Page 12 of Worthy

“Hmm. In what?” He leans back against the counter and crosses his ankles.

“Environmental Science.”

“And what do you do with that?”

“Study the effect of climate change and development, find alternative energy resources, monitor the health of soil and plants…” I trail off, looking to the yard outside.

“Your interests make you embarrassed?”

“What? No!” My gaze snaps back to his.

“Then why are you blushing?” A hint of a smile crosses his lips, telling me I’m busted.

I sigh heavily. “Most people think it sounds boring.”

“Is it boring to you?” he asks.

“No.”

“Then who cares what anyone else thinks.” His hair sways gently as he shakes his head.

“Easy for you to say,” I laugh without any humor. “Your family probably accepts your job and career. They probably aren’t asking you why you don’t work in an air conditioned, aseptic office wearing a suit and tie and having a catered lunch...” I inhale sharply as my eyes snap shut, as if I can pretend I didn’t just unload on Cade as long as I can’t see him.

I’m not even sure where my little rant came from. I'm not at odds with my family, we get along great, they just don’t follow why I’d choose to work outside the family business, especially in a job that doesn’t offer the same perks or pay they enjoy.

Cade chuckles. “Maybe not. But my family, hell the whole town,iswondering when I’m going to take an interest in running the family business instead of putting in my time and going to look for some fun. I know how it feels when there’s too much outside interest in yourlife.” He locks eyes with me and holds my gaze, his tone so casual it sounds like it’s no big deal to have people second guess your actions.

“The scrutiny doesn’t bother you?” I search his face for signs that this is one of his ‘hospitable’ moments to make me drop my guard.

“Nah. It’s my life, the only person I need to worry about is me.” He pushes off the counter and takes a step toward the island. “Besides, in a small town, people always have an opinion or think they know your business. You’ll never survive if you let that get to you.”

“Huh.” I turn his words over in my mind.

What he says is kind of intriguing. Although my family doesn’t understand my choices, they’ve never disagreed with them. You could make the argument that they support them since they’re paying for my education. Yet for some reason, I always feel like I have to justify myself. I guess that’s why I clam up, maybe even blush, when talking about my degree. I wonder if people will respect my choice or think I’m wasting my time. But Cade’s right, it’s my time. I should spend it how I want and not worry about what anyone else thinks.

Wow, who knew the town flirt could offer such great insight?

“You seem surprised. Didn’t think we’d have that in common, did you?” He rests his forearms on the counter with a coy grin.

“Uh, no.” I feel my face heating up again.

“Why?”

“Because your conversation setting seems to be permanently on flirt. Or tease. I thought that was because you didn’t take things seriously, and I expected you to make light of my comments instead of relating to them.”

“I would never make fun of how you feel,” he says softly, studying his fingers.

“Not make fun of, make light of. You know, try to make me laugh or something.” I lace my fingers together on the counter to give myhands something to do. “But you bring up a good point. You genuinely don’t live your life for other people, and I respect it. Hell, I envy it and need to learn how to do that myself.”

Now it’s his turn to be surprised.

“I’m not sure taking a page out of my book is the way to go.” He shakes his head slowly back and forth. A warning.

“Why not?”

“I have no real goal except enjoying life. You probably don’t want to mimic my logic, considering you’re trying to earn a PhD.”

“But I might enjoy my own goals more if I’m not worrying about what others think of them.” I reason with a little shrug.

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