“Because you’re you. You help everyone.”
Another grunt.
“You’re a regular Mack of all trades.”
I gasp and slap his arm. “Oh my gosh. I can’t believe I didn’t think of that one until now. What a missed opportunity!” He snorts as I lay my head back down. “Cashmere Cove is lucky to have you.” Mack’s arm muscle tenses under my cheek. I look up at him. “I’m serious.”
He’s quiet for a long pause. “Thank you for saying that.”
“It’s the truth.”
“It doesn’t feel like it all the time.”
I sit up in my seat. If I’m baring my soul tonight, then maybe Mack will do the same. “Are you ever going to tell me—or anyone—what really happened between you and Tricia?”
22
A Good Man
Mack
“You’veheardtherumors.”
“Yeah. And we ran into her together when I first moved here, remember?”
I do remember.
“You don’t believe what you’ve heard?” I hate how my voice comes out sounding raspy. I hate how much I care about what Poppy thinks. I hate how much I want her to say she never believed I was capable of cheating.
“I believe there are two sides to every break-up, and I want to hear yours.”
I stiffen. That wasn’t the rousing show of support I was hoping for, but at least she hasn’t jumped to conclusions.
I open my mouth, but Poppy starts talking again.
Shocking no one.
My lips quirk. Only she would be able to take some of the tension out of this moment.
“For the record, I gotgood-guyvibes from you from day one. I even told Rose. I think you’re good down to your core, and I can’t imagine you cheating. I’ve been wrong before, but I don’t think I’m wrong right now. That’s it. That’s all I’ll say about it.”
I gently shift my weight so she sits up. “Come on.”
“What are you doing?”
I open the truck door and step out into the field.
She follows my lead, slamming her door shut. “You brought me out here to murder me, didn’t you?”
I stare at her as we walk around and meet behind my truck.
She shrugs. “It felt like the right joke to make in the moment. Not that there’s anything funny about being murdered.” She gives her head a small shake. “Anyway. Iobviouslydon’t think that’s what you’re doing.”
“Yeah, no. I just wanted some fresh air. And we can see the stars better from out here.” I hold out my hand to her. She takes it, and I pull her toward me. She dips her head, and I catch a whiff of her gardenia shampoo. I want to hold her close to me like this, chest to chest, fingers intertwined, for as long as she’ll let me, but I owe her an explanation. I pull the tailgate down and hold out my hand to help her into the bed of my truck.
Poppy mimes wiping her brow. “Glad I didn’t misjudge that one. I know I’ve only known you for two months, but it’s a relief that I can read you properly.” She winks and hoists herself up.
I climb up behind her, and we both lie back and stare at the sky. The wheat is rustling all around us, humming white noise, and it feels like Poppy and I are the only two people on the planet.
