“Caden.” Veda rested her hand on his knee.
“What? Jolene isn’t the type to milk cows or gather eggs. Sorry, Sis.” Caden looked between the two of us.
Jolene rolled her eyes. “It’s called being friendly, Caden. Something you preached to me about plenty.”
“Unciee A! Unciee A!” Sammy shouted as he ran over to me and wrapped his arms around my legs. “Ice cream?”
I chuckled and ruffled his hair. “Not today, buddy. But if Daddy tells me you’ve been good, maybe this weekend, okay?”
Sammy jumped up and down and cheered. “Yay! Love you, Unciee A!” He ran back to the sandbox, and my heart melted into a puddle. I loved that kid.
“Love you too, buddy. Alright, friends, see you later. Don’t forget about me.” I waved.
“We could never,” Cash called. I never expected to see Cash less grumpy, but Leighton somehow worked her magic.
As I headed back to my car, I hoped Caden didn’t catch on to why I stopped by. I felt silly enough as it was, stopping in to say hi even though I really just wanted to lay eyes on Jolene.
When I reached my truck, I heard Jolene’s voice behind me. “Aster, wait up!”
I turned around and leaned back against my truck. Tingles ran through me.Damn this woman.
She hurried toward me, and I drank every inch of her in, from her long wavy hair to her flowy sundress to her warm energy radiating off her. I let my eyes linger without worrying about her brother watching my every move.
“Hi,” Jolene said breathlessly, stopping in front of me. Her low-cut sundress showed off her ample cleavage, and my dick stirred to life. The freckles scattered on her skin glowed in the afternoon sun. Her lavender scent filled my nose and calmed my nerves.
I scrubbed a hand down my face and blew out a breath. This woman was killing me.
“Hi,” I said with a hint of amusement in my voice. Jolene’s never admitted any feelings to me, neither of us has, but her body language spoke volumes. Just like my own.
“I don’t have anything to tell you. I just wanted to see you for longer than five seconds.”
“Oh really?” I chuckled. “Is that why you want to help me on the farm?”
Jolene’s cheeks flushed pink. “That might have been a little bit of a fib. I mean, unless you do need my help?—”
I brushed a piece of hair from her eyes, only allowing myself that one small touch. “I don’t, but I also wouldn’t mind having your company.”
“You wouldn’t?”
“Never.”
Silence fell between us, and suddenly, an idea popped into my head.
“Actually, I have a question for you,” I said.
“Yes?”
“I wanted to ask you if you’d take some photos of the farm. I’d pay you of course.”
“You wouldn’t have to pay me, Aster.”
“You deserve to be compensated.”
“Well, thank you, but that’s not necessary. I’d be honored to take photos.”
“Perfect. Come by tomorrow if you’re free?”
“I’d love to.”