Page 26 of Every Beat of My Heart

“My sister’s husband suggested I build a place on my family’s farm. I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

“Why would you want to do that?”

“I could keep an eye on my father and keep the place running once he retires. I love the farm.”

“If you have the room, I don’t see why not.”

He cradled the bottle next to his thigh, drawing my attention to his strong legs, and masculine pose. His legs were spread wide. “I have to think about it. I’ll have a better idea after the realtor shows me what’s available in the area.”

“Let me know how it goes. I love house shopping.” I still looked at pictures of new places for sale, imagining buying Owen a bigger place with a yard for him to play football in the back, not just the front. Our backyard was tiny. The patio took up most of the available space. Then there was a tiny strip of grass and a flower bed. We spent most of our time in the front yard, which was larger.

“I can do that,” Jameson said.

We fell silent, and it was comfortable, but I wanted to know more about him. “Do any of your other siblings want to move onto the farm?”

“My sister and her daughter moved out last year. They’re talking about renting her house to someone who could help us market the farm. Profits have been going down steadily, and we either need to think about closing or doing something to change it.”

“I’m sorry you’re dealing with that.”

“There’s a farm a little further out that’s really picked up the marketing, and they’re taking some of our business. I’d like to see the farm continue. Maybe the next generation will be interested in living on the farm and working it. We could use more help too. We’re only open when one of us can be there. We have a few high school volunteers but not many.”

“Would Owen be able to work there?”

“I’m not sure we can afford to hire anyone. Especially since we might be paying for a PR person.”

“He can do his volunteer hours for school. A lot of the kids try to complete them in middle school.”

“If he’s interested, that might not be a bad idea.”

“It will teach him responsibility, right?”

Jameson nodded. “That’s right.”

“You could be anywhere else on a night like tonight. If I were you, I’d probably be out with girlfriends, having a good time.” I’d had Owen so young; I never got the opportunity to go out in college.

Jameson shifted so his elbows rested on his thighs. “I told you I like Owen. He’s a cool kid.”

It was hard for me to believe that’s all it was. Even though Jameson seemed like a nice guy, Owen’s own father didn’t spend this much time with him.

“This is how I want to spend my time, so don’t question it, okay?”

I sensed I’d hurt his feelings. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to say anything to upset you. I’m grateful for your help. I just thought you’d want to go out to a bar or hang out with friends.”

“I’m not twenty-one anymore. I don’t need to go out to the bars.”

I touched his arm, reveling in the ripple of the muscle underneath my palms.

His gaze met mine, and tingles ran through my fingers and up my arm.

I let my hand drop, and Jameson finished his beer, placing it on the side table. “I should head home. I have to meet with the realtor early tomorrow morning.”

I followed him to his truck. “Good luck. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

Jameson let out a breath. “Me too. I’m not exactly sure what that is yet.”

Was that why he had so many jobs and filled his time to stay busy? He wasn’t sure who he was or what he wanted? I thought he was great, but maybe he didn’t think that about himself. Maybe he lacked the confidence he worked so hard to instill in Owen. Was the charm a persona he’d put on to meet their expectations?

Jameson intrigued me. He had so many layers to him. But he wasn’t mine to get to know.

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