Page 79 of Cabin Fever

Emily thanked us and walked back to the counter to put in our orders.

"I hope that wasn't too much. Even with your cast coming off in a few days, I think you still need help around the farm. I don't know how you managed everything before. And now that some of your ewes are about to give birth, you'll need the extra help."

I watched her for a moment and realized this was what I wanted over a month ago when she first arrived. I couldn't wait for her to leave and now it was happening.

I had a strict rule I followed about never getting close to anyone . . . until Olivia. That was what I got for letting her soft touch get under my skin.

"Yeah, I will need help when you're not around." She patted my arm with a grin that made my heart ache.

TWENTY-FIVE

Olivia

"WORST DAY EVER!" Igroaned as I leaned against the door of the cabin.

Kitty looked up from her bed, tilting her head. Dragging my feet to the kitchen table, I threw my purse down and flopped into a chair. Kitty raced over to my side. It's our ritual—I came home and she nudged her head against my leg for affection.

Reaching down, I absently stroked her head. "It's the first day of spring, Kitty. Everything should feel light and airy. I woke up this morning with the hope of a good day. I was going to tell Dr. Ferguson that I accepted the offer for full-time employment he asked about at the beginning of the week. He told me to take the week to think about it since he knew I wasn't from around here. I couldn't wait until the weekend. I had to say yes today."

Kitty groaned, pushing against my hand.

"And then I had to go and wreck everything by wanting to wait until we closed for the day to tell him. I should have told him first thing this morning. It was the day from hell and most of it was my fault. Needless to say, I was too embarrassed to accept the assistant job. He's probably putting an advertisement right now for a new office assistant. At least I have Carter. He always needs help around the barn."

Kitty barked, nudged my hand, and gazed back at the kitchen cabinet. I glanced at her metal dog bowls. No food or water.

"Did Carter not feed you today? That's not like him. Don't worry, I'm here. I'll get you some dinner."

I got up and went about filling the dog's bowls. Once I headed back to the bedroom, Kitty's face was firmly planted in her food.

"Carter?" I called out but there was no reply.

He must be in the barn. I moved up to the loft and quickly changed into jeans and a red sweater. It was nice to have clothes that fit. Bea had ordered an entire wardrobe for me and had it shipped here. Last week, about three days after Bea left, the packages started to arrive. Over the course of five days, I received five sweaters, eight blouses, various jeans and pants, shoes, boots, heels, lingerie, and of course, a few good sturdy bras.

Carter had no idea where we would hold all my things. I didn't think he was happy when I converted the loft into my closet.

I descended the ladder and grabbed my coat. Once I stepped out back, I heard laughter. I covered a giggle. I had caught Carter a few times laughing at his own jokes when he thought no one was around. As I sat on the small stool he left out back, I shoved on my farm boots.

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