed them with my nonexistent gardening skills.”
Saxon laughs. “Maybe it’s best you stick to something less delicate. Like a cactus.”
Sophia grins. “I think you may be right.”
She’s making no secret of the fact she’s flirting with Saxon, and I don’t know if my little talk has opened his eyes to it because it appears he’s flirting back, which is perfectly normal. They’re both single. Not to mention gorgeous.
