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He turned his truck around in a small clearing, then turned to look into her eyes. "Don't be. It was my pleasure. That fucker has deserved that and more for a long fucking time."
She grinned and after a few beats he did as well.
Their descent down the mountain and to town gave her a few moments to ponder their conversation today and all that she'd witnessed. Craig would have to be removed. He refused and actually fought against any progress and he'd never ensure people were safe. Including his own. If they were going to fully integrate, he'd have to go. At least from a position of leadership. Which was really a dictatorship. She wished right now that she'd asked how many of their members were supporters of Craig.
"You did good today. I'm proud of you." Henry's voice was gruff and raspy, and goosebumps rose on her arms and legs. Her nipples pebbled tightly, and she inhaled a few deep breaths to keep her breathing even.
"Thank you. You have a wicked right cross."
He laughed and she stared at him. He was simply a beautiful man. Everything about him was all the stuff she loved in a man. Tall, strong, handsome. Ardent, ohh, the way he made her feel when they had sex was the stuff of dreams. He was perfect. At least for her.
He stopped laughing and turned onto the main road in Glen Hollow. She turned toward him and grinned. "We're going to your farm?"
"Not yet."
"I want to show you something."
He navigated the truck toward the back side of the mountain, down a country road and onto an old farm. Not his farm, but another one.
"The farmer gave me permission to drive through his field."
The field was bumpy, and she held onto the armrest tightly as they bounced across the ruts made by years of plowing and rain.
She clenched her teeth together so she didn't bite her tongue, until he finally came to a stop. He pointed up the mountain.
"This is the back side of Hickory Hills. There's less rock on this side. The town would need to bring the water out here to the farm and then likely a water tower large enough to handle the mountain. But it would be less expensive to go this route. We've never mentioned this to anyone on the town council. But last year when we snuck Elena and her mom down the mountain, we did it from this direction. There is some rock, but less than on the other side. It's in the extended plans for the town to bring water out here for the farmers anyway. The town wants to do it for the revenue, of course. It solves a few problems and work could feasibly begin right away."
"That's brilliant." She craned her neck to see what he pointed at, then turned to see the farm.
Henry continued explaining. "So, over to the left here, at the edge of this farmer's field, his name is Geoffrey Kurtz. He's now in his fifties and only keeps beef cows." He grinned. "So, at the edge of the field the town would need to purchase the land from Mr. Kurtz to build a water tower. I've spoken with him about the possibility and while he isn't excited to start paying for his water, he's willing to do it to keep the peace. I thought maybe the town could offer him free water for ten years for payment of the land. Both parties win."
"That's brilliant Henry."
His cheeks tinted pink and she changed her mind about his looks. He was even more handsome now. Hands down.
"You should feel free to suggest it during negotiations tomorrow."
"You should bring it up. It's your idea."
"I don't care about accolades. I want peace here."
25
He swallowed as they chatted about the water tower and the negotiations tomorrow. He was falling for Everleigh Hayes, and it would be so fucking hard when she left. Unbearably hard.
Inhaling deeply, he slowly navigated the bumpy field as they left the farm. He turned toward his farm and swallowed the enormous lump in his throat.
She watched the scenery as they drove down the road. "Where are we going?"
"My farm."
"Oh. That's nice. But, why?"
"I take possession tomorrow. This place will be filled with people milling about, courtesy of my mom. She's called all of the GHOST folks back home and they're coming with trucks and trailers to take what I don't want. So, tonight, I thought we could have a picnic and solitude on the front porch."
"Oh." He glanced at her and saw her swallow. "That's..." She inhaled. "Lovely."
"I guess I should have asked you if you had something to do. Am I taking you away from something?"
