“I’ve missed you so much! You’ve gotten even more handsome, and I didn’t think that was possible. The farm has been good to you.” She practically purred as she trailed her fingers down his arm.
* * *
“Mom, why did you bring Caroline?”Christian asked as soon as he got a second alone with his mom.
“She wanted to come, and I appreciated the help driving. You know I get tired easily. Plus, I thought you said you guys were still friends.” His mom fiddled with her keys and avoided eye contact, a characteristic he’d come to learn indicated her anxiety. Worrying about hers and Emi’s anxiety was sure to give him anxiety.
He let out a heavy sigh. He’d told his mom they were friends so she wouldn’t worry about him on top of everything else.
“It’s fine. I’m just glad you’re here.” He could pretend he and Caroline were friends for the weekend. “Did Emi do okay on the drive down?” he asked. The car was one of her triggers, and the longer the drive the worse her attacks could get.
“She did great. Now stop worrying. Caroline was right, you’ve gotten even more handsome,” she said, pinching his cheeks like she used to when he was a child. “Have you been having fun?”
His mind flashed back to last night. He’d definitely had fun until he opened his big mouth.
“Yes, Mom. I actually really like it here. Come on, let me show you around.”
“I would love that.”
“Ooh! I want the grand tour!” Caroline came up behind him. He hadn’t even heard her approach, which was a tricky endeavor since she only ever wore the loudest and most obnoxious clicking heels.
“Okay. Let’s get Emi.” His mom gathered up Emi, and the four of them piled into the old truck. Caroline had somehow slid into the middle seat of the truck, and her body was pressed up against his. It used to be a sensation he craved. But now, it sent a whole new set of chills through him.
“Where are we going?” Caroline purred in his ear.
“The barn.” Christian gripped the steering wheel tighter, keeping his focus on the road ahead. Emi and his mother oohed and aahed over the baby calves they passed.
“It’s beautiful here.” Caroline leaned deeper into his side.
“Mmhm.”
“Could we maybe talk later?” Caroline asked loud enough for only him to hear.
“We’re here.” Christian pulled to an abrupt stop and hopped out, leaving her question unanswered.
“Ew. It stinks here.” Emi plugged her nose and tip-toed around the mud and manure scattered like flowers after a play.
“You’ll get used to it,” he said with a grin. He led them into the barn and waited for his eyes to adjust to the dimness of it compared to the bright day.
Jayce waved to the group but Maizie had her back to him, and he was transported to the first day he’d met her. The day he refused to shake her hand because it was dirty. If he could go back and take her hand, how different would their relationship look today?
“This is where milk comes from?” Emi’s face scrunched up in horror.
Maizie jumped at the sound and turned toward the group. Christian’s eyes fell to her soft and beautiful features, breezing across the lips he’d kissed last night and landing on her wide eyes, staring between him and Caroline.
Shoot.Why had he brought them here first?
He cleared his throat and pasted on a smile he hoped said “I’m sorry.”
“I uh, hope you don’t mind, I came to show them the barn.”
Maizie nodded but said nothing.
“This is my little sister Emi, and my mom.” He pointed to his family. “And this is Caroline.”
“Hi,” Maizie said stiffly, before turning back to the cows.
Her inattention stung. He needed to talk to her and apologize for real. He didn’t know what he felt for her, but it was something. And she felt something for him too, right? He hadn’t just imagined her lips pressing into his with an intensity he hadn’t known existed.
