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‘Of hiding how you feel?’
‘Of not going on dates.’ She shrugged.
Raising his eyebrows, he nodded. ‘In that case, I’m honoured.’
Shaking her head, she grinned. ‘So, whereabouts did you last see him?’
‘Just over there beneath the ferns.’ Placing the cat carrier down, he crouched and began lying peanuts on the ground.
‘Is that what he eats?’ Whispering, Evie bent down next to him.
‘I’m hoping so.’
Taking a peanut from the packet, Evie rolled it beneath the ferns.
‘Do you think we’re too late? There must be foxes in these woods and maybe cats from the farm, too.’ Jack rolled another peanut across the ground.
‘Nope, look.’ Tugging at his coat sleeve, Evie pointed as the fern leaves trembled. ‘Do you think that’s him?’
‘Maybe.’ Tilting his head, Jack rolled another peanut just as a black beak poked through the greenery. ‘That’s it, Axl. Come on out.’
‘Axl? Gun ‘n’ Roses fan?’ Evie grinned.
‘Isn’t everyone?’ Glancing at her, Jack chuckled quietly.
‘He’s coming. He’s following the trail.’ She pointed as the bird hopped closer to them.
‘That’s it, got you.’ Jack scooped the bird up gently and lowered him into the cat carrier. ‘Don’t worry, buddy. Freya and Chris will soon have you fixed up.’
‘You did it! You rescued him.’
‘Wedid it.’ Grinning, he held his hand out to her.
Taking his hand, she let him pull her to standing, their faces inches apart. Was he going to kiss her? Did she want him to kiss her? She didn’t date. She didn’t date because she knew where that led—heartbreak, arguments, messy divorces. Not that she was going to marry Jack. She’d only just met him, but still, she didn’t date for a reason. She was better off on her own. Stepping back, she tripped over a root and stumbled.
‘Careful.’ Holding her arm, he steadied her.
‘Thanks.’ Tucking her hair behind her ears, she looked down at the root snaking its way from a large oak across the clearing.
‘You’re welcome.’ Shaking his head, he picked up the cat carrier and led the way through the trees back to the car.
