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“Yes, we’re hopeful that I’ll make a full recovery.”
After several minutes of that, I feel Ellister’s presence.
I actually sense him behind me.
What the hell is that about?
Turning to glance over my shoulder, I shift my gaze toward the doorway.
There he is, the shining sun setting behind his shadowed figure, making him look like a dark and dangerous villain.
Guess a loan officer could be considered villainous, but I should really give the guy a break. He’s just doing his job. It’s not like he’s here to cause us harm.
He appears much more normal now that he’s changed clothes. And even more attractive.
They say women are drawn to men who remind them of their fathers—ick, but whatever—and Ellister in one of my dad’s blue-jean button up shirts and dark-wash denim pants is a sight to behold.
Just as I suspected, he’s a little too tall for the pants, but his boots come up high enough on his ankles that it’s not obvious. He’s broader in the shoulders than my dad, making the shirt a bit tight. I can see the definition of his lean, muscly arms through the fabric.
His eyes are trained on me, and they remain that way as he adjusts his beanie. Tugging it lower on his forehead, he licks his lips as his gaze slowly goes lower on my body.
With the way he’s looking at me right now, it seems like he wants to gobble me up.
Good Lord.
He’s probably just hungry for pancakes, but a heatwave rushes to my head.
Could be a fever. Could be the weather. Or it’s this stupid little crush at first sight.
“—and then she was found walking around a gas station with no shoes on!”
I know who’s talking before I even turn my head.
Gloriana Batton. She’s been coming to our farm at least once a month since I was a baby. Some people might find her tendency to talk about herself or her own problems annoying, but right now, I need the distraction. Most recently, she’s been complaining about her ailing mother, and the fact that I get to chat about someone else’s medical issues for once sounds like a freaking vacation.
Ripping my eyes away from Ellister, I shift my attention to Gloriana. “I’m sorry, did you just say your mom had no shoes?”
“Yes.” She clutches her pearls dramatically. “She escaped the retirement home somehow. Was missing for a whole three hours.”
I touch her shoulder, really slathering on the sympathy. “That must have been terrifying for you.”
“Well.” Her eyes dart guiltily away. “I was at the spa, so I didn’t hear about it until after the ordeal was over. But I would’ve been beside myself the entire time if I’d known about it.”
“I’m sure you would have.”
“And then there’s Ricky,” she goes on, mentioning her husband. “He wanted to come tonight, but his gout has been awful lately.”
“Gout, you say?” I make my eyes wide, acting as if I haven’t heard about this very topic at least four times.
Leaning in closely, she whispers, “Dear, you should see the size of his toe. It’s the stuff nightmares are made of.”
God, I love this woman. Maybe I can just hang out with her all night.
Unfortunately, one of the last people I thought would be here is approaching me with a syrupy-sweet smile that I know all too well is nothing but a mask.
“Hi, Hannah!” Faith, my ex-friend, greets me with enthusiasm.
As she waves excitedly, her shiny brown hair bounces. Her heels click over the wooden floor, demanding attention, and the crowd parts, making way for her just like everyone did in the high school halls.
