Page 54 of My Greatest Joy

“Just like that? Things won’t be weird with me staying here?”

I rock my head back and forth with a grin. “Not any weirder than you showing up out of the blue and seeing me completely naked and spraying me with Mace.”

Her shoulders drop. “Are you ever gonna let me live that down?”

Bellowing out a laugh, I shake my head. “Never.”

“So we’re good?”

“Of course, Little Miss Seattle.” I flash her a wink, then stand to find Dasher. “I’ll be working most of the day, so help yourself to whatever. As if you need my permission.”

“Ha-ha. I’ll probably drive into town and look around.”

“Good, enjoy yourself and do some shopping. We’re set to visit Bennett’s Orchard Farm tomorrow, and then you’re scheduled to meet with the mayor on Tuesday.”

“Any updates from the furnace guy?” she asks, shivering.

“No, I suspect it’ll be another few days. Don’t worry, I’ll chop some more wood so you don’t freeze to death.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that.” She takes a large gulp of coffee. “You’re not leaving me with Dasher again, are you?”

“No, I learned my lesson. He’s coming to the farm with me.” At the mention of his name, he trots over. “C’mon, boy. Time to go.”

Dasher jumps up on Fallon and licks her face.

“No, Dasher. Ew, stop it.”

“Dasher, down.” I snap my fingers, and he immediately obeys.

“How the hell do you do that?”

I wiggle my fingers at her. “It’s all in the wrist, my love.”

She rolls her eyes.

“Call or text if you need anything, okay?”

“Will do.”

I grab my keys and wallet, then whistle for Dasher.

“Bye, Fallon,” I call out as we head out the door.

“Bye.”

And I walk out as if my heart isn’t more bruised than it was this morning.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

LEVI

DAY 8

I worked until dark yesterday,giving Fallon the space she needed. I kept myself busy and showed up with dinner like nothing had happened between us. She did the same, so now we’re pretending that night doesn’t exist.

“Ready?” I ask Fallon as we pull up to a rustic inn on Bennett’s Orchard Farm.

“This place is like my second home,” I explain as we climb out of the truck. We’ve had a strange energy between us all day that I can’t seem to shake, but neither of us mentions it. Instead, I continue to act as if we didn’t get lost together. It’s easier than getting caught up in the emotions I’m not used to feeling.

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