Page 26 of More Than a Helping Hand

His foot bumps against mine and his eyes twinkle. “I can’t wait until our next date. We’ll have so much to talk about. Like middle names and such.”

I shake my head, then change the subject. “What do you like to do in your free time?”

“Horseback riding, which probably isn’t much of a surprise. I’ll take you and Bailey for a ride sometime if you’d like. Video games. Reading. And I like dancing, but you need a partner for that.”

“Horseback riding might be fun, but I don’t want Bailey to know about our dates.”

“I get that. And the secret is safe with me. I’ll even keep the flirting low-key when she’s around.”

“I’d appreciate that. But I’m not asking you to stop completely.”

He grins. “Noted.”

I’m fully on board for a third date, but I won’t tell him until after dinner.

CHAPTER10

ANDERSON

Primrose agreed to a third date. I’m inclined to think she likes me, but there are still moments where I’m not sure. She’s at war with herself, and I’m rooting for the side that wants me.

I park in front of my cabin and shoot off a text to Primrose before sliding out.

Me:I had fun tonight. Thanks for agreeing to one more date.

Primrose:Thanks for dinner. I enjoyed it. BTW I have three missed calls from my brother. But I’ll call him back tomorrow.

Me:His front door just opened. I’m guessing he heard my truck.

Primrose:Please ask him to keep this quiet. At least for now.

Me:Will do. And I can be pretty persuasive.

Primrose:Don’t I know it. Night. Sweet dreams.

Me:They’ll be all about you, darlin’.

Parker is walking toward me as I get out of the truck.

“Evening.” If I take off running, it would delay this conversation, but I’d also look like a fool. So instead, I ask, “What’s up?”

A smile spreads across his face. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Tell you?” Vague questions aren’t enough for me to spill my guts. I’m not just handing over information.

“You went out with my sister the other night.” He shifts his stance. “Tonight too, I’m guessing.”

“Yes, but I would prefer—and I know your sister feels the same way—that this be our secret for a bit. Until we know where this is headed. We don’t want Bailey getting wind of it.” I am prepared to beg and bribe, if necessary, but the low-key plea is a good place to start.

He nods. “I can do that. It makes sense that you don’t want Bailey getting her hopes up. Is this all because of the incident with Fred?”

Before I can think of how to word my answer, he continues with the questions.

“You went over to see Bailey’s latest obsession, and then you asked Primrose out on a date?”

“Something like that. Yeah. I think in the beginning, Primrose only agreed because Bailey befriended me, and I needed to pass inspection.” I laugh because that is the absolute truth. The second date, however, is a different story. I hope.

“I really hope this works out because my sister deserves someone like you. She’s never had that as far as I know.” He drags a finger across his lips. “But that’s all I’ll say about it. Obviously, I’ll tell Bluebonnet, but she’ll keep it quiet. We won’t even mention it to Paisley.”

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