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Jimbob lights up the way he always does when people talk to him. Perplexing is what it is, and yet I’m growing used to it.
“Hey, Jack! Good to see you. Didn’t know you were back in town. Gosh, it’s been months.”
Jack bobs his head as he looks around the stand. He’s handsome in that country boy way, with dark brown hair and a ball cap sitting backwards on his head. He has worn jeans and work boots on, like he just came from feeding the cows.
I glance over at Jimbob and see him eyeing Jack as well. I mean, I don’t blame him. Jack is a hottie, and I’m kind of…not. But then Jimbob smiles warmly at me, and I’m suddenly reassured.
He has eyes only for me.
“Well, I’m just back for the weekend and the street dance tonight. And I couldn’t pass up the farmer’s market today. It’s been way too long since I’ve had cheese that’s not from the grocery store.”
“Ah yes. That’s right. Beck makes the best stuff.”
“That he does.”
“Are you staying with your mama?”
He nods with a smile as a pretty, shy-looking woman walks over and tucks herself against his body. “Yeah, we did lastnight and will probably crash there again tonight but then we’re heading home.”
“Hi, Maureen,” Jimbob says to the young woman next to Jack, and she says her polite hello.
“How are you doing? How’s Jack treating you?”
Maureen glances up at Jack and her cheeks turn pink. “Real good.”
“Glad to hear it. Would hate to have to lay the smack down.” Jack snorts at that, and Jimbob grins goofily. “You’re right. I couldn’t hurt a fly.”
And isn’t that true. I’ve never seen Jimbob be anything but gentle. Maybe that’s why I was drawn to him. His gentle spirit.
Jack and Maureen grab some jars of honey and a few vegetables, chatting a little more before they head off. As soon as they do, Jimbob slaps a hand over his forehead.
“Oh shoot. I should have introduced you. I’m sorry about that. I hadn’t seen Jack and Maureen for so long, guess I got caught up.”
“That’s okay.” Only, I realize I’m frowning because what if he didn’t introduce me because he’s ashamed? I don’t think that’s it, but then again, I don’t fit in here at all. Maybe he didn’t want his friends to know he’s with me.
Suddenly my reassurance earlier when speaking to Mr. Grange has disappeared. What the fuck are Jimbob and I?
“Hey, are you okay?”
I realize he’s turned to face me, concern in his eyes.
“Oh yeah. I’m fine,” I murmur.
He doesn’t believe me, and he shouldn’t, but he doesn’t push either. He has a patient way of just waiting for me to come around. Goddamn him.
“If you had introduced me to those people, what would you have said?”
He cocks his head to the side, studying me. “What would you want me to say?”
My lips twitch with a smile because he’s so fucking cute. “Nothing.”
“Come on, Braxton. I wanna know.” His lip pushes out into a pout, and I sigh.
“Fine. I wanted you to say I’m your boyfriend.”
And goddamn, I’m blinded by his bright smile right as his big arms pull me against his chest. “I’ll introduce you that way tonight at the street dance.”
“I mean, you don’t have to…”
