John's expression steeled. "I hope I'm not."
"Then don't try to throw money at us like we're desperate. We'll find a buyer. I know what I'm doing and my family will not take charity."
Her voice was sharp and left no room for argument.
John took a step back, his expression confused as he tried to understand her. He nodded, but countered, "Can I approach this again if I have a business plan you approve of?"
If she said no, she'd sound like a harpy. She rubbed her arms. "Sure."
John's smile dazzled the room. "Perfect. It gives me a reason to get to know the farm better. Did Colt get you to say why you left?"
This was not going to happen. She stood between the men and crossed her arms. "We should talk alone."
Then she turned and gave her brother a slight nudge toward the door.
"That's my sister's way of telling me to leave. I'll go home to Clara. Do we still have that patrol car around the farm?"
"Absolutely." John nodded.
"Stay safe, Sis." Colt opened the door to slip out.
Alice unlocked the door ready for him to leave. "I love you, Colt. I'm glad you're home."
"Me, too."
John walked next to Colt and asked, "Who's Clara?"
Alice's heart went cold like there was some clue in what she said though it made no sense. "His daughter. She's a sweetheart."
John's eyes widened. "I had no idea you had a child."
Colt stepped out the door. "If you're still dating my sister, then you'll meet the moppet soon enough."
John waved from his side door, and Alice stood beside him. To the outside world, they must seem like a couple who waved off a loved one. John shook Colt's hand and said, "I'm looking forward to it."
Colt hugged his sister and then stepped into the garage. "See you both later."
From the window, Alice blinked and saw a black car across the street from John's house. John's gaze must have followed hers as he pulled her inside and locked the side door. "Those are Morgan men. Don't worry."
Good. His family intended to save her. She sucked in her cheeks and walked away. John followed her without another word. In the living room she slumped on the couch. He sat next to her. "What's up? Why did you run this morning?"
Her heart beat grew loud in her ears as she said, "I have wanted to be independent for years, John."
Her hand shook, but she hid it to her side for him not to see.
He scooted closer to her. She played with her necklace as her heart raced. He then said, "Last night we ended up in bed. Did I disappoint you somehow?"
All she could do was blink. That was definitely not it. She reached out and brushed his arm. "Absolutely not. It was the best night of my life."
He nodded. "Mine too. Then what?"
His too! Her head became dizzy as she stared back at him. "I can't be one of those girls who forgets everything they are supposed to do because my childhood crush finally noticed me."
The light in his eyes dimmed as if her words might have hurt him. He asked, "What are you saying, then?"
The last thing she wanted to do was hurt him. John was like the sunshine that fed the plants at her farm. Her mouth went dry. "That I want to take things slow."
He shrugged. "You could have told me that this morning."
