Page 38 of More Than Falling in Love

When Parker stopsin front of the main house, I’m hoping he doesn’t bring up our earlier conversation.“Thanks for the lesson.I can’t wait until I’m back and can ride some more.”

He grins.“Kent said you’re a natural.Let me know when you’re coming back, and I’ll saddle Calliope for you.”

“I really enjoyed it.And I’ll be in touch.”

He hands me a slip of paper.“My number.And maybe, when you have time, you can give me tips on how to move out of the friend zone with someone.”

I enter his number into my phone.“Text me.I’m happy to help as best I can.But I’ll warn you, relationships aren’t my area of success.”

“But you think like a girl.”

“That’s true.For sure.”I give him a hug.“Thanks again.”

I slide out and hurry into the mess hall, hoping to spend some time with Ava and help her get lunch served.

“Poppy, how was the lesson?”Ava stirs something in a pot on the stove.

“Fun.”I grab an apron off the hook.“Put me to work.”

“Oh.Well, you can fill the bowls on the counter.We have baked potatoes and chili.The bowls are for toppers.”

“Shredded cheese, diced onion, that sort of thing?”

“Yes.The onions are over there, and if they make you cry, I don’t mind doing it.”

I lay a cutting board on the counter.“I can handle a few tears.”

We work in silence for a few minutes.

“I’m glad you came back for a visit.”She pulls a pan of foil-wrapped potatoes out of the oven.“Mason has been talking about this visit nonstop.He’s been telling me about how you listen to him read.”

I wipe tears off my cheeks and slide the onion into a bowl.“Yeah.He called me one night, and then it became a regular thing.”

She eases up beside me and rubs my shoulder.“I’m so glad.He needs someone young like you in his life.And I want you to know that I’m not implying anything about a relationship with Kent.”

I blink, thankful for her comment.“I haven’t really talked to Kent about all of it.I just know that Mason’s mom died about a year ago.He’s such a sweet kid.And I find myself looking forward to reading time.One night, I was still at the office and ducked into an empty conference room.”Telling her about the time I snuck off to a bathroom during a party seems like too much information.

“Mason is such a spark of joy around here.”

“I’m not sure what I did for him to instantly like me, but it’s…” I’m not sure how to put my feelings into words.“I wish I didn’t live so far away.”

Pushing a tissue box toward me, she says, “Your life is there.Don’t feel bad about that.”

“I know.But I appreciate you saying that.”I pull the cheese out of the fridge and fill another bowl.“What time will the guys be here?”

Footsteps answer my question.

Ava laughs.“I hear them stampeding now.”

Chapter 14

Kent

Mason has been staring at the chrysalides in the butterfly net for a half hour.He’s still wearing a huge grin, and his eyes are twinkling like they did when Poppy unveiled her surprise.The best part is more excitement is yet to come.

The way she loves on my kid makes me wish things were different.Makes me wish I were different.

I check the time, knowing he’ll need to go to bed soon.

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