Page 9 of Raised On It

“Let me walk you home. I know Katie’s place is on the other side of town.”

“I’m just parked outside, but thanks.” He’s holding my gaze so fiercely the warmth I felt from his wink is now warming me all the way to my nether regions, and his ridiculous start to our conversation is all but forgotten.

Or so I thought.

“Okay, well have a good night, and I’ll see you soon.”

My eyes roll on their own volition, but he doesn’t quit.

“What? How are we going to plan the wedding if we don’t get to know each other?”

Oh.

My.

God.

This man is insane, and I’m speechless.

Turning on my heels, I speed walk across the bar, fleeing like a frightened animal. Pulling the door open, I’m screaming at myself not to do it, but of course, I look back, and just as I thought they would be, his eyes are still trained on me.

He yells at me from across the bar. “I’m in your head. You won’t be able to stop thinking about me now.” I can see his perfect white teeth shining through his Cheshire cat grin all the way over here.

I am in so much trouble.

CHAPTER 3

Miles

It’s only nine, and it’s already pretty clear I’m going to be nothing but a waste of space here today.

I’m distracted.

Twitchy.

I’m in my head yet not able to think a coherent thought to save my life.

“Peter, I’m gonna head to town. Be back later.”

“Sounds good. Still don’t know why you insist on coming in every day. I know it’s harvest, but we’re all good here, boss man.”

“Nice try. I can’t even imagine what kind of debauchery would happen if I didn’t keep you on your toes.”

He shouts something back at me, but I’ve slammed the truck door before actually hearing what he says.

He’s right. I don’t really do any of the real work around here anymore. Hell, I don’t even do any of the paperwork now that I have a full-time accountant, but this place is my home. My heartand soul are seared deep into the soil of this farm, and I can’t imagine my life without it in it. It’s what I’ve done since I was a kid working for my granddad.

Today, I showed up as the sun came up, but I didn’t do shit. Not much has gotten done since I looked into those dark brown eyes on Saturday night. Eyes she tried to keep from meeting mine, but when they did, I saw everything in them. From a fiery strength to a warm softness, those eyes have had me a complete and utter mess since.

Add to that everything we have going on with the business and I am useless.

Might as well drive into town and get some coffee. Sure, I have a thermos full of the stuff that I made at home this morning, but I need a distraction. Well, at least a different distraction. One that will pull my head out of my ass.

Besides, Brass Tacks has the best coffee in Eastern Oregon and is owned by one of my best friend’s sisters, so there’s always a pretty good chance for some sort of conversation popping up that could eat up a nice chunk of my time.

As if the universe has decided to jump on the Team Miles train, there’s an open spot smack dab in front of the coffee shop. Not that this is a bustling city but parking on Main Street in front of a local favorite like Brass Tacks is rare on a Monday morning.

When I push open the door, the bell hanging above chimes as it always does, but the static in the air is all new. I know instantly the distraction I’ve been trying to get away from is right here in the coffee shop I’d hoped to escape in.

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