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“Fine. I’m up to give you a challenge.” He pushed his wallet into his back pocket. “A shovel.”
“A shovel?” She lowered her feet and laughed. “That’s as good as you can get?”
“Okay.” He brushed his hands together. “Chain drag harrow. That’s what I want you to find.”
“A chain drag harrow.” She repeated it like she was committing it to memory.
“If you find one, I’ll buy breakfast.”
“You already said that you were,” she reminded him.
“That’s right. I’ll buy no matter what.”
“Come now, let’s make a bet, unless you’re scared.”
Why did he like this side to her so much?
“Fine. Easy win.” He blew on his knuckles and swiped them across his shirt. “If I win, you milk Betsy tomorrow.”
“And if I win?”
“You don’t have to milk Betsy the rest of your visit.”
“Deal.” They shook hands and in those few seconds he felt how slender her fingers were, along with how soft her skin was.
“Good luck.”
“I’ll find that tool.” She started toward the aisle marked “tools”.
“I’ll meet you back here in ten minutes,” he called after her. “Time is money.”
Chapter Thirteen
She couldn’t find the tool.
Parker had no idea what a chain drag harrow was or where to even start looking.
She’d been down every row and saw everything but anything that looked like what she imagined a chain drag harrow would be.
When she’d almost given up on her search, and time was almost up, she started for the front of the store when she noticed a young kid standing near a bin of nails. “Hi,” she said as she approached. He jumped and dropped the items in his arms and they scattered onto the floor. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.” She bent to pick up the fertilizer and he hurried to grab it from her.
He didn’t look much older than seventeen. His eyes were big and bloodshot. She wasn’t sure whether he’d run or pass out.
She stood and smoothed her palms down her hips. “I was just wondering if you could help me find something.”
After a long awkward silence, he finally responded. “What do you need?”
“Okay, let me see if I can get this right. A chain drag harrow,” she said it very slowly.
He stood there staring at her as if she spoke gibberish.
“If you help me I’ll give you the money for your items.” She craned her neck to look down the aisle, making sure Raven hadn’t returned.
He sighed. “Sure.” He gestured for her to follow him and he stepped through a swinging metal door, pointing into the open room. “Down there. That’s where most of the machinery is.”
“Thanks.” She dug into her purse and pulled out a bill. “Is this enough for the fertilizer and...” she searched the other items. “Nails and switchy-ma-do?”
His cheeks turned red. He didn’t say a word but snatched the money from her hand and darted back through the door, all while mumbling under his breath.
